Azienda Agraria "La Valle" began as a macelleria, or butcher shop, in the space between state road 63 and the Auella river. We watched it being built and wondered why you need a butcher shop way out in the countryside.

Then they started hosting a little vegetable market. Shortly thereafter came the refrigerated cases for dry-aged beef steaks.

Being from California, one day we were driving by and absolutely knew there was an out of control fire around the property.

That's when we found out they had opened the property will grill stations fueled with wood, and the place was packed as people cooked their steaks, sausages and lamb over fires made for them. While they waited kids played soccer. It was a madhouse of people cooking, eating and having fun.

Then we tried it. Oh, boy, we had to try it again. As they say on all the big internet sites, "yum".

So here's the deal: You buy a set-up for 5 euro a person, which includes plates, cultery and water. Then you buy your food at the same price you'd pay if you were buying it and taking it home. It comes from their farm in the Lunigiana, so it's pretty much kilometer zero. They also have a fine selection of local artisan beer and wine.

Don't want to cook and aren't ravenously hungry? No problem, you can get a plate of cold cuts and cheese and snack as you admire the Lunigiana countryside. How cool is that?

Especially on weekends you should call and reserve a place.