The Pasticceria of the two brothers, Paolo and Fabio Lucchesi has been well documented here on barganews with many articles over the years featuring their very successful business. The Pasticceria Lucchesi follows on a family tradition started by their father and uncle who used to run the Onesti bar back in the early 70s. They then moved their operations twice over the years before finally starting up the present Bar and Pasticceria Lucchesi seven years ago in 2003 (that article can be seen here) where they now make chocolate and pastries in their own bakery and specialist kitchens.
Their whole operation now employs a dozen people, but the bulk of the work during the small hours in the pasticceria is done by just three; Paolo, Fabio and Marco Bertolini. Fabio at a certain point disappeared from view after preparing focaccia and returned shaved and with a freshly pressed shirt and tie ready to take on the early morning shift in the bar leaving Paolo and Marco to carry on preparing the many different sweet pastries that later filled the glass cabinets in the bar. Marco and Paolo, with a combined experience of over 50 years in this business, take this in their stride. (article here)
Apart from the machine which now rolls out the pastry, replacing the work once done by rolling pins, all the other tasks in the process are done by hand and in the traditional manner. An incredible time consuming process, and one which unfortunately is no longer being taught as the Master Bakers all over Italy gradually retire and their place is taken by a machine. In fact, there is only one school of Pasticceria remaining in Italy – the time-honoured experience and know-how is generally passed from father to son while they work.
In 2007 the City of Barga gave its highest honour, the Premio San Cristoforo d’Oro to the Lucchesi brothers. (article here) Named for Barga’s ancient patron, Saint Christopher, the award is presented to celebrate extraordinary contributions to the town and its people. On a far more frivolous note – they also won the Best Toilet of the year award 2004 (article here)
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This afternoon they opened another extension to the Pasticceria giving a covered heated area for the cold winter months here in Barga. The inclusion of a real log fire in an adjoining room added that final touch to the warm and comfortable surroundings now on offer to their clients.