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Italian, Italy, Roma, Rome, Rome eats

Ristorante Sant’Anna : Rome: Casual Local Place in Rome solid food and great prices !

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After many years away, our recent return to Ristorante Sant’Anna felt like reconnecting with an old friend who’s only grown more charming with time. This beloved Italian restaurant, nestled in Rome, continues to deliver exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and an ambiance that captures the essence of la dolce vita. For anyone seeking authentic Italian flavors and a dining experience that stands the test of time, Sant’Anna remains a must-visit gem. Many similiar sounding place so be sure to check the address its on Via di S.anna/

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Brunello, Italian, Italy, Tuscan, Wine

Demetra Montalcino: Stunning Views and Exquisite Field-to-Table Cuisine amazing wines.

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The menu is a love letter to field-to-table dining, showcasing ingredients grown on the farm’s three vegetable gardens, orchard, and olive groves, or sourced from trusted neighboring farms and Italian organic producers. Each dish bursts with freshness and flavor, reflecting the farm’s commitment to sustainability and quality. A standout was the hand-rolled pici pasta with a vibrant heirloom tomato sauce, its simplicity allowing the garden-fresh ingredients to shine. The roasted vegetables, drizzled with the farm’s own olive oil, were a testament to the power of pure, local produce.

The main course, a tender pork loin infused with rosemary and paired with orchard-fresh figs, married savory and sweet in perfect harmony. Desserts, like a silky panna cotta topped with vineyard grapes, provided a delightful finish. Every bite tells a story of the land, crafted with care and rooted in Tuscan tradition.

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Italian, Italy, Roma, Rome

DA Francesco: Rome; Pizza , Pasta and Love

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Returning to a favorite from the old Continental Airlines days. We always enjoy our meals at Da Francisco it’s evolved from a pizzeria to a more fancy restaurant but still great !! They always remember Lori and bring her a special pizza. The food is always excellent in a friendly causal setting.

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Italy, Tuscan

Cantanapoli: Cortona Neapolitan fish cuisine in Tuscany a favorite of ours for 20 years,

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Cantanapoli is more than a restaurant; it’s a love letter to Neapolitan fish cuisine, written in the heart of Tuscany. After 20 years of dining here, we’re still enchanted by the impeccable seafood, the Sorrentino family’s hospitality, and the way every visit feels like a celebration. Whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring Cortona, Cantanapoli is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Italian flavors in an unforgettable setting.

Plan a visit to Cantanapoli and discover why this Cortona gem continues to capture hearts, one exquisite dish at a time. We’re already looking forward to our next meal at this beloved Tuscan treasure.

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Italian, Italy, Tuscan, Uncategorized

Latte di Luna Pienza: : 20 Years of Authentic Tuscan Pici and Maialino Delights in a Storybook Town

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What sets Latte di Luna apart is the love woven into every detail. From the handmade pasta to the family’s warm presence, it’s clear that this is a labor of passion. Over two decades, we’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and beautiful afternoons here, each visit adding to a tapestry of cherished moments. The consistency of their food and hospitality is remarkable—every dish as exquisite as the first time we dined here, every welcome as warm as the last.

Latte di Luna is not just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the power of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal. To anyone visiting Pienza, this is a must-visit destination, not only for its extraordinary food but for the chance to experience true Tuscan soul. We’re already counting the days until we return to our Italian family’s table. The Maialino is unbeatable !!

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Italian, Italy, Roma, Rome, Rome eats

al Moro , Roma: Great food and History near the Trevi

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Al Moro delivers an authentic taste of Italy with dishes that honor tradition while showcasing culinary skill. The combination of exceptional food, a robust wine selection, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true Italian dining experience. We consider this to be one of our favorites in the “Fancy” category of Rome resteraunts.

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France, French Food, Paris

Le Florimond, Paris

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We have lost count as to how many times we have dined at Le Florimond. Lori and I  bring our family to Le Florimond when we are in Paris. This restaurant features home style french food.  It’s like eating at your French Grandma’s house. Our favorites included Grandma’s stuffed cabbage and the mille-feuille. Rather than try to choose a wine let Laurent do it for you. Laurent is the manager of the dining room and our friend. I have reservations about revealing Le Florimond to the masses, I don’t want it to get so crowded by tourists that it looses it’s charm. Send our regards to Laurent and enjoy an authentic French dinner.

Le Florimond

19, Avenue de la Motte-Picquet
75007 Paris
Tél. : 01 45 55 40 38

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Quebec City

Legende , Québec City, Canada

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We had one of the best tasting menues that we have experienced. This was a great experience in all categories; of food , service and decor. While we rarely choose to rerun a tasting menu this is an exception , we shall return in the future which is the ultimate compliment.

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Italian, Italy, Tuscan

Ristorante IL Molo on Lake Trasimeno, Tuscany, Italy : Creative Seafood and beautiful presentations in a casual atmosphere

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We got in the car and drove out to Lake Trasimeno our old favorite was still there but the owner has passed so we decided to try something different. We were greeted by a couple of beautiful amuse-bouche, a lovely sponge and small taco. Our starter was the Octopus in potato cream black pesto , I highly recommend it !! Pasta was the “Spaghetti Mancini” perfectly cooked and delicious. the main was a Brook Trout with Leak Blanquette another winner !! We loved our lunch and will definitely return. This is a family bushiness, they all love what they do and it shows.

Il Molo
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Italian, Italy, restaurant, Roma, Rome

EMME Restaurant , Rome , Italy Classic Roman with a modern flair.

