2023 marked Le Chat Gourmet’s 15th year in Tuscany,
with the pleasure of hosting three wonderful weeks of guests.
The azure blue skies of September were filled with days exploring the hilltop towns of Cortona, Pienza and Montepulciano. Market day in Castiglione del Lago, the castle on the lake. And of course, partaking of traditional Tuscan cuisine, local wines and our multi-course sunset gourmet dinner.
Enjoy your stroll through the photos below, as we share our 2023 adventures
Under the Tuscan Sun!
Chef Denene Vincent
And the 2023 Le Chat Gourmet in Tuscany celebrations begin!
Saluti from Tuscany!
In the Etruscan town of Cortona, we celebrated with glasses of prosecco
at my friend Ivan’s galleria, as we stepped back in time to 700 B.C. via art.
At Le Celle, we walked in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.
Founded in 1211 by St. Francis of Assisi and his followers,
the Franciscan Hermitage of Le Celle is built in the foothills of
Monte S. Egidio within a natural gorge carved out by a stream.
Brothers and Sister, the presence of St. Francis of Assisi has sanctified this place…
We made pici pasta and celebrated the Etruscans
whom it originated in Tuscany over 2,000 B.C.!
Pici Pasta with Cacio e Pepe Sauce
Slow cooked Tuscan Ragu, even the sauce was smiling!
Final result, Tuscan Ragu with Creamy Polenta
Dolce!, Italian dessert time, making Tiramisu…
…and a Fresh Rosemary Crust for our Lemon Tart…
…Amalfi Lemon Tart, Mascarpone Crema and Blueberries
And more cooking, a surprise cooking class with Chef Stefano!
We strolled amongst the grapevines…
…and sampled wine from the barrels…
…and enjoyed partaking of previous vintages!
LE CHAT’S SUNSET GOURMET MENU
A second guest surprise (Chef Vincent loves surprises!), a visit
to Frattoria Santa Vittoria, a 200 year old winery in the heart
of Tuscany for a private cellar tour and wine tasting.
Hands of the winemaker
As it was wine harvest, some grape stomping happened too!
Sampling Pecorino cheese with spectacular views across the Val d’Orcia
Sights from Pienza…
…and Montepulciano
“Grazie Millie Italy!” – Chef Vincent