Tuscany against November blues
The evening begins: I’m standing down at Hamburger Berg 5 in Erfurt and can already hear Italian music from the restaurant Bachstelze. Inviting warm lights and colorful lanterns exude a hygge atmosphere. Under the huge chestnut tree there are garden chairs and tables on which small Christmas accessories intensify the harmonious atmosphere. ALOHA and welcome to Bachstelze!
Maria and Matthias exude an attitude to life that is uncomplicated and innovative
I enter the guest room and receive a warm, familiar welcome. Hang up your jacket, scarf, hat, not much tamm tamm. Lots of love and a light in the eyes: Matthias distributes the aperitif and refers to the shared table: A table for friends and family, as Simona wanted. Simona is a guest at Bachstelze today and brings with her passion and dedication for the products of her homeland. Today she will cook the vegetarian dishes and prepare salads as well as the surprise dessert. Maria prepares the meat course. Matthias takes care of the guests’ liquid well-being and provides everyone with non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. In between there are young people who take over the service. I love it!
On the family table: an incredible amount of passion, love, joy, freshness and emotions
Simona brings many of the ingredients from Tuscany. The star today: Black cabbage, which can be found as a side dish in the handmade ravioli and polenta. It can be found in every texture and leaves a slightly nutty taste on the tongue. The walnuts enhance the enjoyment.
The menu
Mustard soup
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Focaccia with fresh olive oil, cheese, oil-pickled zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, Italian sausage and parmigiana
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Polenta, black cabbage and onions gratinated with herb bread crumbs
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Handmade ravioli filled with black cabbage in a magnificent mélange of olive oil and cheese
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Lasagna in a terrine filled with minced meat and topped with cheese and mushrooms
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Fresh lamb’s lettuce with tomatoes, seasoned with olive oil and salt and pepper
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Porcini mushrooms, green beans and gnocchi pillows garnished with rosemary and Tuscan olive oil and beef
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Chestnut Tiramisu
The various dishes were spread out on platters on the table, everyone helped themselves at their own pace and desired quantity. You get into conversation with the other guests, exchange ideas, talk about travel, food, experiences and life all evening long. Simona’s calculations work: La famiglia!
A dedication to the dessert
The best tiramisu I’ve ever eaten. And honestly: I don’t really like tiramisu. But THAT was incredibly delicious!
And so, after enjoying authentic Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great wines, I decide to travel with Maria and Matthias for 6 days. To Simona in Tuscany. I definitely want more of this! I want to smell the rosemary, thyme and olives in the air in my nose. I want to feel the spice of Tuscany that is in the focaccia. I want fresh pasta that has an incredibly creamy texture and that simply has a lot of love and passion for the product. I want to immerse myself in Tuscany, hike through olive groves and hills and sit down at the small wineries with a glass in my hand. With sun on your face that warms and relaxes. Walking through the dusty streets of small villages, asking for directions in Italian and getting lost in the aromas of the air.
Practical information:
Address: Hamburger Berg 5, Erfurt
Websites
- Bachstelze at Maria & Matthias: http://www.mariaostzone.de/
- Simona’s accommodation and restaurant: https://www.cantodelmaggio.com/en/
Dress code: Come as you are
Price level: Depending on the event, approx. EUR 200 per person including menu and drinks
Let’s go to Bachstelze together, have a great dinner, optional incl. stay overnight, taste one of the best food in Germany and experience joy, love and happiness with Maria & Matthias!