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Located in the Small Luxury Hotel Margutta 19 near the Spanish Steps this small gem has a very serene patio. We enjoyed some fresh seafood and traditional pastas,. The EMME special with Vesuvio Piennolo cherry tomato, fennel tarallo and crusco pepper from Lucania. and CALAMARATA CACIO E PEPE: Rings of short pasta with mint leaves and roasted octopus. The food was excellent and service professional. This was a very relaxing meal away from the bustling streets of Rome.

Cacio e Pepe
EMME special
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Italian, Italy, Roma, Rome, Rome eats

Dal Bolognese: Rome Italy

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One of our favorites in Rome. Dal Bolognese is the place for special occasions in Rome. It’s frequented by celebrities The food is all high quality and wine list surprisingly has many great choices in the 25-40 Euro range. The meal in general is less expensive than a meal of equal quality in NYC. Food 9 Service 9 and value 9. UPDATE: May 2022 , Glad to report that things only get better at Dal Bolognese !! Hope you get there while they still have the Red Prawns Pasta !!

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Italian, Italy, Tuscan

Relais la Leopoldina and Ristorante Walter Redaelli

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We arrived at Relais la Leopoldina as guests and depart as family !! We had the pleasure of staying at the relais for 13 nights and it wasn’t enough. Our room had an amazing view ! It had all the amenities required to keep my wife happy for the entire stay. Angela the Chef’s wife was a gracious and welcoming host. The morning breakfasts were a very pleasant surpise but then again Walter wouldn’t let anything pass out the kitchen door that wasn’t great. I love a good omelette and unfortunately very few places do it correctly, when I was served my first Omelette at breakfast I was in heaven !! The entire staff were very helpful and friendly especially Carmen.

During our stay we had several romantic dinners by ourselves and hosted two small parties for our local friends. We preferred to dine outdoors and the weather did cooperate. Our guest were extremely happy on the patio with the great food and friendly service. rather than review every dish individually with you , I’ll give you a brief description of the cuisine. Walter uses seasonal product sourced in the local area many producers within a 10 minute radius. The menu is constantly changing according to product availability. He then prepares them perfectly being a master chef in the area for decades !! Most of the restaurant customers are locals and therefore it doesn’t close for the season like many in the area. Dress is smart casual. My only recommendation is don’t pass on the Steak it’s a life changing experience !!

www.relaislaleopoldina.it

View form our room
Lori at Breakfast
Perfect Omelettes
Starter:Sardines and Shrimp
Homemade Pici bacon and asparagus
Homemade Tagliatelle with local cheese and Cinta Sense bacon
Chianina Beef Carpaccio
Local Blu Egg
Perfect temperature on the Blu Egg
Amazing wine list
Sea Bass
Lamb
The Best Steak I’ve ever eaten !! Chianina Beef !
Rabbit stuffed with sausage
Cheese Cart
Amazing Cheese Cake
Beautiful view
Photo with the Chef
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Florida, Palm Beach

Dada: Delray Beach FL

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We haven’t been to DADA for many years and wondering why we waited so long.  Started with Brunt Pork Ends !! Yummy and nice size portion definitely enough to share. The Wedge was impressive nice dressing.  Brie is sweet and gooy delicious ! Crab cake was nice.  Pork Schnitzel was nice tender and not grease !!  Yum !! Hanger Steak special was a bit too overwhelming with the veal Au jus.  Served the without the Au Jus it would have been outstanding !  Great Service and professional management !

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Kennebunkport ME, restaurant

White Barn Inn, Kennebunkport ME

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Excellent dinner at the White Barn Inn !! Every course was incredible !! Amuse was a squash soup followed by Lobster tagliatelle, Lobster Bisque (perfect) and Kenebunk Lobster. Desert Soufflé and Lemon Olive Oil Semifredo. Food 9.0, Service 8.0 and value 8.0

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Food, Italian, New York NY, NYC eats

Charlie Bird NYC

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An excellent lunch special with Lori Mendorff Klugman. A very pleasant surprise! Faro and Gem salads were excellent. Carbonara was very nice : pasta cooked perfectly as was crispy pancetta, conservatively cheesed and nice egg yolk. This is one of the better Carbonara’s we had in the US. Cocktails and wine list not extensive but adequate. The gnocchi were disappointing and returned. We certainly would recommend and return. Food 8.5 , Service 8 and value 8.5. Btw: 2 course lunch is 32 dollars.

 

 

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France, French Food, Wine

Clown Bar, Paris

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Our first visit to the Clown Bar. The location is a bit out of the way near the Cirrus area. The ambiance featuring the Clowns is very intersting as is the food. The food is for those who are adventurous and eat everthing. This is not for your average Grandma. I persaonlly would recommend it only if your a foodie and have several days to explore otherwise there are more essential stops.

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French Food, Paris, Wine

L’avant Comptoir De La Mer

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Disclaimer : we really didn’t eat all this food or drink all this wine ! Maybe ???…..LOL

This is really a double post for our two favorite wine bars in Paris. L’avant Comptior and it’s younger sister, L’avant Comptior De La Mer. Tell Eric ( manager/barman at De La Mer) we sent you and follow his recommendations !! Chef Yves Camdeborde has created an amazing variety of small plates to serve at his wine bars next door to his iconic Le Comptoir. You can spend hours exploring the culinary delights displayed on the menu located on the ceilings. They offer many wines by the glass which is the way you want to go, so you can try a few different ones with your food. This is a destination not to be missed on every visit to Paris !!

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