Da Adolfo Lunch in Positano

Lunch in Positano, and how apparent chaos turned into fun.  On the way back from a boat trip around Positano we were dropped off at Da Adolfo - a lunch spot  only accessible by sea, and famous for its informal approach to excellent seafood lunches.  Chaos to start with (they couldn't find our booking) and we wondered if the waiters (all barefooted on the rough stones) would remember all our selections and requests.  Just relax! It all turns out OK in the end.  And it did.  Interesting range of people, arriving every few minutes - some obviously well know to the owner or waiters.  The cooking is done in a little "shed" above the eating area, with a window (or hole in its wall) overlooking the customers. And we got a free ride back to Positano pier.

Da Rocco, San Ambrogio market, Firenze

San Ambrogio Mercato is one of the oldest markets in Florence: Fruit and veg under cover outside, and cheeses, fish and meat inside. It's near the Santa Croce area of Firenze, much smaller than the reknowned San Lorenzo market in the centre, but one of the highlights is the busy trattoria Da Rocco. We always look foward to lunch there, and sometimes have to wait a while to grab a table if our group is large-ish. Signore Rocco himself provides much of the interest: he doesn't stop running for the entire lunch service. He must be in his 60s, (or 70s?) but still has time to pose for a quick foto! Food is quick/slow (ie quick to serve, but offering many slow food dishes), traditional and local food, excellent value for money. And fun. Don't expect tablecloths or fine glassware: it's paper mats (often covered in interesting titbits of local information) and stemless water glasses to drink from (use the same glass for the wine and the water).

Chianti

A fabulous day in the rolling hills of Chianti, and a few hours at Verrazzano, one of the oldest wineries in the area. (Their history includes the discoverer of the sea passage into New York.) A tour of the gardens and the cellars is topped off with lunch and a very generous wine tasting. Ahhhh those yummy sangiovese grapes!