Relais Marignolle

Eating

The rooftop pergola, newly transformed into an all weather gazebo with internal and external access, lulls you into a lingering breakfast. Choose from the beautifully presented continental buffet of local jams, warm croissants, yoghurts, cereals, juice, biscotti and home-made cakes, served on Florentine china and silverware. You can also order a cooked breakfast - eggs, bacon, choice of tea/coffee/chocolate - but you will need to let them know the night before.

Although a full scale menu is not available, Marignolle can provide light snacks at lunch or dinnertime - usually a simple and delicious salad, a selection of cold meats, and a plate of local cheeses with fig jam; home made cakes and half-bottles of local wine. For a full meal you'll have to wander to the lively trattoria chez Bibi close by, or go into town (see our local info for recommendations, or ask Lorenzo for restaurant and bar suggestions).

If you want to learn the secrets of Tuscan gastronomy, ask Lorenzo's mother Paola, who is an experienced chef, for a cooking lesson. You'll learn, in groups of 2-5, how to prepare a 3-course Tuscan feast - appetizer, pasta and meat dish - and then enjoy the results on the terrace, accompanied by a bottle of finest Chianti Antinori. Not cheap, but the price includes a 3-course meal and wines.