As 2023 comes to an end, so we must say arrivederci to Tuscher Caffe, Cortona. For so many of us, it leaves a vacancy, not only in the middle of Via Nazionale, but also as our “go-to” gathering place. Like the song from Cheers, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came…” And that’s how it always was at Tuscher, plus of course, a hug or kiss and a warm smile.
For Len and me, Tuscher was many things besides a great bar and caffe. Tuscher was the place we’d have breakfast or lunch, drinks before dinner, meet friends or make new ones, and bring any visiting guests, except on Monday.
Tuscher was a family business, (with roots in Foiano) and its heart and soul were Daniela and Massimo. Although they will be sorely missed, we know they will be successful in whatever they choose to pursue. So rather that focus on “how sad”, I hope you find this tribute to be a walk down memory lane of some of the best times and heartiest laughs so many of us shared together.
It was actually our daughter Benita who introduced us to Tuscher after checking it out with a friend.
And to paraphrase Bogie (Casablanca), I must say it was truly the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Lots of relatives came to visit…
and so many friends too.
And then, there are all those we met, because at Tuscher, no one was ever a stranger.
Sometimes the festivities were off campus, come rain or shine!
Dinners,
olive picking,
and big celebrations too.
There were so many parties…
birthdays,
anniversaries,
and more birthdays.
But we really never needed a reason to go to Tuscher… good times were always on the menu!
And so to the Olivieri family, Niccolo, Edoardo, and especially Dani and Massimo, thank you for your love and friendship and for giving us this very special and unique gathering place. While Tuscher may be gone, the memories we and so many have made with you will last a lifetime.
We wish each of you great success, wherever the road may take you.
Happy New Year to all!
May your 2024 be filled with peace,
good health
and unexpected adventures.
Ciao and abbracci!
Judy
Please feel free to share a memory in the comment section. (Apologies if I didn’t have your picture!)
Blogging In Italy 
Beautiful tribute to an amazing institution that was untwined with your family and friends. Loved the pictures. God bless them and you as the new year begins.
Cousin Deb
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Thanks, Deb, and Happy New Year to you and family!
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It’s good to read your blog again. It was outside this cafe that we met you and Len in Sept 2015. You were so warm and welcoming. Hope our paths will cross again one day in Cortona. Wishing you all the best in 2024.
Carol and Greg Downs
Colorado
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Hi Carol, So true, we met so many lovely people at/in front of Tuscher…so sad. Hopefully our paths will cross again in Cortona. Happy New Year!
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Thank you, Judy. It felt so good to ‘feel’ in that space again. They are beautiful people with hearts of gold who made all who crossed their threshold feel better for having done so. Ann Frierson
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Thanks, Ann, I had hoped people would feel that way. What you said is so true:
“They are beautiful people with hearts of gold who made all who crossed their threshold feel better for having done so.”
Happy New Year!
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Fabulous pictures of people, outfits, parties, food! Hurrah Benita the scout!
It looks like this place brought you so much joy!
❤️
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Thanks, JK, Tuscher did bring so much joy to so many, and will be soreley missed.
Happy New Year to you!
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Beautiful and heartfelt tribute!! We too will miss Tuscher…. Via Nazionale and Cortona will never be the same. Wishing Massimo and Dani all the best🎉❤️🇮🇹
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Hi Bobbie, Thanks and agree, Cortona won’t be the same. Hope to see you in the fall. Happy New Year!!
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Lovely tribute! Looks like they hosted so many good times. I’m sure they will be missed!
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Thanks and yes, they will will surely be missed in Cortona but so many! Happy New Year to you!
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Love looking through all Judy’s wonderful pics! Saving this to reminisce on forever! All the spots inside, tables on the street, happiness is just spilling over! Massimo and Daniela, you’ve been the face of Cortona. Sending our best wishes as you move to a new beginning. It’ll be different but your talents and personalities will no doubt shine there. Face your future with confidence and here’s to a peaceful, healthy, joyful 2024!
Sandra Chiarandini ❤️🌈
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Sandra, so well said! Happy New Year!
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Ciao Giuditta,
Buon anno! What great memories you and Len made at Tuscher Caffe. Thanks for sharing.
Marco
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Ciao Marco, Thanks, Indeed we did. Buon anno to you and Mario!
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Memories captured forever. And in your blog each can be traced back to your diary to re-experience the feeing you had at the time. You have strung together your time capsules into a forever necklace. Beautiful.
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Thanks, Jean, a necklace I’ll treasure forever.
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So many wonderful memories made.
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So many, and so wonderful. Buon anno!
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