Skip to Content
Features

John Bersani’s New Book Is about Friends & Recipes from Chianti

An expat in the heart of Chianti Country describes his new book dedicated to the friends and recipes in his adopted hometown.

Author John Bersani.

Author John Bersani.

What’s left to say about Italian cooking? And do we really need another “I moved to Italy and it’s so wonderful” book on our shelves? My answers are: “Plenty” and “I think so, yes.”

In the fall of 2001, my wife, three children, and I moved to Italy. Our four-month sabbatical forever changed the arc of our lives. A few years later, we settled in Gaiole-in-Chianti, a small village of 2,750 souls about an hour south of Florence in the heart of Chianti Classico wine country. Like most “stranieri,” we came for the food, wine, art, and culture. But we’ve stayed because of the people.

Two years ago, I started thinking about a book. “What,” I asked myself “could I possibly add to the thousands of books that have already been published about Italian cooking?” And: “Won’t a personal memoir turn into a trite cliché like so many others?” The answer to both questions, I concluded, was our close circle of local friends.

The cover of 20 Amici 40 Ricette; Friends & Food from the Heart of Chianti.
The cover of 20 Amici 40 Ricette; Friends & Food from the Heart of Chianti.

I’m happy to introduce you to 20 Amici 40 Ricette; Friends & Food from the Heart of Chianti. It’s a love letter to my adopted village, a tribute to the people who make it special, and a look at Italian cooking through the eyes of everyday people. It’s a peek at real life and real cooking in Italy.

Who will you meet and what will you learn? I’ll introduce you to my friend, Luciano, who rises at 5:00 a.m. to forage for mushrooms that are the base for a porcini-tangled plate of hand-made tagliatelle. You’ll meet Marcella, who has a deft hand with a béchamel and ragù-laced lasagna. We’ll venture to Florence to meet Giordano and Saverio Monni of Buca dell’Orafo, where dishes like groppa scallopata (grilled top round of beef) and traditional ribollita soup rule. And I’ll take you to Gaiole’s main piazza, where my friend Fernanda, her two daughters, and son-in-law carry on the traditions of a third-generation trattoria serving coccoli (literal translation “cuddles”)—fried dough balls with stracchino cheese and prosciutto that typify Chiantigiana comfort food. These are just a few of the 20 friends you’ll meet.

Tagliatelle with fresh Porcini Mushrooms. Photo by Nico Schinco.
Tagliatelle with fresh Porcini Mushrooms. Photo by Nico Schinco.

You’ll also get my two cents worth: opinions on cooking philosophy; essential pantry items; the nuances of great pasta cookery; why the bread is bad in Tuscany (it really is); favorite recipes from my own Italian American childhood; and lots of recommendations for places to stay, eat, and drink great wine in Chianti. Bonus: all of the incredible images captured by my collaborator and friend, Nico Schinco.

If you love to cook, travel and meet new and interesting people, I think you will enjoy 20 Amici 40 Ricette.  

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Lioni’s Burrata Wins Top Cheese Honor

America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Illustrated name Lioni’s Burrata Con Panna their favorite, celebrating its rich, creamy texture and authentic Italian flavor.

Four Must-Try Italian Seafood Dishes at Amo in NYC

Culture writer Rob LeDonne shares his must-order picks at Amo, the Union Square spot bringing authentic Italian seafood to NYC.

June 30, 2025

Salvatore Ferragamo on His Family’s Wine & Hospitality Interests

The grandson and namesake of the Italian fashion icon talks with Appetito about his family's wines and luxury resorts.

June 30, 2025

Sunday Shop: Vacation, Oliver Thomas, Kansha

Morgan Hines seeks out the best in not only food and drink but style, housewares, and more. Welcome to Appetito’s Sunday Shop!

June 29, 2025

Roberto Cavalli Partners with SKIMS for Limited-edition Swim Collection 

The Italian fashion house of Roberto Cavalli has partnered with Kim Kardashian's brand SKIMS for a limited-edition swim collection.

June 27, 2025
See all posts