Dario Cecchini (Click on the image to enlarge) The entrance to the shop. Standing there is Dario's brother in law

Antica Macelleria Cecchini Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita mi ritrovai per una selva oscura, che la diritta via era smarrita. Dante, Inferno, Canto I I was not bound. I let myself go completely; went To those indulgences, half actual, And half were turned about in my own brain; Went into the illuminated night; And drank strong wines, as when The champions of pleasure drink strong wine. Costantine Cavafy, I went I visited Antica Maecelleria Cecchini on a hot Sunday in July 2006. The shop was full of clients having a glass of wine and salami, meatloaf, bread dressed in olive oil, bread with burro del chianti and olives. Everything on offer was made by the shop, even the wine. In July 2006, Dario opened a restaurant, Solociccia, just across the street from the Macelleria. Here are my first impressions from "Solociccia". I introduced myself to Dario Cecchini, the proprietor, and asked for a Bistecca Fiorentina. This is what started a jovial conversation that covered among other things retsina, Mount Athos, and ouzo drinking in Greek kafeneio. There was no Fiorentina, but it did not matter. There is so much on offer that one can do without a Fiorentina. At some point I raised my head and I realized that the shop is a not an ordinary meat shop! And Dario Cecchini, is not an ordinary butcher! You can see Dante in the corner above Dario's head. During our short conversation Dario mentioned that his preferred Greek contemporary poet is Costantine Cavafy. I had to rush to catch a flight. I know I will return. The Fiorentina is waiting for me. And as the saying goes "he who has eaten a Fiorentina has nothing to be afraid of".