France & Italy

We are back from France & Italy! (i am allowing time for your jealously to work itself out...)

Continuing on, we enjoyed some fantastic and some "eh" foods while abroad. The culinary love of Italy goes out to Buca Mario, in Florence. Their gnocchi was the best I have ever had. We ate there TWO nights in a row, and I ordered the gnocchi twice. It was that good. Their desserts were outstanding, including the chocolate cake and the berry tart. The servers are generous with the limoncello, to which I say "Grazi!" On our way out of the restaurant, a very adorable fella gave us each a box of biscotti, made in the factory owned by the family who also owns the restaurant. La Spada, almost directly across the street, was also good, but their gnocchi paled in comparison to that of Buca Mario. Check back for photos later. It was so beautiful, it should be on a Christmas card, and from the Shady Kitchen, it just might be!

Traveling on to Rome, Rick Steves (whose guide to Italy appears to accompany every American traveler to Italy) recommended tartufo at Tre Scavli. I disagreed with many of his restaurant recommendations, however, this place was worth purchasing the book for (and now you don't have to, because I already told you about it). It was the best I have ever had as well, and is located in Piazza Novona. Easy to find and quite fantastic.

I will repost with the eating information when I find it again...until then, bon journo!