While we’re talking about Cecchini…

So, thought I’d make it a Cecchinii Trifecta while I was on the subject. Then, that’s all I got!

There’s a killer view of the Conca d’Oro with Panzano Alto ( the hilltop with the church), on the Via Chiantagiana, as you head south out of Panzano toward Sienna. Benches, a couple of tables and a small parking lot offer a chance to savor the view. A large black metal rooster, (Gallo Nero) the symbol of the Chianti Classico region reigns over the site. And because you just might work up an appetite taking in all that beauty (or from having climbed the dozens of steps from lower Panzano to get here) Dario has you covered!

There, every day from around 11 to 3 you will find the Cecchini Panini Truck, from the Antica Macelleria Cecchini. Through its open window the two person crew in their tradmark red tee shirts emblazoned with the Cecchini motto “Carne Diem” serve up savory lunctime fare for a reasonable price. You can have a classic burger or hot dog, bread and tomato stew or opt for a panino featuring pastrami, meatloaf or pancia di manzo (beef belly) for E6-8. For a sweet treat there’s olive oil cake. And of course you can have a glass of wine or beer or a ubiquitous Coca Cola to sip while you take in the view.

On the recommendation of Paula (now at a Campana and a former apprectice of Dario) I stretched my culinary sensibilities and ordered the Pancia di Manzo. The pancia was flavorful and tender and the juices soaked into the roll softening the inside texture while the outside remained crusty. I surprised myself and finished it all, proud to have tried something new and Tuscan-ish. Next time I may have the tomato and bread stew - a little more aligned with my vegetarian leanings! And the view can’t be beat!