The newsagent of San Carlo Square
In addition to newspapers and magazines, inside the shop youâll find dvds, gadgets, history books and local recipe books, as well as guide books for the local area. Blonde Agnese is kind and helpful in providing useful information.
Il bar Lolly
Despite the punkishly aggressive exterior, the owners of Lolly are courteous and affable. Biscuits and little jars of Nutella are proffered when you order coffee at the bar, while aperitif time is accompanied by pieces of focaccia, salame and other nibbles. The genuineness more than makes up for the absence of a real and structured âhappy hourâ, which isnât a local tradition.
La cascina Gandolfi
If you want to come home with fruit and vegetables which have been grown and only picked when ripe, with that ârealâ flavour, you must shop at Cascina Gandolfi, on the Doppi road which leaves the state road from Castell’Arquato on the way to Sant’Antonio. At the farmâs shop youâll find large containers of pumpkins in autumn, or melons and watermelons in summer: The prices are good value and the quality guaranteed. Youâll also find local vegetable varieties, which have been reintroduced in an effort to rediscover ancient tastes and flavours. Donât miss out on the purple potatoes, ancient fruit of a generous earth.
La Buttina
This Vineyard, which can be glimpsed at in the valley under the Cinghialina, produces local wines, both red and white, still and sparkling, but more importantly it can boast many yearsâ experience. The owner has a surprising knowledge of the local area, and will be happy to show you around his cellars, explaining the various production steps and narrating the vineyardâs history. During the war my uncle, a doctor with the Partisans in the hillsides, hid from the enemy in a small space under the cellars, protected from enemy requisitioning by overhanging strands of seasoning salami.
Antica Trattoria di Vigostano
A real âtrattoriaâ in appearance and for the menu it offers, naturally reflecting local cuisine, but with innovative variations and combinations, as well as an unusually refined presentation of its dishes, for the context. In winter the local older men sit at the tables by the front door and play cards with gusto, while in summer the action moves to the outside, by the pergola under which one dutifully eats chisolini with cold cuts.
La Buca
Vineyard and b. and b., offering local specialities with courtesy and enthusiasm. The novelty here is hemp, grown locally and promoted by an association based in CastellâArquato, on the road to Rocca Viscontea. Lasagne, bortellina, a delicious local pancake, and âhempedâ potatoes are among the dishes which include the very tasty and in this case innocent ingredient.
