Slow Food Fast Cars

I just finished the new book “Slow Food Fast Cars”, which reminds me of my memories and emotions after visiting Casa Maria Luigia in 2022.

“Slow Food, Fast Cars: Casa Maria Luigia – Stories and Recipes” is a captivating book that unveils the enchanting world of Casa Maria Luigia. This guest house, or rather, your home away from home, was crafted by the esteemed chef Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore. Nestled in the Italian countryside near Modena, this one-of-a-kind haven is a living testament to the couple’s love for hospitality and culinary traditions of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.

The book includes recipes, personal essays, and evocative photography that weave the narrative of Casa Maria Luigia.

The book is a culinary treasure trove of recipes, offering a delightful array of breakfasts, brunches, and all-day snacks. From frittatas and focaccias to salads, cakes, pastries, jams, and preserves, it’s a culinary journey that mirrors the diverse flavors of Case Maria Luigia while enjoying the countryside. 

The book is more than a cookbook; it is an experience of enjoying the best traditions in a contemporary way.

Massimo Bottura, the culinary genius behind the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria Francescana, and Lara Gilmore have poured their hearts and souls into crafting a space that is a testament to their profound adoration for the Italian way of life. The guest house is a visual feast adorned with contemporary art, unique design objects, and an impressive collection of Italian cars and motorcycles, beautifully captured in the pages of “Slow Food, Fast Cars.”

The book’s personal essays are a window into the creators’ minds, sharing the intimate stories behind the food, the design, the cars, the vinyl collection, the garden, and the country landscape that make Casa Maria Luigia a place of magic. It’s a journey that engages the senses and the soul, urging readers to pause and relish the moment, much like the slow food movement that inspired the book’s title.

“Slow Food, Fast Cars” is not just a book; it’s a sensory and culinary adventure that epitomizes the essence of slow living and fast cars. It’s a celebration of the beauty of simplicity, the joy of cooking, and the art of hospitality.

I highly recommend the book to everybody who loves food and great hospitality. To get the full experience, a trip to Casa Maria Luigia must be on your bucket list. Also, don’t forget to plan to eat at one or more of Massimo Bottura’s restaurants, like Osteria Francescana, Francescana at Casa Maria Luigia, or Al Gatto Verde.