Jimmy on Food & Wine: Flavors of Tuscany & Umbria

Tuscany and Umbria are home to charming medieval towns and quaint, picturesque scenery. No matter where you look, the expansive green landscapes stretch out as far as the eye can see. Combine that with an exploration of Tuscany’s signature Brunello wines and Umbria’s savory truffles, and you’ll get a glimpse—through Jimmy’s eyes—of how multi-sensory Italy can be.

Expert tips for food photography

Tip #1 : Take the picture from a distance and zoom in on the plate, which will create a nice-looking blurry background. You can achieve a similar effect from using the macro mode of your camera, too.

Tip #2: Don’t use the flash—photos always look better using natural light. If you can, ask for a seat near the window to take advantage of the light.

Tip #3: In dark and candle-lit restaurants, using a tripod will help keep your photo from looking blurry.

Jimmy’s favorite dish: strawberry tiramisu

The group took a Tuscan cooking class at a local cooking school in Florence. While the main course of spinach and riccota gnudi was delicious, the dessert got top honors in Jimmy’s opinion.

“I had no idea that you could do a strawberry tiramisu, or that it was actually popular during the summer months. It surprised me how good it was! I made sure to eat plenty of it, as not to upset our chefs, of course.”

Jimmy’s favorite wine: Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello is a world-famous wine from the charming hilltop town of Montalcino, outside of Siena.

“I definitely have a soft spot for this wine. I just love everything about it, from the depth of its red color to the taste that reminds me of berries and vanilla. I’m a happy camper with a glass of Brunello and a great pasta!”

Want to learn more about Food & Wine: Flavors of Tuscany & Umbria? See the full tour itinerary here!