Some time ago , I read about joining a "club" to get the names of certain restaurants that have souvenir plates if you eat at their restaurant. I sent them an e-mail. They resonded that they would mail me the information but I've never heard from them again and that was 2 months ago...if anyone could give me their web site, I would really appreciate it...thanks a lot...Mary

Although I cannot help you with the web address, I must say that I love this idea. My mother used to "buy" ashtrays, but since those are no longer in fashion, I personally love the plate idea. We sell plates just for this purpose at our restaurant, but sadly few others have sought out this marketing tool. How cool would it be to set a table using plates from all the terrific restaurants you have eaten at while traveling!

A great place to get vintage dishes and plates from Restaurant's that have closed or just changed the patterns or factory over runs is Fishs Eddy in NYC there are 4 locations check ot the website www.fishseddy.com/

http://www.buonricordo.com/english/home2.htm

Enjoy!

Andre

What an incredible idea! I have always wanted to do this, but with espresso cups at the Italian cafes. I don't suppose anyone knows if such a "club" exists for cups and saucers? Can someone tell me if it would be rude or outrageous to ask the barista if I could purchase one or two of thier espresso cups?

A note to sandi_travelnut: On my first morning in Rome last summer, I had my first espresso and cornetti at a small bar while walking toward the P. Republica. The espresso was served in beautiful Lavazza flowered cups. I asked the barista "how much cost the cup?" in my limited Italian. He must have appreciated my attempts to converse because he took the cup away after I was done, washed it and wrapped it in some bright tissue paper, and handed it over to me with a big smile. "Non costa." I couldn't believe it. I found out later on my trip that the coffee companies give the cups away (or at minimal cost) to the bars that sell and advertise their particular brand of coffee. That knowledge did not diminish what I saw as an incredibly friendly gesture.

It took about 4 months to get my Buon Ricordo membership card, and it is only good for the current year, so depending on your travel plans, you may want to specify if you want a 2004 membership. The membership card often gets a small discount or an additional trinket from member restaurants, but membership is not required to get the names of the restaurants or receive a plate. The restaurants are all listed on their web site, and the requirement to receive a plate is that you order the "Buon Ricordo" menu item which is served on the plate (yes, your souvenir plate is a clean, unused, boxed plate). Some restaurants even have more than one special menu item and plate.

If Grinisa is around, she was my Buon Ricordo guru, and will probably be more than happy to share her knowledge with you as well. If for some reason she misses this post, just type Buon Ricordo in the search field and you will find our discussions from earlier this year.

Enjoy -

Buon Ricordo cards are very slow to arrive. The organization will probably wait until after the holidays to send you a 2004 card. Also, check the list of restaurants on the website after the first of the year because some restaurants will leave and new ones will join for 2004. Happy plate hunting!Buon Ricordo cards are very slow to arrive. The organization will probably wait until after the holidays to send you a 2004 card. Also, check the list of restaurants on the website after the first of the year because some restaurants will leave and new ones will join for 2004. Happy plate hunting!Buon Ricordo cards are very slow to arrive. The organization will probably wait until after the holidays to send you a 2004 card. Also, check the list of restaurants on the website after the first of the year because some restaurants will leave and new ones will join for 2004. Happy plate hunting!Buon Ricordo cards are very slow to arrive. The organization will probably wait until after the holidays to send you a 2004 card. Also, check the list of restaurants on the website after the first of the year because some restaurants will leave and new ones will join for 2004. Happy plate hunting!Buon Ricordo cards are very slow to arrive. The organization will probably wait until after the holidays to send you a 2004 card. Also, check the list of restaurants on the website after the first of the year because some restaurants will leave and new ones will join for 2004. Happy plate hunting!Buon Ricordo cards are very slow to arrive. The organization will probably wait until after the holidays to send you a 2004 card. Also, check the list of restaurants on the website after the first of the year because some restaurants will leave and new ones will join for 2004. Happy plate hunting!Buon Ricordo cards are very slow to arrive. The organization will probably wait until after the holidays to send you a 2004 card. Also, check the list of restaurants on the website after the first of the year because some restaurants will leave and new ones will join for 2004. Happy plate hunting!

I hate AOL. Sorry about the last post. I typed it into Word so I could copy it instead of retyping it each time it failed to post. Somehow, this happened.

I didn't notice a price for the card, but may have missed it. Is it free?

Yes, the card is free.

Mc- I can't help you with a club , but I have purchased plates, ash trays etc. from many restaurants and hotels throughout Europe.I have found the Italians to be very accomidating, just ask your waiter if it would be possible to purchase the item you desire,I have never been said no to.
My favorite item, is a ceramic plate from the restaurant da Gemma, on Capri, with painted squids on it, and the name of the restaurnat.
Happy plate hunting
Fluffy

When we were in the Azores, we found a local grocery that also sold household items and we purchased espresso cups/saucers that we love. They were very inexpensive. I intend to try this on our upcoming trip December 25th as we will be travelling by car for a week throughout northern Italy.

Many thanks for all the replies..Andre, Rookie, Grinisa..that's exactly the info I was looking for. Italiano..I've been to Fishes Eddy and went crazy there! Calamari and sandi_travelnut..on two different occasions, in France and in Switzerland, I loved the glasses we were using and asked if I could buy one for a souvenir..both times they were given to me with a big smile and I was thrilled..