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.

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/

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.

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/

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.