Day two we traveled two hours north to Pienza, Italy in Tuscan region near Montepuciano.  Famous for its red wines and Pecorino cheese.  And as I will soon come to love, I discovered Truffles which is in abundance in the area.  We stayed at the Hotel Relais 11 Chiostro di Pienza.  It was once a convent, so you know it was beautifully kept.  The rate was $85 Euros which was a steal.  When I first walked out to the terrace I thought I walked into a painting, the rolling hills, the picturesque villas scattered at the peak of the mountain with the cypress trees.   This is one view I will always remember.  The town is set up like most of the Italian towns built surrounded by a wall with all little shop keepers from the butcher (Macellaio), the Cheese (Formaggia),  gelatio, News Stand (tabacchi) and trinket shops. 

We came to a court yard that had a restaurant or two each with outdoor seating with large umbrellas and cascading flowers along the balconies with wrought iron verandas and perfectly structured windows. We sat for lunch and ordered the house wine, Sperone Nudo.   Joe had a meat board and I had Panzanella, a beautiful blend of bread, cucumber, red onion, scallions, and olive oil.  I finished lunch with tiramisu cream and caramel, Spectacular.  It was so good we returned for dinner.  This isn't something that I typically do, but the food was so good that I figured the dinner can only be better, and I was correct.  We started with gnocchi with walnuts in a cream sauce, artichoke hearts,  and finished with spaghetti and black truffles. This turned out to be the best meal I have ever eaten.  All simple with a few ingredients to make this a perfect dinner.  This spot,  if in the area again will be a definite return.  I recommend this town, hotel and restaurant, perfecto!!