Oh, sorry to hear about the service. We went last night and there were only about 8 other people in the restaurant. Where were the Texans? I think the rain scared people away, all of Old Town was vacant.

Yes, Food Bowl tonight for me too!

We should have a miniGTG, maybe later in January?

Actually the service was not bad, just a tad on the slow side because they were full up that particular day. I went there with my friend today (good combo of tacos, pizza at he Food Bowl and then to the Bistro for escargots and wine). I really like the owners and hope they succeed.

((H))

Sharkmom,
"I'll give it a try as soon as all the people from Texas get out of Pasadena." -- hey, I resemble that! Hook 'em!

Just got back from the foodbowl and there were Texans all over the place, they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

We had some interesting dishes from India, the US South and South America.

I won't hijack this thread any more, Tom

Congratulations to the Horns. It wasn't met as a slur, just a comment that I wanted to avoid a large crowd.
I think a GTG sounds like fun.

Tom,

Your trip report was absolutely the best! You had me laughing out loud so many times.

You also brought back memories as my late husband and I visited many of the Tuscan hill towns with a friend from Firenze in 1990.

We particularly loved Pitigliano. I remember talking to an old Italian man in a bank and when we mentioned we were from Michigan--near Michigan State, he said, "Ah, bouncy ball." We assumed he was referring to our Spartan basketball team.

Another town we loved was Sorano--we picked up some wonderful ceramic pieces there.

Thanks again for an enjoyable hour of reading.

Hey Tom - I loved your trip report in black and white, but I am really hoping your website will be done soon so I can see the illustrated version!

Crepe Vine Bistro sounds like a great place for a SoCal GTG. Let's do it!

"The pecorino gets saltier as it ages."

I can relate.

HappyCheesehead, below is the blogsite with pics.

http://travelswithmaitaitom.typepad.com/travels/

((H))

Excellent, Tom! =D>
So glad to see your trip is up on your website.

As your trip report still retains the title of "My Favorite Report Ever," it is great to see the photos and have easy access to all the info for future reference.

You all look as fun and happy as you sounded! Well done. Please keep us up-to-date as your next adventure unfolds! And , remember many of would be happy to sign up for the tour. ;-) Barring that, we will travel vicariously through your great writing!

Thanks again for sharing!

If we were younger we'd still be traveling in your fashion! It's great fun to read your report. Have bookmarked it for a rainy day.-:)

Yippee! Thanks, Maitaitom!

I can't wait to share with my mom, too. She never goes anywhere for pleasure besides Vegas, but she just loved your last trip report.

She is going to love this one too!

tagging as a reminder..

I love this trip report. Not only entertaining but a lot of great information too.

Hi Tom,

Just curious. Did Dan find the name of the restaurant where he dined on the turbot? Thanks

"Did Dan find the name of the restaurant where he dined on the turbot?"

I don't remember if I ever answered this (not that there is a definitive answer). He never did find the receipt (maybe it's at the bottom the canal with his camera). He did say the restaurant was very near the train station.

Maybe I'll bring this up on Friday when I golf with him. Reliving this experience could cost him ten strokes.

((H))

Hi,
Loved your report so far (have not read it all yet). Very informative and I enjoyed your coloful writing and descriptions.

Paul

Thanks paul, For an easier read of it (with pictures), here is the site for the blog.

http://travelswithmaitaitom.typepad.com/travels/

((H))

topping

Wow, almost 5 years later and still a vaulable and funny trip report. We are headed to the same area in Sept for a week. Thanks so much for the postings.

bookmarking

Wow! Old trip reports never die, they just fade away. Have a great trip norrisken, and if you get the chance, we loved the "Five Hill Town" day: Arcidosso, Roccalbegna, Sovana, Sorano and Pitigliano (buy some wine there at one of the caves). That day still stands out.

((H))

maitaitom---you rock!

I showed the Il Mulino di Quercegrossa website to my husband, along with your trip report. When he saw that you and he share a mutual thirst for Campari, he was ready to sign up for anything with your stamp of approval. Plus he loves the idea of all those pools. I'm sure our daughters will love it too.

We're booked there in the family apartment. Thanks!

