A Weekend in Casa Maria Luigia

Morning:

Arrive in Modena and check into Casa Maria Luigia. The villa feels like the country home of sophisticated friends who are also a lot of fun. The walls are adorned with Chef Massimo Bottura and his wife, Lara Gilmore's, fabulous collection of bold, contemporary art. Despite its luxuries, the inn is far from stuffy. There are surprises around every corner, from a fully stocked open kitchen to a mix-your-own-cocktail lounge to an album-filled music room with a single, throne-like armchair, a vegetable garden, and a peek into the chef's expansive Ferrari and Ducati collection.

Afternoon:

Have lunch at Trattoria Bianca in town for classic Modenese cuisine. We've had the best and most pillowy gnocco fritto here and the tortellini in brodo is a must have. Walk around the city center (Piazza Grande and the Duomo) before heading back to the hotel for snacks and aperitivo hour with some local Lambrusco.

Dinner:

Make sure to book ahead for the Francescana at Maria Luigia experience at the hotel. Guests are seated in community table while the chef, his wife and the staff prepare the dishes in an almost theatrical setting. Each dish is introduced with the story behind it and each plate is a work of art, rich with flavor and passion. Above all, if you are lucky like us, you may become friends with your table mates.

Morning:

Breakfast at Casa Maria Luigia is an event not to be missed. After breakfast, visit 4 Madonne Caseificio dell'Emilia for a tour of how parmigiano reggiano is made. Next stop is Acetaia Pedroni, a balsamic vinegar farm where a short tour is offered to learn about how balsamic vinegar is produced.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Acetaia Pedroni's Osteria Rubbiara where dishes are glazed with balsamic vinegar. The portions are huge and we shared each course for 2.

Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum or the Maranello Ferrari Museum, both of which are dedicated to the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the Ferrari car company.

There is plenty of time to go back to the hotel before dinner to sample more culinary delights or just lounge by the pool.

Evening:

If you did not secure a reservation or just not up for another long tasting meal at Osteria Francescana, Massimo Bottura's original restaurant, you can enjoy dinner at his casual spot, Franceschetta 58, where you can get the equally famous, Emilia Burger.