The purpose of yesterday's visit was to meet with the Mayor at City Hall. Chuck wants him to officiate his wedding. There is also a huge farmer's market every Friday.
We all made the pilgrammage from where we parked to City Hall only to learn it was closed. Crazy Italians, huh? So we went to the farmer's market. It seems like no matter where you go to these things they are all about the same. Crappy junk everywhere, knock-off handbags, cheesy clothing made in China. Also, be on the lookout for pickpockets. I had my pickpocket radar on full scan when a small gypsy woman approached me begging for euros. Chuck shooed her away but she was soon back. I told her "NO, grazie!" and she started to weep. Even I, the biggest rube you'll ever meet, knew it was an act.
There were several stalls selling homemade cheeses and sausages and we had many samples. Yum.
An amazing array of fresh pastries:
This area in Italy grows a unique radiccio that is quite delicious.
Beautiful tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes.
By this time, Leonardo had met us and of course knew about everyone at the market. This might explain all the samples. He started quizzing us on what sort of seafood we liked. There was a huge booth there selling all kinds. After taking careful inventory, he met with the fish monger, an interesting fellow with dreadlocks and then made a phone call.
The fish market
Leonardo discussing seafood options with The Chuck
We cruised back to a restaurant in the theater district. I got whiplash looking at all the frescoes adorning many of the buildings. The buildings and the frescoes were centuries old and so very beautiful. The name of the restaurant was called Ristorante Teatro. Leonardo of course knew the owner who ushered us back to a small room which was also the monthly meeting spot for the local Vespa club. It was charming. Plates of food magically appeared with the ever-present prosecco. Chuck had met another guy that was a friend of Leonardo's. This fellow was a sculptor and marble repair specialist. In about an hour Leonardo's phone rang.
"Andiamo!" Leonardo commanded. Where to next? We walked on past more frescos with Chuck and his friend stopping about every 10 paces to discuss marble. Finally we made it to a nondescript restaurant. Who but to greet us but the dreadlocked fish monger?
The Fish Monger
His mother and sister ran the restaurant and he had taken the seafood order. A huge table was already set up with other patrons already in place. Later I learned that the state-appointed vineyard inspector guy was sharing a meal with us. He looked like Martin Scorcese.
One of innumerable platters being passed around
The food, of course was amazing, and once again I avoided the spaniel eyes because Gary was sitting right next to me.
That’s Gary on the right, seated next to Lynne.
Then we strolled (or in my case, waddled) back to the car. It took some time because of prosecco-infused marble discussions occurred frequently.
I dozed off, only to be awakened at yet another bistro. Mamma Mia!
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