All that walking around San Gimignano generates an appetite that even the finest wines fail to quell. Consequently, we devoted nearly our entire drive back from San Gimignano to locating a suitable Italian restaurant.
If there is one takeaway from our Italian rickshaw adventure, it is that the most exceptional dining establishments often lie outside the beaten path. While prominent locations may also offer quality cuisine, it is prudent to be wary of tourist traps frequently found in the main squares of Italian cities, towns, or villages.
During our exploration, we soon arrived at the entrance of what appeared to be an ancient vineyard… and we optimistically hoped would be a farmhouse restaurant.
It turns out we were correct—upon entering, we discovered just how ravenous we truly were! It is amusing how stunning landscapes can distract from hunger.
In this establishment, we opted to adhere to the Italian tradition—beginning with an appetizer, followed by pasta, a meat dish as a sort of second main course, and of course, dessert.
Given my appreciation for Florentine steaks (after an exceptional experience at Bucca Marios in Florence), it was determined that the meat offering would be the famed Florentine steaks, a choice that is typically presented before cooking.
In my culinary daze, I neglected to capture many photos of the meal, resulting in just the one snapshot presented below. My steak, while slightly overdone on the edge (which is unusual for Florentine steaks), still provided a delightful dining experience, as my hunger certainly outweighed any minor critique.
The following morning, it was resolved that we would return to a cherished Italian nostalgia—Pisa!
It is quite an intriguing experience I have with Pisa; you would think that after visiting it numerous times, and considering it is a standard tourist destination in Tuscany, I would be satiated; however, I remain a devoted admirer! The Cathedral stands out as a primary reason for my affection, as it is undeniably one of the most striking cathedrals in Italy!
Our journey commenced with the iconic Leaning Tower, and as I reflect on this experience, I realize that I have yet to ascend it. Surprisingly, I’m not particularly inclined to do so either. During my past visits, the queues were extensive, leading me to conclude that the view of the tower is more enchanting from the outside.
Pisa offers an array of remarkable attractions aside from the Piazza, enabling visitors to easily enjoy a leisurely weekend. Therefore, it is advisable not to confine your exploration solely to the well-known sites—take the opportunity to discover the city fully and appreciate its additional gems! (Should you require recommendations, do not hesitate to reach out, and I will compile a post to assist you).
Before departing from Pisa, we made one final stop at a beloved pizza establishment. Unfortunately, the name escapes me—a detail I have not prioritized—but I do know the way to navigate back there, making it a point to stop by each time.
*It has now come to my attention that, consistent with my usual pattern, I do not possess any photos from lunch… however, this further underscores how spectacular the meal was, perhaps too good to interrupt with my camera. Haha! Such excellence that I become completely absorbed in the culinary experience… (or perhaps it simply illustrates my overwhelming enthusiasm for food).
The delightful combination of pizza, followed by the essential gelato, surely serves as the ideal conclusion to a trip to Pisa!
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