What about elevenses??

 "What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them doesn’t he?"

Oh yes, dear hobbits, he does. And Crema most certainly does too. Tucked away in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, the town of Crema feels like it was gently plucked from the pages of a well-loved storybook. With winding cobbled streets, sun-drenched piazzas, and ivy-draped facades, it’s the sort of place that invites you to slow down, settle in, and (most importantly) keep eating.

Because in Crema, there’s always another course. Always another glass. Always another reason to linger. Crema feels like it was built for second breakfasts and long, leisurely nibbling through the day.

Second Breakfast, Anyone?

There’s something delightfully indulgent about second breakfast. It’s not rushed. It’s not planned. It simply happens, like a pleasant surprise after coffee on a morning wander. And Crema excels at it.

Slide into a leafy café nook, where the coffee cups clink softly and the air carries the aroma of fresh brioche and espresso. Perhaps it's a creamy cappuccino with a sweet slice of torta sbrisolona. Or maybe a flaky cornetto with just the right amount of apricot jam tucked inside. Hobbits would be thrilled. And frankly, so was I.

Elevenses in the Piazza

Come mid-morning, the town takes on a gentle hum. Locals on bicycles, dogs trotting contentedly beside owners, and small groups gathering under umbrellas in the main square. This is the perfect time to sample a slice of focaccia from a nearby forno or nibble on panini stuffed with prosciutto crudo and a touch of stracchino cheese.

It’s not quite lunch, but it certainly counts.

In true hobbit fashion, we don’t worry about the next meal - we know it’s coming.

Luncheon and Beyond: The Day Unfolds Deliciously

Lunchtime in Crema is sacred. Whether you're tucked into a rustic trattoria or eating al fresco under terracotta rooftops, the options are endless and endlessly satisfying. Creamy risottos, hand-rolled pastas, and generous antipasti platters all find their way to the table.

Taralli to nibble, fresh burrata that melts at the touch of a fork, local wines that sparkle just a little in the sun. It's enough to make anyone believe they’ve stumbled into a hobbit's dream feast.

And just when you think you're done, someone suggests dessert. Or a digestivo. Or a stroll to “make room.”

Of course, room is always made.

Afternoon Tea, Italian Style

Now, Italy doesn’t exactly do tea the way the Shire might. But the spirit is the same. In Crema, afternoon hours are best spent sipping something chilled in the shade - a spritz, perhaps, or a crisp white wine from nearby vineyards. Pair it with biscotti, gelato, or even just a quiet moment with the town humming around you.

It’s not hard to imagine Bilbo himself enjoying a sunny spot by the Duomo, watching the world go by with a satisfied sigh and a slice of cake.

Dinner & Supper: The Grand Finales

As the golden hour paints the town in amber light, Crema comes alive again. Aperitivo signals the start of the evening.

Bite-sized snacks, sparkling drinks, and the promise of more to come.

Then dinner, often late, and always generous. Think steaming plates of tagliatelle with duck ragu.

Imagine rich polenta with slow-cooked meats, or simply grilled vegetables with a drizzle of local olive oil.

And of course, there's supper - a final chapter, if you will. A bit of cheese. A final glass. A conversation that stretches lazily into the night. There and Back Again (But Mostly There for the Food)

If you’re ever wandering and wondering where the next meal is coming from, just follow the cobblestone path to Crema. The food is plentiful, the wine is chilled, and there’s always, always time for one more course.

It’s a town that doesn’t just feed you; it welcomes you, wraps you in warmth, and whispers, “Go on, have another bite.”

Because here in Crema, as in the Shire, every meal is a celebration. Every table a gathering place. And every hungry traveller a friend.

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