Borgo times may june 2014

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BORGO TIMES The Spring isssue

Issue N°01 2014

May / June

A SENESE SPRING! The month of May sees the start of early summer in Tuscany with the warmth of the subtle sunlight bringing new life to the Siena hills. Peach and almond blossoms adorn fruit trees and swathes of climbing wisteria decorate pergolas and loggias across the region.

Late spring and early summer are the most breathtaking periods here in Tuscany when the hills and valleys enter a stage of almost hourly change. A photographer’s dream, banks of scarlet poppies appear in abundant sweeps whilst hedgerows reveal Florentine iris amidst the aromatic wild herbs. Tender young vegetables also find their way from garden to plate such as baby artichokes, zucchini and youthful salad leaves, which are all indulgently served with the finest olive oils.

In the local towns and villages, tables and chairs return to the piazzas where cafes, bars and restaurants offer cappuccini, aperitivi and seasonal al-fresco lunches. Spring and early summer really are the perfect seasons in which to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the very best Tuscany has to offer, and, all before the main tourist season commences.

FARMER’S MARKET Thank you for a magical experience. The villa and the staff of Borgo Santo Pietro are excellent and we can’t wait to come back.

Meng and Felicita, Singapore

Our Monday evening Farmer’s Market is a popular outdoor event offering the possibility to choose fresh meats, cheeses, seasonal vegetables and freshly caught fish. The weekly market is also open to visitors and features live music. A fun opportunity for guests to choose ingredients and then have them prepared or cooked on the wood-burning grill or outdoor oven.

Dates for your diary

Fun stuff to do in May & June on pg. 6

Need Anything?

Call the reception on nr 9

Vespa Rental

Call concierge on nr 871 to book one

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Although a hard man to pin down, we managed to catch up with him whilst he took 10 minutes out from his new stateof-the-art kitchen at Borgo. And, when quizzed about his influences and inspirations, it is unquestionably clear that his natural creativity is born from both nature and nurture.

The inspiration comes from within, I enjoy eating and I have respect for food, the rest comes naturally.”

“My main inspirations are drawn from the memories of my family and food. Growing up I didn’t travel much and didn’t have the opportunity to try many different types of foods, but what we ate was fantastic and all made from fresh local ingredients. I have great memories of family Sunday lunches and simple childhood snack foods, bread with olive oil rubbed with tomato. Schiacciata with mortadella, homemade lasagne, roast meats, very simple food but the very best quality.”

Francesco is self-taught, yet he grew up surrounded by those who loved to cook and loved to eat. His father is an established cook and passed on many traditional skills including a passion for using fresh seasonal ingredients. He explained “I do a simple cuisine, based on the raw materials, you should first learn how to eat well and then you will know how to cook. The inspiration comes from within, I enjoy eating and I have respect for food, the rest comes naturally.”

When asked about his plans for Borgo Santo Pietro his enthusiasm is infectious “The philosophy of the estate is fantastic. When they told me that we had the opportunity to cultivate everything organically, I could not believe it.

The gardens at Borgo are unique and we are planning our menus around available seasonal produce, I feel that I have found a place where I can produce authentic food. The team shares the same love and passion I have for food.”

A TASTE OF TUSCANY

Key ingredients within Francesco’s spring menu are organic, fresh and locally produced.

This spring at Borgo we welcome the exceptionally talented Francesco Gasbarro as our new and inspirational head chef. Francesco has made a name for himself in the culinary world, most recently, heading up the famous ‘La Bottega del Buon Cafe’ in Firenze and he now brings his creativity and enthusiasm to Borgo.

“This season we will be using many heritage varieties of tomatoes, also strawberries, melons, basil and pistachios. Of course we use the very best olive oil produced by Borgo and our butchers supply us exceptional cuts of locally reared Chianina beef and Cinta Sienese.”

Francesco has a unique eye for detail and an innovative style of cooking, combining classic and contemporary elements. His menus have already attracted attention from the worldwide media.

