produced within a few kilometers of Il Mulino di Roio, which certainly ensured their freshness. And, as at the Villa Danilo, in-season truffles were the order of the day, accenting several of the dishes. Yet the real treat here was the selection of grilled meats presented as the main course. The lamb in particular was grilled to perfection, giving new meaning to succulent. And at the conclusion of the meal, we were treated to a variety of dessert choices. Our favorite was a creation that reminded us of Crème Brule, with an Italian translation. It was distinguished by an almost perfect balance between its sweetness and the velvet-like texture of the custard.

Having checked out of the Villa Danilo, we headed towards our coastal home for the next two nights, I Trabocchi Hotel overlooking the Adriatic in the seaside town of Fossacesia Marina. I Trabocchi Hotel is a newer establishment, built since our last visit in 2007. It is blessed with a great location along the so-called Trabocchi Coast, which is famous for the seafood shacks jutting out over the Adriatic. The proprietors of these small eateries serve what could possibly be some of the freshest fish you'll find anywhere on earth.

Just a few miles inland, among picturesque olive groves that overlook the Adriatic, you'll find one of the area's best-known attractions, the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere. Although sections date to the time of the Romans, much of its current structure "only" goes back to the 13th century. The abbey complex was restored after World War Two and stands as one of the best representations of a Cistercian basilica around. A community of Passionists tend to it today.

After exploring the abbey, we returned to the