Episode 43: Dario Cecchini

Dario Cecchini is a butcher. A simple man who takes great pride in his craft and his responsibility to provide his village of Panzano in Chianti with meat. Dario Cecchini is an artist. You may not think slicing and dicing a cow or a pig as work of art, but it is.  A skilled craft handed down through eight generations of Cecchini's, all father to son. What we are talking about is over 300 years of apprenticeship to master; traditions and secrets that that have stood the test of time. His studio is Antica Macelleria Cecchini; his tools are knives, cleavers, and a butcher's block. His masterpiece is Her Majesty the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, a T-Bone/Porterhouse cut and cooked to perfection.Dario Cecchini is a philosopher. There is a certain way the 60-year-old approaches craft, and it starts first and foremost with respect for the animal. His cows and pigs are raised naturally by people he knows, trusts, and respects. A very holistic and spiritual approach to the natural order of life. Dario Cecchini is an entertainer. He has been featured all over the world and in our view is the most beloved butcher in Tuscany, maybe Italy and the world! Featured on TV, radio, and magazines; Dario is a showman for thousands of tourist who visits Panzano every year. Yes, when Dario is not traveling the world he is in his shop, behind the counter, part work, and part showman for visitors from near and far.We have visited Dario's market twice, the first in 2011. A day trip to Panzano. We were blown away by the by the experience. We watched in wonder, as did many others as Dario was able to perform his craft effortlessly and yet interact and entertain actual shoppers and even the onlookers there for a free glass of Chianti Classico, and a crostini with meat and lardo. Blown away by the retail experience, we knew we had to return for dinner. There are three different options for dinner at three different price-points. Here's a piece of advice, make reservations! It's easy to do on the website and saves you the heartache of being turned away because there is no room at the table.In 2011, we opted for the cheapest dinner option, the Solociccino, which cost 25-euro per person. Wine is included in the dinner experience, but you are also able to bring your own bottles of vino and drink them without a corkage fee! We sat at a community table with locals and tourists and shared stories of our travels, families, and homes.  Here was the evening's menu:Spicy meat ragu on toastRaw vegetables to dip in extra virgin olive oilOur special saltGarbanzo and white beansBeef roastBoiled beef and vegetable saladBraised meatTuscan breadVittorio’s wine (a quarter liter)Water with and without bubblesCoffee, e.v. Olive oil cakeAfter several hours of food, drink and making new friends we walked out of the restaurant stuffed! But it was a dining intimacy we have never experienced before, and we vowed to come back on go bigger and better.In March of 2015, we did just that. We pulled into Panzano after sunset and starving.  Dario tells you to come with an appetite, and we did! Ready to take on Officina della Bistecca; in our humble opinion the best 50-euro you can spend.  Take a look at this mostly all-meat spread.Beef tartarSeared rump carpaccioCostata alla Fiorentina   (Bone-in Rib eye)Bistecca Panzanese    (Panzanese steak)Bistecca Fiorentina   (T-bone / Porterhouse)Raw vegetables to dip in extra virgin olive oilTuscan beans with e.v. olive oilBaked potatoesChianti “butter”Tuscan breadVittorio’s wineWater with and without bubblesCoffee, e.v.olive oil cakeGrappa and Italian Military spiritsDario was not here on this evening, but the "show" was every bit as entertaining and delicious as we expected it would be. Our company was again a mix of locals and tourist. You make friends for a night, but memories for a lifetime. It is humbling that Dario would take the time to talk to us on the Total Tuscany Podcast. As you listen, you will notice all his answers are in Italian, they are then translated into English by his wife Kim who is originally from the United States. You get an understanding of Dario's passion for his craft, his business, and his life. If there is one thing you do when visiting the Tuscan countryside, it is to visit Panzano in Chianti and visit Dario. His popularity has grown with time but the experience as remained faithful to its roots. Tell us what you think about the Total Tuscany podcast, please leave your comments below. Want to hear more from us? Sign up for our newsletter.