Le focacce di Forte dei Marmi!
The best snack in Forte dei Marmi is undeniably the focaccia bread, and our group tasted stuffed versions at two of the city’s best spots where locals and visitors have been dining for generations – Vale’ and Orlando.
Kayla McCaig on Vale’, in the center of town…
Before it became a casual sitdown place, Vale, the shopowner’s grandfather , had created this recipe for the flatbread and being located along the beach, he sold it in a basket to those enjoying their time on the sand and in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It was cooked and sold in a “paper bag” style, which means that it was easily transportable for the beach lifestyle. It is now in its third generation of ownership. The focaccia itself tastes very soft and light, it crumbles easily in each bite. The stuffed version is warm inside and the various stuffings such as prosciutto and stracchino is baked right in along with the bread itself. When the focaccia is given to you it’s meant to be eaten right away so the bread keeps tender and warm. The smaller, disk-shaped focaccine are sold to this day in paper sacks to be eaten easily on the beach.
Jessica Kantak on Orlando, in the Roma Imperiale neighborhood of Forte dei Marmi…
While walking into Orlando I felt as if I was discovering a secret garden; a garden of bread. Orlando has a very exclusive, unknown feeling. Orlando is no broadcasted place. It is tucked away in a room of vibrantly green plants. Even when we stopped riding, I hadn’t realized that we had arrived. Orlando’s style for their focaccia is just as unique as the location. They are the perfect combination of crispy warm bread and creamy, salty, flavorful fillings. The mushrooms in mine couldn’t be contained when I took the first few bites. They flowed out as if they were demagnetized to the bread. The importance of Orlando, for me and for many, is the feeling of thinking you are a part of some secret club. It feels as if being one of the few to know about this local jewel is a perk given to those accepted to the focaccia club; a club of bread. Staff recommendation: don’t miss out on the peas, prosciutto, and cheese version!
First image by Melissa Lee, second image by Jessica Kantak.