Agriturismo Grimandi Tonino

Babies on the Tractor

Our gardener Gaetano came and planted a few plants around the house the other day and the Babies had a great time following his tractor around and even getting a ride on it. Hub asked if I could make a few mini quiches to go with the wine he wanted to serve G once he had finished his job.

As G enjoyed his wine and snack out in the autumn sun, he told us that he knew of this "best" agriturismo Grimandi Tonino in Piumazzo that does an excellent regional cuisine and that will be offering a special dinner for St Martin's the coming Saturday. We've always wanted to eat at one of these famous farm restaurants and so asked him to reserve a table for the 5 of us.

It was about 30 minutes away from our house (when you think that we live right next to one - but apparently it's not as good as Tonino) and we were a little lost on our way there the GPS somehow not having the address in its system.

When we arrived, we were greeted by G and his family (they were dining there too except for the son who actually works as a waiter there on weekends) and a glass of sweet sparkling red lambrusco wine. Plus fresh walnuts and best of all - grilled chestnuts! I was really excited about it and started stuffing my face with them as I do so adore warm grilled chestnuts.

Where they grilled the chestnuts

We proceeded to the rustic high-ceiling dining hall for our meal and were greeted by the owner himself who seemed proud to have someone from Ferrari dining at his place. In fact, over the next few hours, there would be a few other guests turning up to seek confirmation with the Hub that he indeed worked for Ferrari...

Cheeses, sundried tomatoes, mini-peaches, sweet onions...

Cured Meats from the region

Fried Bacalao Fritters

Mariola con purè (tasted like Taiwan sausage without sugar)

Costolette impanate (tasted like lamb version of KFC)

We ate and we ate and we ate. The food was fresh, simple but so very good. Prepared lovingly by the owner's wife, we were told. We had loads of antipasti (salami, cured ham, cheeses, sweet grilled onions, tarts etc etc), a funghi porcini pasta starter and 2 main courses (pork sausage and fried breaded lamb chops), wine, water and coffee were included and by the time dessert arrived I was almost dead. G started taking out bottles and bottles of digestive wines many of which were made in the farm. I crossed my fingers that we wouldn't be stopped by the police for an alcohol test because Hub had really drunk quite a bit that evening.

The famous Modenese Gnocco Fritto that is like youtiao and that they eat like bread

G explained that Italians usually drink wine like water at the table which is why they don't usually drink good wines like the French

The desserts

And we paid a reasonable price for this yummy evening (31 euros per head) and agreed that we would definitely return for another meal soon. They only serve the public on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sunday noon and apparently the Sunday lunches are normally even bigger events with even more dishes. Needless to say, in a few hours all the weight I have lost last week and all the weight I may lose this week had all been regained with a vengeance. Can never win.

Azienda Agrituristica Grimandi Tonino

Via Bastarda 9

Piumazzo (MO)

Tel : 00 39 059 934247