Maitai, your blog is awesome. Your stories are so colorful and fun, but also full of great details. I'm working on plans for my next trip to Italy, and half of the notes begin "MT Tom suggests..."

Love reading it, and can't wait for your next trip so I can read more!

I'm glad someone found this trip report. It looks like it is worth reading and making notes. Thanks!!

"half of the notes begin "MT Tom suggests..."

I hope you find the suggestions worthwhile, but a word of warning (in the immortal words of my lovely wife Tracy), "Tom, you idiot." Actually, for the most part we get it right, and if we don't, well pratfalls and mistakes always make for more interesting trip reports and more often than not, funny memories.

And as I always now add..."Pull up on the ring for reverse and make sure you use the correct petrol."

((H))

"Maitai, your blog is awesome."

Thanks so much!! Here is the updated blog one with all my trip reports, along with other things, I have created recently. Hope you enjoy!

http://web.me.com/tomfielding1/Tom_%...e/Welcome.html

((H))

maitaitom, thanks again for the report and the "Five Hill Town" day is definitely on the planning board. And I emailed Agritourist il Molino and got a prompt reply that they would love to have us visit and the rates are still reasonable. I'm glad I "discovered" your post!

norrisken, that's good to hear about the rates. I hope you and enzian (above) have relaxing times by the pool (s). Have a Campari and put it on my bill!!

((H))

Thanks, Tom---we'll be sure and do that.

After making the reservation, we tried to locate it on Google Maps and Google Earth. Google Maps doesn't put it in the right place, and we couldn't locate the pools (which we thought would be easy to spot) using the satellite view. Then we switched to Google Earth, looked around, and realized the photos were taken in winter--the pools are empty! We finally spotted it, a bit north of the town of Quercegrossa. The outline of the pools is unmistakable.

My husband can taste that Campari right now. . .

maitaitom, We booked for this Sept for 4 nights. I can't wait!!

Well, that puts the pressure on me. Please tell me how it goes.

((H))

Anyway I can hire you to come along?

3 days, 4 hours and 21 minutes = amount of time it took one Kaydoll to go over your wonderful story and many !replies! with a fine tooth comb. With that said, only one question remains unanswered. Where is that ravioli with pecorino, pears, and mascarpone recipe????!!!!!! =P (no, seriously)

I'm 22 and will be taking my first trip to Europe next year and I'll be doing a whirlwind 45 day backpacking trip to 5 countries and too many cities to count but, when I grow up I want to be a wine-addict, food-loving, adventure-seeker such as yourself and your group of God-given friends. you're truly blessed. =D

Il Mulino di Quercegrossa was great! We spent several hours at the pools (until the thundershowers started) and then dressed and headed unto Siena for dinner. The accommodations were lovely and the pools . . . what a treat.

So back to the Campari. Did you ever discover a Negroni or try one? ONe part each Campari, sweet Vermouth, and (gin). Deadly, but delicious.

dI should ad it was poured over lots of ice.

enzian, I'm glad it still was a good place to stay. Now I can rest easier knowing norrisken is going there (yes, I wish I could come along). Indeed, I have tried the Negroni. Now we can have the phrases, "You'll never be sorry with another Campari" and "Don't be a phony, try a Negroni." I have made them at home, but not too often, because there are times I need to operate with at least half my faculties intact.

KayDoll. Have a great trip. Glad you enjoyed the trip report. Hopefully in your travels, you can avoid some of our pitfalls. Don't avoid them all, however, because the story is what counts! Happy Traveling!

((H))

enzian - thanks for the report back. Any recommendations? Only three more weeks and the excitement at our house is building! We've decided to stop for a few nights on the way from Munich in Kals am Grossglockner and Ortisei.
maitaitom - don't worry. Even if it would not be all that great, it can be adjusted with more Vino

"Even if it would not be all that great, it can be adjusted with more Vino."

That's a good attitude to have. Have a great trip!!!

((H))

Short note: The trip was great, the hotel was very nice. 85 Euro a night with breakfast.
Pictures here: http://s1227.photobucket.com/home/norrisken/allalbums
Pick "Mulino di Quercegrossa"
I'm working on a trip report. Still doing picture management too.