First episode of our journey on comfy food, where we’re searching for places that makes you feel at home, or like at granny’s house. Authentic food, places, people. In fact, if we take a look at the definition of comfort food that’s what shows up: “A traditional food that provides a nostalgic or sentimental feeling to the consumer and it is often characterized by a high carbohydrate level and simple preparation”. Yes, we have all the ingredients here! When talking about confort food in Tuscany, you can’t go wrong: pasta is the queen of cravings, as you can easily imagine, no better subject to begin than a giant, steaming, pasta dish. We’re on Tuscan hills, 30 km from Florence, in a small town that you can only reach by car, with few houses and one restaurant and pizzeria: Acone.

Here 32 years ago, the owner, the great Alberto known as “barba”, had to increase the offer on the menù. After one whole day of trying he came up with this recipe. From that day on the recipe of “Penne all’Aconese” was a big, neverending success and the best kept secret ever. Only 3 ingredients are known: penne, porcini mushrooms and sausage. But why is this pasta soooo good? First, it’s perfectly cooked, the sauce is spicy, appetizing, sligtly creamy. And the taste of mushrooms persistent. Don’t even ask how it’s prepared or try to replicate at home… you really don’t know how many clients have miserably failed.

Altough pasta is truly delicious, Alberto, his wife, the always smiling waitress Virna and all the staff are incredible people. Kind and genuine. So…we challenge you to come here http://viviacone.it/ristorante-pizzeria/, where after a long climb, you’ll be rewarded generously. Buon appetito!