“This season our menus draw inspiration from the food we produce here at Borgo. We will be using many heritage varieties of tomatoes, also strawberries, melons, basil and pistachios, many of which are grown in the organic gardens. Of course, we use the very best organic olive oil and our butchers supply us exceptional cuts of locally reared Chianina beef and Cinta Sienese. This spring our menus reflect the beauty of the season and include goat cheese cappelletti with butter & almonds, smoked turbot with fennel puree & artichokes and wild asparagus & ham with free range organic eggs.”

WINES TO TRY This spring, Borgo has enlisted the services of one of Italy’s most knowledgeable wine experts in order to expand and develop its wine cellars.

The new sommelier Simona di Goro has spent several months putting together a fascinating mixture of oldworld vintages from Italy, France and Germany. With a strong emphasis on organic and bio-dynamic varieties, she has selected a few labels which you really must try whilst at Borgo.

“A bright, ruby red with a spiced woody aroma. This wine has an elegant, smooth, harmonious, persistent taste. Smooth but with strong bold tannins”

“A deep ruby, cherries dominate the fragrance, with blackcurrants, white pepper and cloves. The bouquet is elegant, balanced and persistent; not a strong wine, but very fresh and easily drinkable”

“The taste is savory, warm, enveloping, full and with a slighty dry finish with a hint of dried white flowers and honey, Mediterranean citrus notes”

Tiratari

San Lorenzo

Ansonaco Carfagna

Tipica Toscana

Ciliegiolo Maremma Toscana

Isola del Giglio

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derstand the legendary race, it helps to hear two of the most famous citations on the Brescian race. In the 50’s, Enzo Ferrari, the most eminent figure in the world of auto-racing, called the Mille Miglia the “most beautiful race in the world”. Then Ferrari, otherwise known as the “Drake di Marinello,” offered his beautiful description of “a museum in motion, unique and charming, in a beautiful framework of jubilant visitors” This year the Mille Miglia will take place from the 15th to 18th May and the route passes through Buonconvento, Siena and Volterra as it winds it way back to the North on the homebound stretch. Why not plan a visit to one of these magical towns and soak up the atmosphere of this unmistakable and unmissable event.

TRUFFLE HUNTING

THERMAE ABANO MONTEGROTTO

MANTOVA

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ROVIGO FERRARA REGGIO EMILIA

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PASSO DELLA RATICOSA PASSO DELLAFUTA

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ANCONA

BORGO BOUTIQUE This year at Borgo we have opened our very own boutique stocking a selection of handcrafted and designer items. Italy is steeped in culture with many talented designers and creative artisans producing beautiful and unique hand-made products. This season we have selected items that truly represent our aesthetic philosphy where ‘beauty meets quality’. Jeanette Thottrup explains “We have chosen items that have a timeless appeal and a simple elegance.

Our boutique collection of interior accessories, clothing, jewelry and organic beauty products all capture the very essence of life here at Borgo. Located next to the Concierge office our little store features Italian designs and handcrafted items perfect for gifts or simply as luxurious holiday indulgences”. From designer shawls which have been knitted from organic Alpaca fleece, to one-off bespoke tote bags handcrafted from antique Tuscan lace, Borgo’s boutique has something for everyone. Why not take home skincare products from the ancient Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella or a linen dress from Positano. Food enthusiasts might like to take home a taste of Tuscany in our aged balsamic vinegar or, for a lasting memory of Borgo’s unmistakable style the boutique also stocks bathrobes, towels, ceramics, room scents, cushions, artwork and books.

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RADICOFANI

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A heady mix of famous faces, legendary race-cars, 5 star hospitality and sensational backdrops, the Mille Miglia captures the essence of timeless luxury whilst effortlessly incorporating some serious fun under the Tuscan sun. Italy’s legendary road race runs from Brescia to Rome and then back north again via Siena, Florence and Modena and reflects the atmosphere of the original event which ran from 1927-57. It is an unmistakable Italian blend of glamour, gleaming machinery and mechanical engineering. Stirling Moss, famously, set a never-beaten record in 1955, when he drove his Mercedes 300 SLR to victory on the 1,000 miles in a staggering 10 hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds. Two years later, the race’s glowing reputation and fame turned to notoriety when Ferrari driver, Alfonso de Portago, crashed out, killing himself, his co-driver and nine spectators. And, that, for the time being, was that – well for a while anyway. After a respectful pause, the much missed race was resurrected and the reformed Mille Miglia has been run - at a slightly more genteel pace - since 1977, with 375 cars challenging for the much revered honours. The entrants are strictly vetted with only cars made between 1927 and 1957 being eligible, and the line-up is as varied as it is valuable. In order to better un-

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A combination of old-school glamour, good natured camaraderie and high-speed adrenaline, the infamous Mille Miglia once again roars its way through the streets of Tuscany this May.

