The Macelleria Checcucci: meat, prosciutto & co in the counter & Tuscany on the plate
Every now and then I tell you in my blog about culinary highlights and delicacies that can be discovered in "my" Panzano in Chianti: In restaurants such as the Enoteca Baldi right on the piazza or in the bar La Curva and of course not to forget: in the Antica Macelleria Cecchini with its notorious owner Dario Cecchini.
But there's one place I haven't told you about yet: the Macelleria Checcucci. It's actually a typical Tuscan butcher's shop - but recently opened in new, larger premises and with a sensational lunch menu that is freshly prepared every day by Mama Checcucci. In other words, the Macelleria Checcucci is the second most important institution for meat and sausages in Panzano, although it is more of a place to go for the Panzanesi and therefore (still) a real insider tip for all connoisseurs.
A Tuscan butcher's shop straight out of a picture book
The Macelleria Checcucci is what you might call a traditional, typical Tuscan butcher's shop. Until recently, the small store was located in Piazza Ricasoli, halfway up from the village square to the church in Panzano. However, owner Filippo Checcucci decided some time ago that the old store had become too small and therefore moved to the new premises in Via Giovanni Daverrazzano number 17, together with production and sales.
Pippo - as the locals call him for short - is where you meet the people of Panzano when they buy their meat for their Sunday roast or the meat for pasta al ragù. And if you are planning a barbecue evening in your vacation accommodation, Pippo is the right place for you - here you will find everything a meat tiger's heart desires. In addition to the wide range of meats, you will also find what I consider to be the best prosciutto in Chianti, a fine fennel salami, typical salami Toscano, wonderfully spicy salsicce and many other meaty delicacies. Filippo Checcucci produces all of this in his own store with the help of many hard-working hands.
A real insider tip: lunch at Mama Checcucci's
The business has always been a family business. Even though dad Enzo has now retired from working life, mom Checcucci is still hard at work in the business. In the kitchen, that is. Since the move, "Risto" has been offering a lunch menu. Three to four different typical Tuscan dishes are served daily. So if you want to taste genuine, authentic "cucina toscana" without any frills, you should definitely pay a visit to Macelleria Checcucci at lunchtime.
And because, as we all know, a good meal should be accompanied by a good drink, they also sell them by the bottle at a very fair price. If you can't get a seat or are in the vicinity of the macelleria at another time of day, you should simply take a small snack with you: A panini with prosciutto, salami or cheese - simply delicious! And a slice of heavenly, spicy and juicy porchetta - the name of the famous Italian rolled pork roast - is said to have saved many a day!