The Sicilian Donkey Cart

Sicilian donkey carts date back to the early 19^th century.  It was the ancient Greeks who introduced these carts to the island. The carts reached the height of popularity in the 1920s, when thousands were on the island.

The "caretto" cart was like the family car, taxi or truck of today. Carts used for hauling items as produce, wood, wine were called "Carretto del Lavoro" (cart for work).  In cities and on flat plains, it was common to see horses pulling carts. In rougher terrain, it was donkeys or mules that did the heavy work of pulling. 

Family owned carts were popular and, like cars of today, a family’s wealth was often assessed by the showiness of their cart. The animal pulling the cart was often elaborately adorned with fancy handmade harnesses, ribbons and feathers. "Carretto de Gara” were carts used for festive occasions such as weddings and parades.

Cart making was a craft handed down from generation to generation. The handmade carts were made in several provinces in Sicily and each had its own distinct style. The wooden cart is two wheeled with iron components. Carts were works of art beautifully covered in carvings and brightly painted scenes from Sicilian history, folklore, scenes from famous operas, as well as intricate geometric designs. In the past, scenes served as a way of conveying historical information to those who were illiterate.

The decline of the art and craft of cart building began during the 1950s. In came cars and other motorized vehicles and out went the donkey cart as a means of transportation. Today, the carts are used for parades and other special events as a beautifully reminder of the past.

Ciao!

- Nina Spitzer

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The Wine Truck

Looking out the window of our apartment during our 2012 trip to Florence, Italy, what do we see but a wine truck making its deliveries!

Of course there would be a wine truck! After all, it's Italy!

I wonder if I can convince the wine man to make a delivery to Arizona.

Ciao!  : ))

Dario the Butcher

If you’re in Tuscany, make time to visit the small town of Panzano, about a 1.5 hour drive south of Florence. As towns go, it’s a small Italian town like many others.  Why, then, would you go? For the butcher, of course! Yes. The big tourist attraction in this little town is – the butcher.

Dario Cecchini's macelleria, or butcher shop, stands in the same site as his family’s shop that was destroyed during WWII. In his shop, you can buy unusual cuts of quality meat and you can also be educated and entertained because, not only is Dario an excellent and creative butcher and a cook, but he’s also a one-man show. From his “stage” behind the counter Dario entertains his audience with smiles, conversation, information, loud friendly bantering…and he sings too.

Dario has come from a long line of butchers in Panzano - 600 years long.  Some say Dante Aligheri and Leonardo da Vinci both bought meat from the Cecchini butchers. Dario, himself, has been a butcher for 38 years.

Besides his personality, Dario’s specialty is quality cuts of meat and prepared dishes. A favorite of visitors is his seasoned lard pig’s head. That's right - lard! For tourists, a little dab of the lard spread on a crust of bread is heaven.

Late afternoon Dario's energy is at its height and the crowd thickens. Out come the appetizers and wine and the fun begins. Still hungry? Hopefully, you've made a reservation at his restaurant above the shop, Officina Della Bistecca,  where the delighting of your tastebuds will continue.

An assistant prepares the goodies.

Dario and his wife, Kim, treat their customers like family and do what Italian families do - share food and wine and then, enjoy the pleasure of their company.

Ya gotta check out Dario's site, especially the videos!

Dario's Website