CASTIGLIONE D/S POZZOLENGO

VICENZA

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MILLE MIGLIA ROARS THROUGH TUSCANY

MAROSTICA

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DES ENZ ANO SIR D/G MIO NE PES CHIE RA D/G

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CITTÀ DEL VATICANO

Visiting the countryside around Siena in the spring also brings the opportunity to try new experiences in the most tranquil setting. One unusual and off-beat excursion to experience has to be a seasonal Truffle Hunt. Treasured by the Tuscans and adored by food-lovers worldwide the elusive truffle is one of the Italy’s most prized ingredients.

At Borgo our concierge team have created a unique excursion where local truffle hunters and their hounds will guide you on a hunt for the Spring Truffle.

Better still, once found, you can then have your very own truffles prepared for you personally by the chef of a local Trattoria. Relaxed and with a large glass of Chianti Classico in your hand the big question has to be just how will you enjoy your truffles? Finely shaved over organic hens’ eggs? Adorning freshly made linguine or maybe simply grated over a classic Bistecca Fiorentina? If you book a truffle hunt with us, do let us know how you get on, we would love to see your photographs.

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Some believe that the Holy Grail may actually be hidden here, beneath a stone in one of the anterooms of the Church. To add to its rich and complex history, there are also many references and links between England’s King Arthur and Guido Galgano.

Some even say they may be one in the same person, and that he was, in fact, a Tuscan Knight.

Galgano swiftly became famed for his ability to perform miracles and many pilgrims started to come to to pay homage to Galgano. Guido Galgano was then canonised in 1185 and since this time, the abbey of San Galgano and its round church at Montesiepi have remained stopping points for pilgrims from around the world.

To see for yourself the splendour of the abbey why not take the simple twenty minute walk from Borgo Santo Pietro. Set off on foot from the hotel gardens, you will then pass through acres of forests and open countryside, before emerg ing into the shadows of the Abbey ruins. San Galgano Abbey with its spectacular architecture and breathtaking atmosphere has a truly mystical presence. Walk up the hill from the Abbey and you will find the church of Montesiepi with its sacred sword in the stone. During the summer months, the sunlight filters through the tiny windows gently revealing the orig inal wall paintings in the natural light. You can then visit the apothecary just outside of the church which sells a wealth of ancient medicinal herbs, remedies and books related to San Galgano, healing and history. To further explore the mystical history of San Galgano you could also head for Chuisdino, the birthplace of Guido Galgano, where you can visit the Church of Sant Michele Arcangelo which displays relig ious relics and the stone where Guido’s brave horse knelt down and left an imprint with its knees. For a g uided ‘sacred spaces’ tour including lunch, contact Concierge.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED Tuscany’s spiritual heritage remains close to the heart of many visitors. Today, pilgrims from around the world still travel to Tuscany and pass by San Galgano on a personal pilgrimage.

The Pilgrim’s Path has an interesting and diverse history and passes through breathtaking vistas of rolling olive groves and undulating lines of vineyards, many of which were originally planted by the Franciscan and Cistercian Monks.

The enthralling tale of San Galgano (Saint Galgano) and the imposing abbey paint a fascinating picture of Tuscany in the Middle Ages. Guido Galgano started life as a modest farmer’s son, living quietly and working the vines, orchards and olive groves around Chuisdino in the 12th Century. At the age of 32, it is said that a vision of the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him, followed by a vivid dream where the 12 apostles instructed Guido to build a round chapel at nearby Montesiepi. His family tried in vain to dissuade him from this extreme course of action, yet, it is said that his trusty horse took flight and delivered him to Montesiepi where he forcefully thrust his sword deep into a stone where it remains today.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY - MAY

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY - JUNE

• Festa del Grillo / Cricket Festival (Florence) - this festival takes place on the Sunday after Ascension day in Cascine Park where the stallholders sell crickets in tiny woven straw cages, which are then traditionally released by their new owners in the park for good luck.

