We have had an incredible trip to Rome and various cliffside towns along the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Capri among them. While most of our posts are strictly about food, we have much more to share about the culture and geography of this place. This was our third trip to Italy, second time in Rome, and inaugural visit to the Amalfi Coast.
Chapter 1 – Lessons Learned
1) Contrary to popular belief (and our previous experience in Italy) you cannot, in fact, walk into any alley bistro and expect an above average meal. Avoid tourist traps – anything located in a main piazza or next to monument, and any restaurant that looks empty when the rest of the street is packed.
2) If service is important to you, evaluate the number of staff you see on the floor relative to the number of seated tables. Many times an understaffed bistro can spoil what would otherwise be a good meal.
3) Recognize that Italians do not, in general, aim to please. Of course they want you to enjoy your meal, but unlike the American hospitality industry, Italians do not follow “the guest is always right” mantra. And in high-volume tourist destinations, many restaurants do not count on repeat business.
4) Good wine, local by region, and Italian wine in general is very easy to come by and inexpensive. From Barberas, to Dolcettos, to the local Campania Taurasis – the wine lists are as expansive as the pasta shapes.
More to come…cooking classes, tasting menus, and of course, pictures!
Great post!
I love Italian food. The amazing thing about Italy – regardless of where you go, the people aim to please. I’ve never been to a bistro that served anything less than spectacular food. In fact, I’ve had some of the best meals of my life directly off of the main Piazzas, in understaffed/overcrowded bistros.
Thanks Two Tastebuds!
By: Emily Hartman on August 12, 2010
at 11:54 am