Dining in Firenze: The Perfect Meal

Just picture in your mind what it is that you want, and it will be yours.

We were strolling through the back alleys of Firenze and came across a large crowd standing outside Il Latini. Any restaurant with a crowd like this in front prior to opening had to be something special. We decided to join the crowd of restless, hungry patrons. Through the slightly parted blinds, we could see the elderly, chubby owner seated at the main table while his staff rushed about. The owner sampled small dishes of all of the evening's specialties, periodically nodding his head with approval. Finally, he got up, wiped his mouth with a smile, and began hugging and patting his waiters. He walked to the doors with a smile and brandished them open, welcoming us in like Willy Wonka and his golden ticket winners. Little did we know what we were about to experience...

We watch as those with reservations are whisked off to the back room. Others, like us, are announced to the waitstaff like attendees at a grand ball. "Sun, buena sera, right this way please." After we are seated, the evening begins and we realize we are in for a truly memorable experience.

We ask for a menu, and the swarthy, rugged-looking Italian waiter says with a very sexy accent: "there is no menu, I am the menu". We ask him what they are serving, and he replies "just picture in your mind what it is that you want and it will be yours".

In our minds, mouths, and hearts, we are taken on a romantic journey consisting of the following:

• Freshly Sliced Proscuitto: This is the house specialty. Lightly salted, and sliced so thinly so that the ham melts in your mouth. The ham is served alongside freshly-cut chunks of parma and salame.
• Insalata di Farro: This salad is only available in Florence when the weather starts getting warm. It is a barley based salad coupled with olive oil, cucumbers and tomatoes. It is light and fresh and has the perfect blend of flavors.
• Ribolatti: This soup is warm, flavorful and fulfilling. We overhear another diner telling the waiter that she has never liked ribolatti. The waiter insists that she have a taste, brings out a tiny bowl, and the woman ends up ordering a full serving.
• Gnocchi with Pesto: Freshly made gnocchi in pesto sauce with finely chopped basil, cooked perfectly al dente.
• Penne Strachiata: The sauce is similar to meat sauce... with a zesty kick! Lightly sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan, the penne was steaming hot and we savor every bite.
• Ravioli with Spinace e Ricotta: It is with great longing that we remember this ravioli... quite simply, it is the best either one of us has ever tasted. It is the perfect blend of each ingredient, and bite-sized raviolis allow you to truly savor each delectable bite.
• Zuccotto: A little duomo-shaped cake that is a local florentine special. There is sponge cake on top, filled with the sweetest, lightest whipped cream, a little bit of vanilla/chocolate sauce inside the cake (alongside the cream), and tiny little nuggets of dark chocolate buried inside the cream. Paired with two small cups of delicious cappuccino, we think it is the perfect ending.
• Dessert Wine: As we savor the last drop of cappuccino, the waiter surprises us by bringing a chilled glass of local dessert wine for us enjoy, adding a final touch of elegance to a romantic meal exceeding our wildest hopes.

As we complete our meal, the owner re-emerges at our table. The waiter shares what we dined on in a low whisper, and the owner stares into the ceiling and seems to contemplate for a minute. With a flourish, he writes a number down on a little pad, tears the sheet off and hands us our bill. Needless to say, the food and service was unforgettable and we find ourselves sitting in the same seats two nights in a row.