Agriturisimo Tholos

Today was my first day at Tholos. The agriturisimo is run by Maria (really Paula) and Gabrielle and their three children. It is a beautiful farm with sheep, dogs (plus three puppies), fifteen chickens (minus 5 that Gabrielle is going to kill today), and a donkey. The farm is large with: six guest rooms, three dining rooms, a large patio, and swings / hammock. Go to the website at www.agriparktholos.it to see the farm, since I can not attach pictures.

One of the dining rooms is an old stone building where they used to house the sheep. It is so unique and romantic. They have a large table with candelabras for intimate dining. There are a number of balconies to enjoy the views of the forest and snow capped mountains. The farm is inside the Majella National Park with hiking trails right outside the door.

Today we were preparing the farm for Easter because Paula is expecting guests in the Agriturisimo plus a number of dining guests for both lunch and dinner during the Easter weekend. Easter is a big event in Abruzzo and all of Italy. It is celebrated throughout the weekend and on Monday.

Paula is known for her cooking and has won a number of awards, so many people travel all the way to Roccamorice, which is a stone city high up in the mountains, to eat at Tholos. The guests are all from Abruzzo region in Italy.

We spent the morning gardening around the patio after a long winter. It was one of the first really beautiful days they have had this year. Paula also taught us how to make a pasta called Orecchietti (means little ears) and she made a broccoli sauce. It was so easy to make but delicious. Of course we had a fennel salad and fried mozzarella for the second course. I love the way they cook in Italy. They are simple dishes (very little preparation) but beautiful to see and delicious.

After lunch we had a chance to relax. I am really focused on learning my Italian. It is so bad to not be able to understand. Gabrielle and Paula only speak Italian and the daughters translate for me. I feel I am getting better but very slowly.

Before dinner we are made crepes (called crespelle) for the guests tomorrow. It is another traditional dish. I am so excited to be learning more about the Italian cooking.

Ciao for now