Ciao Buongiorno

Hello all and Happy Friday.  Its a gloomy overcast day here on my first day in Venice, its funny because that's how Florence started as well.  Rome was warm and humid, which took a little getting used to compared to the dry heat of Sacramento.  So far the experience has been one that I will never forget.  The people for the most part have been very receptive and hospitable, but just like any culture or society a few sore thumbs will stick out.  Id also like to report that my mother and I have not killed each other yet, although I really wanted to push her into the Grand Canal today.  Think about how priceless that picture would be, but in all seriousness I am doing my best to be 'il buono figlio' (the good son). 

As you can imagine my wine travels have had to be put on hold until she leaves, and outside of a half day trip into the Chianti Classico region, Castello di Querceto and then the town of Greve, its been building after building making sure she doesnt get too lost.  I on the other hand have had the most fun when I am on my own getting lost in the streets of these cities and finding sites and stores that are hidden gems.

In Rome I have an Anthony Bourdainesque 'