amy lashelle

The old, intricate history of Rome, the quite romantic bridges of Venice, the stunning scenery of Cinque Terre, the colors and romance of Florence… they were all wonderful… but the real reason we actually chose to go to Italy: the food. That’s right, we chose our destination based on the cuisine.

I love to travel, would go anywhere, but G-man needs a bit more enticing. He could eat spaghetti every day of his life, and be totally content. So… the “real deal” Italian Spaghetti was the ticket that convinced him this trip was a good idea. And (my favorite part) he ate spaghetti every dinner. Literally. I had lobster Ravioli from the fishing villages of Cinque Terre, Pesto, fresh caprice sandwiches, five cheese crapes, and fresh artichoke raviolis. And he had spaghetti. And loved every plate of it. I love him.

But, to give him a break, he did branch out and have pizza most lunches… or sandwhiches made on this tasty bread… and the unanimously favorite pizza was this awesome little hole-in-the-wall shop we found in a back ally of Rome. TASSSTY

And for all you foodies out there, these are my two favorite meals (I thought of you all as I was taking pictures of food, you would have been proud)

The first was our first dinner in Cinque Terre. It was this super cheesy place, complete with blue lights on the floor

(and check us out – totally representing UTAH. yeah. ok… need to defend my wardrobe – it was ALL of the warm stuff I had brought… and still had to hold on to g-man’s hand for a little extra warmth…oh but so worth every freezing second)

Dinner started with AMAZING bread dipped in olive oil that had garlic cloves soaking in it, and a fresh salad with balsamic vinegar. And this is what I don’t get – I’ve made these two appetizers a million times, but somehow, sitting in that restaurant it blew my taste buds up. Such a simple food, made so fresh and tasty

G-man’s spaghetti *smile* and my lobster raviolis. I think they caught that lobster when I ordered. It was that fresh.

A tasty meal topped off by gelato. Mmmm

In the background there you can see our surprise, as we were waiting for our gelato, they brought us each a glass of homemade limoncello. The house specialty.

The second was our last dinner in Florence, which also happen to be our actual anniversary, which was at an exquisite restaurant as a wonderful gift from my aunt & uncle. La Giostra was THE most romantic time of our whole trip. Even trumped the walk of love. You walk down an ally behind the Dormo, and this old door is paired with a red glowing window (can’t be a restaurant I am thinking to myself), and it is the only establishment on the street. So, in we walked, and just happened to glimpse written on the side of the door “That’s amore.” And it was.

Candles lit the entire place, helped only by strung sparkly lights, and the reflection from wine bottles sprinkling the walls.

The owner brought us this appetizer plate, “compliments of the chef.” I couldn’t tell you half of what was on there, but I could tell you there was not one thing that was below amazing.

Our “first plate” of prosciutto and bread,

ollowed by a “second plates” of pasta. These were so tasty looking I forgot to take pictures (I know, I needed one of you foodies with me to remind me!). We then topped off our 2-hour dinner with Tiramisu and Macchiato.

Speaking of macchiato, every morning I had mine, and g-man had his cappaccino each paired with flaky, soft pastries with just the right touch of sweet. it’s what they have for breakfast in heaven. I’m certain.

All I can say is, Italian cuisine defiantly lives up to its hype. Amazing. Now that we are back in Salt Lake City, we still have a few places that are oh-so-close to the real deal. So, if I’ve made you drool a bit (just wipe it off), you can head over to one of our favorite SLC Italian spots: Tucci’s or Fresco. But, we are always on the look out for other great restaurants. Do you have a favorite we should try?