267265 Mon Dec 05 15:50:41 -0800 2005 7 26 International 0 1409127 We will be here for two nights in January and I am looking for leads. Preferably in town, although we are willing to drive outside town for a great lunch. Also any thoughts on local food (not wine) specialties to buy and take home. Mon Dec 05 15:50:41 -0800 2005 0 erica 1 1409128 Go to La Grotta just outside town by the San Biagio church for a great, although a bit pricey, meal. Il Conte Matto in Trequanda (about a 20 min drive) is a hit.. so is La Bandita (Bettolle)... In Montepulciano proper go to Acquacheta... With these four places on your list you will go home happy.. guaranteed! Mon Dec 05 15:54:07 -0800 2005 1409127 0 Tegia 2 1409171 Thanks so much. That is why I love chowhound~ Tue Dec 06 15:23:17 -0800 2005 1409128 0 erica 2 1409207 La Grotta is definitely worth it. Make a reservation. Be sure to check out the nearby church sometime in the daytime too. One of my favorites in all of Italy. It's a beautiful walk down from the city center, a wonderful activity for after lunch. Wed Dec 07 15:29:08 -0800 2005 1409128 0 Lisa 1 1409132 I stayed at the Mueble il Riccio this summer, which was wonderful! It's in a beautiful, restored palazzo, with mosaics and everything! Right near it is a restaurant, Ristorante ai Quattro Venti, right on the main piazza at the top of the town. Wonderful! I had the lardo on crostini, and some sort of mushroom and eggplant pasta that was great! Mon Dec 05 16:16:18 -0800 2005 1409127 0 Tarz 1 1409137 Be sure to do a search on the chowhound.com homepage for both Pienza and Montalcino. There have been several posts on both villages made here over the past 5-12 months. Mon Dec 05 20:37:39 -0800 2005 1409127 0 DavidT 1 1409210 Foods to take home would be pecorino cheese, almond cookies, panforte, and anything with hazelnuts. The meats will be confiscated at Customs, so don't bother. Wed Dec 07 16:20:15 -0800 2005 1409127 0 C. Thorndal 1 1409398 i agree with the acquacheta rec. The best food on our two week trip in italy, including cibreo (florence), ditirambo (rome), and la zucca (venice). The place was full of locals when we went and everyone was having a great time. The owner is a character. I recommend the pasta with black truffles, gnocchi with arugula pesto, salad with pears, and the bisteca florentina (the steak is brought out to you before cooking and they cook it perfectly, one of the best steaks I've ever had). The bill was 100 euros for four people, including wine, 4 desserts, 4 pastas, a salad, and steak for 4 Fri Dec 16 22:59:47 -0800 2005 1409127 0 lalala