Dream meal bucket list suggestion

Posted by MC (Tucson) on 10/12/19 04:05 AM

My bucket list item for my upcoming trip to Italy....

a beautiful al fresco meal, overlooking the beautiful Tuscan landscape. I'll be with my husband and three kids, but in my vision there are other people sharing our table and enjoying themselves.

Our planning is still pretty open. Along with everyone else, we will be visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice, but as this is a return trip we are excited to visit other towns along the way. This trip I'm chasing experiences instead of sights. So many towns, so many choices, I thought I may as well try to narrow it down by the perfect meal :)

Have you had a perfect, quintessentially Italian, movie-worthy meal???

Looking forward to hearing your ideas!

Posted by cala

Charleston & Birmingham

10/12/19 11:38 AM

4573 posts

Many years ago we had dinner at a restaurant in Fiesole(easily reached from Florence by a bus) with a breath-taking view of Florence and vicinity. That restaurant no longer exists, but #1 rated restaurant on TripAdvisor, La Reggia degli Etruschi, advertises such a terrace. It is almost certainly too expensive and maybe too formal for a family, but you should take a look at Trip Advisor and see is there are other restaurants like this.

Posted by JC

Portsmouth

10/12/19 12:42 PM

5498 posts

La Reggia degli Etruschi, advertises such a terrace. It is almost certainly too expensive and maybe too formal for a family

Why is it? The OP hasn't mentioned the ages of the children but I see no reason why the restaurant would be unsuitable for a family. I certainly wouldn't consider not taking my children there plus Italy is well known for its acceptance of children in restaurants. As long as they're well behaved it should be fine, I certainly wouldn't place any emphasis on formality, it looks a nice restaurant but I see no reason for or reference to a dress code. I'd expect to turn up in a decent pair of jeans and a polo shirt and no-one bat an eyelid.

As for the prices, they are in line with most decent restaurants and no-one expects everyone to have every course. I have only ever eaten two or three courses in all my trips to Italy and typically a first course pasta dish would often be sufficient if I wasn't so greedy. There's no mention of a children's menu but any decent restaurant will make up something for a child on request, usually a pasta based dish so that would reduce the expense.

Personally, based on the website alone along with the menu I would certainly consider taking my family there if I was in the vicinity. I'd imagine reservations are required well in advance.

Posted by Lomosh

10/12/19 12:57 PM

52 posts

What about combining a cooking class and dinner in a beauty place such as this https://www.viator.com/tours/Florence/Cooking-Class-and-Lunch-at-a-Tuscan-Farmhouse-with-Local-Market-Tour-from-Florence/d519-5070FARMHOUSE. I’m sure there are many others in great locations. It would combine an educational component along with good food and companionship. Sounds like fun.

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

10/12/19 12:59 PM

7943 posts

Have you made any plans as to where you are staying? I will be honest, I have no personal experience to pass on, but your vision screams staying at an Agritourismo, or at least my brochure inspired vision of one.

I guess my thought is it is rural (view), meals prepared on site, maybe even served "family" style, so more courses, maybe a shared meal among the guests. You might have to dig into places to find out how they do meals and what the atmosphere is like. Agritourismos can range from cozy farmhouses to five star resorts almost.

Aside from that, if your kids are of an age and mindset that they eat what is presented, then take advantage of group size, do not have everyone order their own dishes, but order for the table, an antipasti or two, some pasta, a meat dish, a side dish or two, dessert...share, make the meal an event of the day.

Posted by MC OP

Tucson

10/14/19 12:09 AM

137 posts

As always, great suggestions. Thank you :)

I will keep you updated as I find more ideas.

(We are already doing a cooking class in Florence, but it is in the city and only a few hours long. I'm really excited for the good food and fun memories with the kids, who are 15 & 12 yo boys, and our 9 yo girl)