Carne Diem

 

Lardo Crostini

On our last day in Italy we head for the Village of Panzano. After parking the car, we walk into town and pass a butcher shop, Antica Macelleria Cecchini, where we are invited in to sample lardo spread on crostini bread and Chianti wine (lardo is cured and seasoned fat from the back of the pig). As usually happens when open to the will of spontaneity, one thing leads to another, and we book the last 2 seats for the set menu, four course meat forward lunch at the butcher's restaurant across the street.

 

As it turns out, Antica Macelleria Cecchini, is no ordinary butcher shop and restaurant. Dario Cecchini, the famed butcher of Panzano, has gained international notoriety and has been the subject of culinary magazine articles, and featured on the Netflix series Chef’s Table (season 6 episode 2).

Dario’s restaurant is all about creating an atmosphere of conviviality (see video below). We are seated on long tables and served family style starting with the beef tartare and followed with roasted and grilled Chianti Beef and bottles of Chianti wine which were miraculously refilled when empty. We were seated next to a young Australian couple on holiday, and to my right was Dario’s wife who was celebrating her birthday as well as their anniversary. As a result of our 3 ½ hour lunch, we ended up seeing very little of Panzano, but left with the memory of a legendary experience.

P.S. I’m sorry to admit that since I was so caught up with the food, conversation and festivities, I totally forgot to take photographs.

Article from the food and wine gazette: https://www.foodandwinegazette.com/4523

Video documentary on Dario and his Restaurant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgsfUerztWA

(The first 7 minutes of this 24 min documentary best represents our dinning experience)