Gelato!

Gelato is an art form in Italy.  It's not just for the tourists, the Italians eat it, too -- a lot of it.  It's different from American ice cream in several ways: first, it's made with more eggs, so is more like custard than what we think of as American ice cream.  It's also more dense.  It's frozen at a lower temperature than American ice cream.  This adds to its creaminess, and it melts faster in the summer Italian heat.  We ate gelato every day while we were in Italy, and I'm so glad we did!  We have found only one place in Denver where the gelato tastes authentic: Parisi at 44th and Tennyson in northwest Denver.  Parisi also has EXCELLENT and authentic Tuscan food -- it's a restaurant and deli.

Wild Boar

Wild boar is a specialty of the Tuscany region, so you have to try it when you're there. It's usually served in a stew-like sauce. You can get it in restaurants, and you can also buy it in the form of salami. The word for wild boar in Italian is "Cinghiale."

Trattoria Latte di Luna - Pienza

This is THE place to eat in Pienza! Small and quaint, they serve authentic traditional Tuscan fare. Pienza is so small, this restaurant is easy to find at the end of main street. Do make reservations. We went back on the second night in Pienza, hadn't made reservations, and they were full.

http://www.portalepienza.it/Siti_commerciali/ristoranti_e_trattorie/Latte_di_luna/latte_di_luna.html

Hotel Relais - Il Chiostro di Pienza

Hotel Relais - Il Chiostro Di Pienza is the place to stay in Pienza! This is a picture of my husband Richard in the courtyard in the hotel. The staff is helpful, friendly and they speak English. The buffet breakfast is excellent, and they will even bring you a cappucino. We were there in June, so enjoyed breakfast in the garden overlooking the beautiful valley.