My favourite shop in Genova is closing and they are selling these beautiful pieces of furniture.
Anyone interested in having them in their home or workspace, or who knows people who could use them in their cafe or shop, please don't hesitate to contact the lovely Francesca and Norma. Details are there on the advert.
It's raining today in Genova but even the rain creates rather exquisite photographic opportunities.
When there's rain here the puddles that form on the tiled sidewalks create beautiful reflections. It seems like another world down at my feet.
I have been wandering, delighted to find that Caffè degli Specchi has reopened in my absence. I stopped in for an espresso. Wandering on, I caught up with Francesca and bought pasta while there.
It's wet and it's little cold here in the city but still beautiful.
Each product, be it pasta, olive oil, pesto, cheese, sauces or wine, has been tasted by us. This is the only way we be sure of truly advising you. We travel around Italy searching for the local products that bring excellence to your table. This is our passion !!!!
Francesca, writing about the shop, Le Gramole.
I interviewed Francesca and Norma about their shop, located deep in the historical heart of old Genova, back in 2011.
It's a special shop, in a special area of the city. As for Francesca and Norma, they're really special too but I imagine you knew that was coming.
They welcome everyone into their shop. They're happy to take the time to talk, to advise, to suggest. I have heard them speak Italian, French, and English, and there are always smiles.
I really recommend you take the time to visit them when in Genova. You won't regret it.
Francesca was preparing for a one-on-one food tasting while I was there at the weekend ...
It was bad enough when I became particular about my wine, and realised that I preferred Italian, French and Spanish wines over the wine of any other countries.
I am a woman of limited income ... I can't afford to be particular, not really, however it happens.
Next came the problem of good coffee. Italian espresso and cappuccino ruined me. I returned to Belgium and ended up buying a Nespresso machine, for the times between visits to Genova.
This time, I was introduced to mozzarella di bufala campana made by Casa Madaio.
It is so good!
Francesca and Norma sell it down in Le Gramole ... if in Genova, I cannot recommend trying it highly enough.
As per the photograph, I put some of the mozzarella on focaccia, with lettuce and tomato. I took the photograph but really, I was desperate to eat it.
None of these are paid advertisements ... it's just me writing of the things that I love and find. And this particular small feast is so easy to create for yourself if passing through Genova. You don't need a kitchen but the mozzarella ... it's truly delicious.