Off to the Italian Countryside for a little adventure

Im turning the big 3-0 this month and am going to celebrate while sipping vino on the hills of the Italian countryside...not too shabby. My sis Alana and I are taking off tomorrow to visit our good friends Ashley and Jason who opened a culinary retreat in Italy a few years ago, La Tavola Marche, which resides in the region of Le Marche and neighbors Tuscany and Umbria.



Jason is an accomplished chef and Ashley comes from a background in hospitality. They made the move from New York City a few years ago for a new way of life and haven't looked back since. Ashley and Jason chose to move to Italy to celebrate life every day, every meal. Ashley says, “Why wait until we are ready to retire to do something like this? We wanted to live a life of quality and Italians more than anyone truly seize the day.” Their hard work has paid off and their 300-year old villa set on an agriturismo in the heart of a truffle valley with breathtaking hillside views has gained attention by travelers and press. For any honeymooners reading my blog they offer some fabulous packages including multi-course meals authentic to the region and cooking classes. Jason and Ashley are a part of the slow food movement. Everything is seasonal, local and homemade. You can learn more about their story here and follow their entertaining blog chalk filled with recipes, history and culture of the region and their day to day adventures.



About the Le Marche region...

Travelers who want the best of central Italy are now heading for Le Marche, the third region, alongside Tuscany and Umbria that makes up the area. The region lies on the eastern side of central Italy, between the Adriatic Sea and the high Apennine mountains. Much of it remains unspoiled by mass tourism. The Adriatic coast has been known as a sun and beach mecca for years. However, inland, perhaps more so than anywhere else in central Italy, you will find places where time really has stood still.

We will be gone for a few weeks and I will be sure to post an update when I return. Ciao.