A weekend in Liguria
Last month I decided to venture and travel from Siena, up the Ligurian coast to the town of Chiavari. It is here that I met up with fellow American and Italian travel planner Marylin Ricci of Take Me Home Italy. Marilyn and I first met in person when she came to explore our area of Siena back in 2019. It was so great to meet up again and this time explore her hometown on the coast.
Deb and Marilyn
Chiavari is such a lovely town and certainly worth a visit. Easy to reach from Florence. At 10:30 I took an intercity train from Florence to Pisa Central, changed to the Rome Genova line and arrived in Chiavari at 1:30. Honestly it is only couple stops beyond Monterosso but worlds away from all the hustle and bustle of the tourists in the CT.
Marilyn met me at the train station, the area between the station and the lungomare, the ocean promenade is all flat and an easy walk. Along the way is a very clean and open green space lined with palm trees and benches. Just past the marina is a row of various restaurants and bars, all with outdoor seating and picture perfect views of the ocean. Since it was lunch time, we choose a place that offered fresh seafood, and it did not disappoint. We ordered the fresh Branzino a local white fish which was grilled to perfection and simply served with a lemon wedge. I could not have been happier. It was such a delight to enjoy fresh fish, which coming from Siena is hard to find. I have mentioned in past posts that food in Italy is Seasonal, Traditional and Regional, and this dish certainly falls into the Regional bucket. Steps from the ocean we were served the most delicious white fish. along with the house white wine, a Vermentino, that was light crisp and refreshing.
Branzino, a local white flesh fished grilled to perfection
The weekend was special because the local flower show was taking place. In the heart of the old town there were many booths offering, not only plants and flowers for sale, but many other unique items. I found one vendor that was selling spices of all things. This was a jackpot bonus for me since I do all of the ethnic cooking in our home and I am always in search of non-traditional spices for my recipes. Traditional Italian recipes in general call for more herbs than spices, and I have to admit as much as I love fresh herbs, I am a big fan of spices. I was able to find both Sichuan and pink peppercorns, a beautiful smoky paprika and Chipotle powder. I was a happy camper, yes indeed.
Chiavari is a town with so much to offer and still a bit undiscovered away from all the tourists of the ever popular Cinque Terre. The ocean views, the fresh seafood, markets, events, and architecture make for a relaxing weekend getaway. An ideal off the beaten path destination.
A piazza in Chiavari
Be sure to slow down and take the time for Il Dolce Far Niente. The sweetness of doing nothing. It can be eating a gelato, sharing an appetitive with friends, or just sitting on a bench breathing the sea air. Italians are masters of enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Chiavari offers the perfect backdrop.
Deb and Massi of Italy Unfiltered offer personalized wine or sightseeing itineraries for small groups in Tuscany specializing in Chianti, Brunello, Vino Nobile winery tours. Daily trips or multi-day tours, Italy Unfiltered will meet you at your location and take you on an insider, local wine tasting or sightseeing itinerary. An authentic Tuscan experience awaits you with ITALY UNFILTERED. Visit our website for more about our Tuscany tours and a personal English speaking native driver. Contact us today!
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Hot off the press: Marilyn Ricci of Take Me Home Italy is offering a week long travel adventure May 18-25, 2023. The Specialty Ligurian Experience - A boutique adventure on the Mediterranean sea and in the hills of Liguria. Meet Italians preserving their history through organic food, wine, and olive oil. Go way off the beaten path and travel with my friend Marilyn. Only 7 spaces available. For the flavor of this upcoming adventure, read her blog, Www.takemehomeitaly.com/blog/traipsing-off-the-tourist-tracks-wandering-in-liguria.
Contact Marilyn at: Marilyn@TakeMeHomeItaly.com