Column: that little shop

Italy is known for everything. Sun, sea, culture, beautiful old villages and castles and… of course the food! I always heard about small shops with the most delicious products. Hand-cut raw ham, the best pasta, pickled artichokes and locally produced tomato sauce in glass jars… Somewhere in the corner you'll find dusty packets of dishwashing liquid and paper napkins.

Modern shopping centers and large supermarkets

Those little shops with all kinds of things have slowly disappeared from the streets, along with the old warped people who still came and also served there.

Modern shopping centers predominate and if there is no place for a real shopping center, then at least a large supermarket. Small shops can't compete with that. That's how I learned over the years how Italy was globalizing and losing some of its character.

A new old shop

In the village where I now live – Montespertoli – such an old shop has opened again for over a year, against all expectations. With a slightly modern twist, the place is run by two sisters and their 'followers', all young and fond of good food. Good food as it used to be common everywhere in Italy, but nowadays you really have to look for it.

A small shop selling locally baked sourdough bread from ancient grains grown nearby, local hams and salami, a delicious selection of cheeses (all from the area) and a range of excellent quality food.

No toilet paper

The rolls of toilet paper are missing and so are the wrinkled owners, but you don't really miss them. These young people have picked up an age-old concept and very successfully in a modern way (with modern key) reintroduced. Don't be afraid of the supermarket. And indeed, they have nothing to fear.

I'Licchio is located in Via Roma, Montespertoli. Next to the greengrocer that seems to have been there for centuries (and besides vegetables you will indeed find green soap and cleaning products here), but more about that another time!