Dario Cecchini's Message from the Heart of Chianti

World-famous butcher Dario Cecchini sends a message of support and resistance during difficult times.  Alas, it's no secret that Italy and its native artisans have been hit significantly by lockdowns and restrictions on movement of both Italians locally, but also on restrictions from visitors from around the world.

While very few can claim to be unaffected by the Corona-virus times, artisans and those carrying on the time-worn works of their families before them have suffered quite difficult times.  Dario Cecchini is part of the adored local butcher tradition cradled within the Tuscan countryside, and I'm proud to call him one of my friends, as well as a reliable expert in his field.

Some of my favorite moments with Dario include learning how to prepare his classic salami during a lesson with his team, and sitting down on many occasions to scrumptious Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Tonno del Chianti, and so many other speciality dishes that Dario puts his own genius spin on.  While there are countless restaurants in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, do they all come paired with a Dante-quoting genius of an authentic butcher?

I know from personal experience that few Italian meat specialists have the same verve, the same passion, the same roots Dario has for his native Tuscan small town of Panzano in Chianti, so let's be sure to take his message to heart, and know that he's right with us during our choppy waters - nothing goes better with these than genuine Italian comfort food, something Dario can happily provide for us all!

If you've had the fortune of already visiting with Dario, and tasting some of his mouth-watering specialities, let me know what you've tried on our social media pages - I love hearing from you about your own experiences here in the heart of Tuscany!

In honoring meat-based Tuscan specialty dishes, where Dario Cecchini is an obvious expert, the Mamablip chefs have put together a splendid recipe using one of the less noble beef parts, cheeks, and have produced an amazingly tender, delicious Tuscan beef recipe that will knock your socks off!  Don’t miss this recipe and many others in our Second Course Recipe index - get inspired now!

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