Guests

I just wanted to thank you for today. It was, hands down, the best day that I've had in Italy so far. I absolutely loved spending time at your property and learning how to cook from you. I've recreationally taken cooking classes everywhere from Argentina to Thailand and yours was by far the most beautiful, organized, thoughtful, and useful. It was an absolute pleasure..... I now have the challenge to re-create things like the carrot drizzle, cabbage chips, and bread...plus a long list of things to buy with the thermomix being at the top of the list! Thank you so much for being so hospitable and opening your stunning property to us.

Maeve
Boston

Absolutely Outstanding

La Petraia is a unique and magical hotel and restaurant in the Chianti Hills. The setting is absolutely fabulous, in the midst of an untouched hillside dominating Radda in Chianti and the 'Chiantishire'. The property has been restored with an impeccable taste, real attention to detail, and no expense spared. From the manicured gardens, beautiful linen, Riedel glasses and exquisite tableware, everything has been chosen with the utmost care. Here, you are far away from the pseudo-historic nostalgia that haunts so many Tuscan estates. This is Chianti of the 21st century. Beautiful, sharp, and very luxurious. The estate follows many of the bio-dynamic principles of Rudolf Steiner. It is largely self-sufficient: The meat you eat here has been raised on the property, the vegetables grown in the orchard, the salami cured in the cellars, the wine harvested in the estate's vineyard. Furthermore, all are organically grown. The work required to keep this going is incredible. But the result shines through, and the owners must be proud. The cuisine is exquisite, worthy of a Michelin star or even two. The menu is pretty simple, actually its not really a menu, just a list of what you will eat. The Tuscan roots are never far, especially through the wonderful ingredients, but the execution by chef/owner Susan Grant is extraordinarily contemporary. Here we found delicate textures, daring combinations, and a true feel for what is right. The finesse is extraordinary, and every dish has an incredible vibrancy. Prices are around 60 Euros, which is not cheap, but given the quality of the cuisine, and the luxury of the restaurant, a real bargain. A meal like this would set you back 300 € in any city. This address is yet to be discovered by many the jet set crowd, so take advantage of this hot tip before the waiting list grows! We'll be back as soon as possible

PS: Did I forget to mention that the service is impeccable? It is. And friendly too.

i-live-for-lunch
Paris, France
TripAdvisor

The Best Tasting Menu, Anywhere, Any Time

This treasure, where they grow practically everything served (except chocolate, coffee and salt, among a very few others), should be visited and enjoyed by anyone who travels to Florence, which is about an hour away by car. Although not easy to get to via small and twisted roads, it will be an experience that will NEVER be forgotten. The service was impeccable. And the multiple tasting courses went from best to best to best.

Blue1231
Washington, DC
TripAdvisor

I have some idea of the intense commitment required to pull such a complex project off, not to mention the backbreaking work and dedication to an ideal and I'm breathless with admiration. But I'm also impressed by the beauty you've captured every step of the way.

It's a dazzling location, intensely experienced through the contrast of untamed forest and harmonious cultivation around the house, a hauntingly lovely structure beautifully restored and renovated. I love the stone colour – the same stone for the terrace walls. Also the pure Tuscan driveway with the lavender fields and vineyards in the distance.

Our group fell into a state of bliss when we arrived, followed by a state of nirvana when we settled on the terrace, followed by ecstasy when the food and drink were served.

Susan, I had no idea you were cooking in the realm of the gods. I had heard the food was good but no one really managed to convey your mastery. The food "story" was an inspired match for the food and set up the lovely presentation which was artful with little artifice. But taste is what matters most and everything you served was intensely itself even in the crosscurrent of different flavours. I'm sure word is spreading as we speak. I'm reminded of Noma the new best restaurant in the world in Denmark with what, 12 seats? Who would've thought that could work?

Thank you so much for providing us with an unforgettable experience.

Isabel and Daniel
Toronto, ON

Just wanted to thank you again for a most exquisite stay at La Petraia... for your hospitality, service and extraordinary cuisine and for enlightening us to one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Gary
Toronto, ON

We were full of admiration for what you have achieved in La Petraia, architecturally, gastronomically and horticulturally and the attention and commitment to your organic garden and farm. The meal was flawless, beautifully presented and served and your staff and team of young apprentices did you proud…We would like to complement you and Michael for fashioning such an unique enterprise that brings together environmental commitment, history, aesthetics and culinary excellence.

Ramanie
Reading, UK

My colleague Alain came back from Italy today. He remains ecstatic about his visit to La Petraia.

Thank you very much for hosting him. He still raves about his 6-star experience, the best meal of his life as he quotes it.

Nic
Montreal

I feel very honored to have come…Your home, farm and cooking space is peaceful, magical and inspiring.

