Need I say that dinner was fantastic? I ordered my usual: Linguine alle Vongole e Zucchini and the Tagliata di Manzo con Ruccola e Parmigiano. Unfortunately he did not have any clams, so I went with the Aglio Oglio Pepperoncino pasta. I told Gianni, "Look, dude. We are bringing my mom here on Monday night and she has been listening to me talk about your Linguine alle Vongole for 2 years. You have to have clams on Monday!" He assured me he would. I tried to just order the pasta exactly how he makes it without the clams, but he said, "No! It is impossible to, eh, eat linguine withouta clams!"
That is what is so interesting about Gianni's. He won't give it to you if it doesn't make sense. Last year I wanted some lemon on my Tagliata and and he said no because there was balsamico on it already. So, now I know to order my tagliata with lemon and no balsamico. For those of you who do not recall, Tagliata di Manzo is rare beef sliced over a bed of spicy arugula, drizzled in olive oil, lemon, and finally covered with thin layers of freshly grated parmegianno cheese. It is absolutely magnificent and also very light. It is one of the easiest meals to make and my mom and I have done so quite bit. In fact, my mom invented a spin-off dish which is quite delightful too and I am happy to share it:
Take one box, bag, or big bushell of arugula and put it in the food processor. Add 1/2 to 2/3 Cup of fine olive oil - choose a nice olive oil with a good flavor. Add the juice of 1/2 to 1 whole lemon, depending on how lemony you like it. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all up and drizzle it over rarely cooked slices of beef or beef carpaccio. You can also just eat it with a spoon, like my friend, "Ms. Popcorn and Wine," and I like to do.
SO, after a magnificent meal and a bottle of vino, Alex and I were ready for a walk and our nightly jaunt to Gelateria dei Neri. Then, Gianni comes out with two heaping plates of Tiramisu. While I was touched at the gesture, the only thing I could think to say was, "How Can We Possibly Eat Our Gelato Now?"
Alex and I sharing dinner... HA HA, that is really Gianni!
The real Alex and I
Tiramisù, Anyone?
Tiramisù, Anyone?
4 comments:
Michelle,
I have never seen you with such short hair. You look BEAUTIFUL! Send my regards to Alex, and have some gellato for me...I've gone vegan!
Hugs,
Rachel
Your hair looks super cute! Sounds like you're eating well and having a fun time! Wanna guest blog on my blog and write about some of your food?? that would be awesome. Let's do it!
xox, miss you. I love reading your updates. Say hi to the David for me1
HAHAHA! You had me going with the Gianni photo. Glad to see you are well-suited with your beaux, Alex. Hair does look cute. Enjoy these moments~! Kimala
Hi! I know Gianni!! OMG! I met him in 1990 when I was in Florence during my travels after graduating from college. At the time, he was working as a waiter at a restaurant near Santa Croce. I would visit every time I was Italy (4-5 different times). The last time I saw him was about 10 years ago, but we would keep in touch with phone calls every now & then-the last time a couple of months ago. Total TMI, but I cam across your blog looking for info/the address to his restaurant. You wouldn't happen to have it, would you? Thanks for sharing your adventures!
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