Before I can explain the crazy title let me first talk about today. I had my first quiz in Italian - I think I did OK. We will find out Monday... Its so hard when the teacher does not speak a word of english - but I am starting to follow much better
After school we went back to the room and had a small lunch because we had to prepare for dinner. I had read about this restaurant in one of my Florence books, and then researched it heavily online. Its called Cibreo Teatro del Sale. Before I talk about how amazing the food was and how I almost cried when the meal was over let me explain the concept. Its sort of a private Italian club that you have to pay a 7 euro membership fee to join. Once you join you get access to the theater/restaurant. For dinner 30 euros get you the 11 courses and unlimited wine (yes!) and water and a show. How can you beat a deal like that?
These are the carafes to fill up with water - thought this idea was so cool.
When you first walk into the dining room its hard not to notice one straight wall with glass and windows. This is the kitchen, where you can see the chefs prepare the feast you are about to embark on.
Another shot of the dining room shows the stage where after dinner a show is performed. Different shows on different nights anything from plays, musicals or concerts.
The best part of the courses is the chef throws open one of the glass windows and sings what the course is, in italian of course, and everyone runs up to get some.
Course Number 1- some kind of polenta semolina maybe? It was delicious and I could have just ate this all night and would have been happy.
Course Number 2 - Anti-pasta. A wide variety of different cold salads, potatoes, beets, peppers etc. Drooling already.
Course Number 3 - Minestrone Soup - I am not a huge fan of Minestrone BUT THIS WAS AMAZING. I literally almost licked the whole entire bowl clean. But we had to slow down if we were going to survive this meal.
Side course - THE BREAD. It was a homemade bread just brushed with Olive Oil and Salt. PLEASE GIVE ME ALL OF IT.
Course Number 4 - A cold beef stew sort of - beef, peppers, potatoes, deliciousness. I am crying out of excitement at this point.
Course number 5 (almost half way there, is it appropriate to take my belt of now?) - THE FISH! A simple white fish covered in olive oil, white whine, garlic ? I am guessing BUT IT WAS AMAZING.
Course Number 6 - This took a few seconds to figure out - Turkey Meatball! Sounds different and it tastes different but in the best way possible - Mom better step up your game!
Course Number 7 - Pants are feeling tight- Pasta Pomodoro with a nice kick - Seconds? Thirds anyone?
Course Number 8 - THE UNREAL CLAMS - PLEASE JUST POUR THE BROTH INTO MY MOUTH. I want to buy a water fountain that just serves this spicy sauce that the clams were smothered in. The chef kept yelling Piccante! Piccante! (Spicy! Spicy!) The spicier the better in my book. NOM NOM NOM
Course Number 9 - Muscles in a lemon, olive oil and parsley sauce. SO different then what I am used to - garlic, onion, wine base sauce. BUT OF COURSE IT WAS AMAZING. I had seconds!
THE KITCHEN! How amazing in this?! If you are ever in Florence this is a must.
Course Number 10 - The main meat - CHICKEN! and potatoes. Rosemary and other amazing spices filled my mouth up as I devoured the chicken and went up for seconds. I do not know how I lasted this long without fainting but I am coming close the finish line and I dont want it to end!!!!
THE MAN OF THE HOUR! Fabio Picchi - The Italian Santa Claus. He might be better then the real thing because I would rather this meal under my christmas tree then any present in the world. Adopt me?
Course Number 11 -DESSSSSEEEEERRRTTTTTTT! - No great meal is done without some chocolate cake so moist and warm that it literally melts in your mouth. Oh whats that on the side?! BANANA GELATO. YES I HADE TWO SERVINGS OF IT. YES I REGRET NOT GETTING THREE.
My face when I realized I finished course 11.
I could eat this gelato by the bucket. Maybe I did.....
The main draw to this heaven is not only the food but the entertainment. After our bellies were full and I could not move from my chair, Maria Cassi began her comedy musical - in italian - about her love life. It was hysterical and beautiful and I think Italian for now on should be sung and not spoken. Surprisingly I understood alot of what was going on and if I didn't I could care less. I am in Italy, watching an amazing performance and my taste buds are just weening down from a culinary love making session.
A BREAD COURSE. EVERY PLACE SHOULD HAVE A BREAD COURSE. So jealous.
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