Osteria Le Logge _ Via del Porrione. How did we stumble on the best Restaurant in Sienna? Who knows? but well worth the visit. A wine list equal to, if not better than the "FIVEST" Star hotel ! Could not believe the pages and pages of both Italian and French - we chose THEIR house wine - a Brunello by the glass which was superb. FOOD - an amazing green and white Chittara [Guitar] pasta with lobster agile olio. RISOTTO molto delicato Lemon zest and Italian parsley with just a touch of cracked pepper. Could not resist the sweet of biscotti and Vin Santo wine The usual Prato almond biscuit accompanied by the real Siena cake which you have NEVER tasted on the export market - Sublime !! The Maitre de; flattered by compliments about his food, seemed inclined to reveal a secret to us. Round the corner from the restaurant was their repository of wine - 20/30 mtrs underground. Enoteca UnTubo - This explains the amazing wine list ! Each floor - the basement dating back to Estruscan time, was devoted to a specific wine type from a simple Chianti to the likes of Krug and Sassachaia.

What an exquisite secret - Even local Jazz improv musicians in a small bar upstairs on the ground floor. Next Day we venture to a small hamlet south of Siena ,Monte D,Arbia, to discover Count Filippo Fiorentini , the heir to San Fabiano. A beautiful country estate, which his father and grandfather, Italian industrialists, used as their country escape. He has converted it to a beautiful Agriturismo where he welcomes a small number of guests. In the next week or so, WE have been invited to prepare dinner for Count Filippo , his family and guests. imagine that !!! He is very curious about the Aussie slant on Italian food. The menu is yet to be decided - yes we are on tenterhooks !! Watch this space - we will not disappoint you ...........

[CUISINE ADAGIO] - Siena and the Periferia