Slow Food, Fast Cars

The story and recipes of Casa Maria Luigia, Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore's idyllic guest house, set in the heart of the Italian countryside

When Lara and Massimo opened their guest house Casa Maria Luigia, they wanted to entertain their guests and give them the opportunity to experience the wonderful, earthy food of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. They achieved this and so much more. Casa Maria Luigia offers exquisite food, as well as amazing art, intriguing design objects, beautiful interiors, and an impressive collection of cars and motorcycles. Through illuminating texts, simple recipes, and evocative images, this book captures the extraordinary experience of staying at Casa Maria Luigia. The book features 85 recipes for dishes and drinks served at Casa Maria Luigia to make at home, including jams and preserves, cakes and pastries, frittatas and focaccias, salads, and drinks, as well as a selection of fish, meat, and vegetable dishes. At Casa Maria Luigia the past collides with the contemporary, and the recipes include seasonal variations as well as information about the dishes' origins and any regional ingredients.

This is the first and only book on Casa Maria Luigia, telling the fascinating stories behind every element, from the art on the walls to cars, design, the garden, and landscape, as well, of course, as the incredible food.

About the Authors

Massimo Bottura is the chef patron of Osteria Francescana, a globally celebrated three Michelin star restaurant based in Modena, Italy, where he grew up. The restaurant is now in the 'Best of the Best' group on the World's 50 Best List.

Lara Gilmore is a fine arts major, restaurateur, author, and hotelier. She met Massimo, her husband, while working in New York. Together they opened Osteria Francescana in 1995 and Casa Maria Luigia in 2019.