One of the highlights of our trip to Italy was the time we spent at Baur B and B in Acqui Terme. We enjoyed our four days there so much that it was number two on my top ten memories from our trip. It would be a challenge to decide what it is about this wonderful spot that makes it so special . . . the hosts . . . the location . . .the decor . . . the pool . . the gardens . . . the art . . .Max . . . the steady supply of wine?
For us it may have been the breakfasts. Breakfasts in Italy have a 'wee' bit of a bad reputation. It is easy to see why, from my observations the average Italian chugs a shot of espresso at a bar and may nibble on a cornetta creama (croissant with cream filling), and call it breakfast. Travel message boards are full of discussions about the meager offerings at most Italian B and B s. Clearly not one of these folk has ever stayed at the Baur B and B!
Breakfast may be served outside or in the dinning room which is adjoining the kitchen. Given the weather when we were there we weren't eating outside unless Micha held an umbrella. Diana's new kitchen was just been finished - it was built into a 200 year old barn (with all of the joys that come with renovating an old building). In fact, we were the first guests to enjoy breakfast there! Of course, we were spoiled in that we were the only guests there at the time - we got the hosts' full attention (although I can't imagine that anybody would not feel like one of the family here).
The new kitchen is a huge room - open and full of natural light. Diana insisted on natural, organic materials and they really fit the space nicely. The island in the centre of the kitchen would be the perfect spot for a cooking class.
The week prior to our arrival she had had a huge stainless steel refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher installed. Sigh I had some appliance envy to go with my kitchen envy.
It is this amazing kitchen that Diana pulls together and serves the most tantalizing breakfasts imaginable.
This was Day 1:
Diana served us tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, cheese, fruit, two types of freshly made bread (sweet and a savoury), yoghurt, and granola. I was stuffed. The she asked Paolo if he was interested in some eggs.
"Sure!' was his instant response (we don't call him the finisher for nothing). Soon an omelet made with eggs that had been laid the day before appeared at the table, she had topped it with some fresh herbs from her garden and cheese.
Wow! I was stuffed.
Then there was Day 2:
Bread, fruit, yoghurt, granola, cured meats, smoked salmon, cheese. That morning she had baked the most incredible pear and thyme tart . . . when it was omelet time Paul was ready. He asked for an omelet made with some of the cilantro that he had spied in Diana's herb garden. She was quick to grant his wish!
By the third day she didn't even ask us what we wanted . . . she cooked . . .and we happily ate!
On this day we enjoyed an omelet with goat cheese, fresh asparagus, and cilantro - Paul was in heaven. This was served with crisp fried potatoes, the remaining pear and thyme tart, freshly baked bread, fruit, cured meats, and cheese.
Clearly the Italy weight would be on for life at this point.
On the fourth day we were so sad to be leaving this special spot. In fact, I was tempted to cancel our stay in Lucca and just spend 4 more days in Acqui Terme. Diana must have known we would be depressed about leaving because she 'whipped' up another amazing feast.
Fruit, focaccia, tomatoes with balsamic, basil, and cheese, cured meats, yoghurt, granola, and the best part . . . french toast with caramelized apples!
On top of all of this, every day we had all of the freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee we could drink.
Do you have a sense of why we LOVED this spot so much? It is true . . the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
Jerry, the truly amazing thing is that Diana served this same wonderful variety and preparation when she worked out of her very cramped kitchen without all the fantastic appliances--and, I think, without a dining room. She is just simply a talented person and a great host.
Posted by: Jane | June 16, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I can't WAIT until September! And the FIGS will be ripe!
Posted by: Palma | June 18, 2008 at 09:15 AM
What a lovely kitchen and the breakfasts look incredible. Breakfast is by far my favourite meal of the day (I'm mad about carbs) and those look extremely tempting!
Posted by: sandrac | June 18, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Jane - i can't imagine how she ever managed to do it before. Diana has an incredible talent!
Palma - lucky you. I hope that the second crop of figs is more fruitful than the first.
Sandra - me too. I'd be happy to eat breakfast morning, noon, and night. Sadly I would need many more trips to the gym! LOL
Posted by: Jerry | June 19, 2008 at 08:21 AM
grazie tutti (is there a blushing emoticon anywhere here?)
Posted by: diana | June 25, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Blushing - good heavens you have no need to blush. You should be proud of what you do because it is top notch!
Posted by: Jerry | June 25, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Just wonderful. Every word, every bite and every minute in that kitchen. The pictures help - OMG - but I could see it all in my mind. Thank you, Jerry.
Posted by: Wendy and Rob | June 25, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I tell you Wendy - you and Rob would love Piemonte. You need to go.
Posted by: Jerry | June 26, 2008 at 08:24 AM