Two by Land, and Sea

Are you wondering why the website is called “Two by Land, and Sea”? No? We are still going to tell you…

Our most favorite restaurant is located in the West Village, New York. That was the place where we ended up celebrating Irina’s 30th birthday, on our first visit to the Big Apple. A few years later, this was also the destination during a crazy weekend-trip, and finally the place where Andreas proposed to Irina.

Some people claim that “One if by Land, Two if by Sea” (which is the name of the restaurant) is one of the worlds most romantic restaurants. For us it is the place where we love to spend time, browse through our memories and enjoy being us.

Now, there is of course a story to the name, which goes back to America fighting for independence. In a poem called “Paul Revere’s Ride“, a lantern  should be lightened in a curch tower if the Britains are coming by land, two lanterns if they approach by sea.

If you are ever in New York, we recommend to book a table for a lovely dinner, and if you are going to get a drink or two (there is also a nice bar), cheer on us!

Everything has to come to an end… thanks!

If you already visited Tuscany, but latest once you are joining us for our wedding, you hopefully will understand why we felt in love with this piece of heaven on earth.

Here are some of our personal highlights and maybe you have time to do and see one or the other…

• Many say they create the best pasta in Italy. For us Martelli, located in a small village named Lari (around half an hour to the south-east of Pisa), is at least close to it. If you are interested, plan in advance and you can get a free visit of the manufactory.
• Where there is sun, there is wine. A little bit tourisic, but also one of the most recognized winemakers is Banfi. Their Enoteca is located on a hill an hour to the south of Siena, overlooking the beautiful wineyards of the area. “Recently” a restaurant was added, which we did not yet had the pleasure to try out. Maybe you will?
• The picturesque village Pienza, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is located an hour to the south-east of Siena. While you for sure want to visit the city, take time and sit in one of the charming cantinas to enjoy the local cheese, named Pecorino. Are you able to find the Via Dell Amore? Send us some evidence!
• If you are already a bit dizzy, no worries. We have heard that the police is not controlling during the summer time… if they do, do not blame us. And off you go to the area of Montepulciano for another drink or two (also south of Siena).
• Another UNESCO World Heritage Site… Florence. Ponte Vecchio, the cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, statues of naked guys… many things can be seen here (not what you are thinking of now).
• Guess in which “sports” Sergio Dondoli is two times world champion? If you are not good in guessing, visit his small Gelateria in San Gimignano (actually only an hour to the west from our wedding location). In the unlikely case you do not like ice cream (which cannot be, otherwise you would probably not be invited to the mentioned wedding), the city is also worth a trip by its own.
• A famous tower which you should visit is located in Pisa. Despite all the good intentions, the tower turned out a bit inclined. Run up or down the stairs if you dare… physics have never been so funny.
• The 5th UNESCO World Heritage in our list (San Gimignano is also one, as is the Leaning Tower of Pisa)… take some time and drive through the valley named Val d’Orcia, which is around Pienza. With a gentle wind blowing over the golden fields, it is hard to not forget time and catch yourself dreaming.
• Last but not least, spend some time the city of Siena. One of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. While most of the other locations are rather small, here you can wander around for a day.

These are only a few of the things you can delete from your Bucket List, even if you do not know yet that they were on it.

If you have any questions, e.g. about a possible transfer from the airport or train station to the wedding location, please do not hesitate to contact Irina or Andreas directly. Most likely you will have already a phone number or e-mail address. In case you do not, please use:

tuscany (at ) twobylandandsea (dot) com