• Maggio Musicale (Florence) - the city’s major arts festival continues until early June, with concerts by the Orchestra Regionale Toscano and dance, including beautiful ballet performances.

• Balestro del Girifalco / Falcon Contest (Massa Marittima) - first Sunday after 22nd May, preceded by a long procession throughout the streets, marksmen try to shoot a mechanical falcon on a wire with their crossbows. This is also held again in August.

• Ufficio Stampa Firenze Gelato Festival - late May, lasting around five days, both the Piazza della Repubblica and the Piazza Santissima Annunziata are transformed into giant open-air ‘gelato’ ice cream shops, attracting the finest Italian ice-cream makers around. There are also lots of family based activities, while the Piazza Santissima Annunziata offers related exhibitions. This event now attracts more than 300,000 and is usually spread over the last weekend in May.

• Gioco del Ponte / Game of the Bridge (Pisa) - this ancient game involves two groups of people, representing the two halves of the city, one on each side of the river Arno. The groups each try to push a seven tonne cart on rails to the opposite side.

• Calcio in Costume / Football in Costume (Florence) - mid to late June, usually held in the Piazza di Santa Croce, this ancient game is a hardcore combination of football and rugby • Estate Fiesolana / Fiesole Summer (Florence) - mid-June to the end of August, this is a festival of music, arts, drama, dance and film.

• Regata di San Ranieri (Pisa) - 17th June, boat races in costume and stunning processions of colourfully decorated boats are held on the River Arno.

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THE ART OF RELAXATION Every year we invite talented artists and artisans from around the world to join us at Borgo to share their creativity. During the month of April we were delighted to be joined by a truly gifted water-colour artist and photographer with a natural f lair for capturing the spirit of the countryside.

GIANNA LAPINI Gianna Lapini has been based in London for over 30 years and has spent the last three decades recording the changing seasons of Hampstead Heath where she lives.

Her recognisable work documents the ever evolving landscapes through the seasons.

The ponds, the flowers, the trees, the spiderwebs and nature in every shape and form. Her painting captures the beautiful essence of the Heath and its natural rhythms, colours, shapes and forms. A celebrated artist, Gianna is a member of the Highgate Society Life Drawing Group producing dreamy water-colour nudes and she regular exhibitor with the North London Artist Network. During her stay at Borgo, Gianna revisited her Italian roots holding regular painting sessions at the artist’s pavilion in the gardens at Borgo Santo Pietro.

KELLY BOUTCHER During the month of May we welcome life-cast artist and sculptor Kelly Boutcher who will be holding interactive casting classes where he will teach guests the techniques and methods used to create life-form art.

Kelly’s pieces focus on the human form which are created by taking casts of faces, hands and bodies. Beautifully intricate and extraordinarily life-like, Kelly has been creating unique bespoke art-forms for over twenty years. Using a variety of mediums including plaster bandage, alginate and silicon rubber he is regularly commissioned to take casts of hands and faces. From concrete to plaster and metal, casts can be finished in many different types of material.

Kelly will be setting up his studio at the artist pavillion at the beginning of May and will be on hand to teach the art of body casting to guests. He will also be available for private commissions, therefore, if you would like a truly individual piece of art why not speak to Kelly and arrange for an appointment for a casting. Finished sculpture casts can be shipped to your home address and packaging and transport can be organised by Borgo.

Out and About…

If you are heading to Florence you really must try and make time to visit one of the city’s most respected restaurants La Bottega del Buon Cafe. With a reputation for producing beautifully presented seasonal organic dishes the menu includes Cappelletti with Pidgeon, butter and sage, Mallard Duck with green apple and Fois Gras, Salt Cod with Zolfini Beans and Cavalo Nero. Also, don’t forget to try the unbelievably good homemade cheesecake!