Janice
Ellison Bay, WI

We wanted to write you a quick note to let you know how incredible our experience and meal was this afternoon! La Petraia is absolutely breathtaking and each and every course was phenomenal…from the tomato rice chips to the Cinta Senese sausage…to the fresh picked berry dessert…We are so impressed that everything we ate today came from your land…

Ben and Jesse
U.S.

Just a few lines to tell you what a wonderful accomplishment you have achieved with La Petraia. The time, effort, love and investment you have made in the property has resulted in a truly special place. The ambiance is only surpassed by the food and although we know differently - you have made it look effortless.

Your dedication to authenticity and the importance of the land puts the Italians to shame. If Tuscany still holds any magic, it is because of creative and caring people like you and Michael.

Tom and Melinda
San Gimignano, SI

Susan, we were so impressed and remain impressed. You and Michael have put so much thought into your operation and it shows. The cleanliness is appreciated, the fixtures and decorating are exquisite...the fact that you try so hard to support artisans makes a real difference. The food was better than many of the top restaurants we have visited in our travels…and you have such skill and a grace in the kitchen that is truly admirable. The quality at La Petraia is unsurpassable and I'm not just saying that...we expected a great experience and instead we found Utopia.

Twyla
Winnepeg, MB

I just have to tell you that you have written one of the best cook books I have read. I READ cook books but cook a lot myself too. I have an old castello in Liguria and thought I knew pretty much what could be known about Italian cooking.(excuse my very Danish English).

Your cook book is just great. You write well, and .... well…I do not have time to elaborate on your greatness right now. Lots of thanks and love,

Vibeke
Copenhagen

I just bought your wonderful book "Piano, Piano, Pieno" and I love it! I just want to thank you for writing it and giving people a different view of Italy and Italian cooking - the real one…Thank you for your great work with La Petraia, people like you and your husband make this planet of ours a better place!

Delia
Victoria, BC

La Petraia is as charming as its surroundings, an exquisitely restored stone house with private, beautifully appointed apartments for guests… But even more than its magnificent location and elegant accommodation, visitors seek out La Petraia for the food.

Mmmmm, the food...lovingly prepared in the modern kitchen by Susan..........In the morning, we awoke to croissants and brioche, warm from the oven. Each evening, Susan presented a masterpiece: a multi - course Tuscan meal, featuring entrees such as cinghiale (wild boar) from the property, venison, lamb and rabbit, with fresh vegetables and herbs from La Petraia's garden, and wine from one of the local estates.

Our visit passed all too quickly.

Penny Caldwell
Editor, Cottage Life Magazine

You have a very special place at La Petraia (it's the villa of my dreams!) and your generous hospitality made its mark on us…I think you and your husband and La Petraia have inspired me to follow my heart more and get doing what I really want to do.

Carol
Ottawa, ON

What a wonderful book! 'Piano, Piano, Pieno', is not just a cookbook. Neither is it a coffee-table book. Rather, we are lucky enough to have here, a companion to the Tuscan way of life as depicted through its food and its place in the Italian day. With its many delicious recipes it is a book for the kitchen. But, it is also a book to be read and savoured as a source of information about a subject fast becoming obsolete - the utter enjoyment of the natural life, of organisms with which we interact, and from which we derive pleasure and nourishment. That is mouthwatering.

Ann
London, ON

Not just as a recipe book, but even as non-fiction, it is just so enjoyable to read… I look forward to trying some of the recipes; I think I’m even inspired to try homemade pasta for the first time.

Liz
Chicago, IL

I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying reading your book – what a beautiful and inspiring adventure you are on.

Joan
Port Hope, ON

Thank you Thank you Thank you for Piano Piano Pieno… I can't tell you how much I love it. I am an avid reader and I love to cook. I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and I find your book very inspirational.

Deb
London, ON

I have just previewed your new book 'Piano Piano Pieno' and felt compelled to congratulate you on a masterful achievement…Just when I thought that for sure I do not need one more Italian cookbook (I own 3 shelves full), along came your 'Piano' - a new must have!

Why? For it's studied authenticity,... Genuino!, and because, unlike many cookbooks today, it is refreshingly unpretentious. Bravo!

Gerri
Victoria, BC

I was so enthralled with your book…I am halfway through reading it, and I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I am! This is not a cookbook, but a testimonial to the Italian way of life and culture… Thank you for publishing such a great book… Just wanted to let you know I am a HUGE fan!

Joanne
Pittsburg, PA

If you share the passion for cooking and travel, always dreamt about visiting Tuscany but didn't get a chance yet: here is a perfect chance to try authentic Tuscan cuisine at home. The solution? Susan McKenna Grant's latest book: Piano, Piano, Pieno! All the ingredients are fresh, the flavours are intense, each recipe has a history behind it. What a wonderful journey for the tastebuds and imagination!

Victoria
Milton, ON

This is far beyond a recipe book! It is a delightful read, filled with lessons on life, passion and the art of fabulous food. I enjoyed it thoroughly!

Kristy
Whitby, ON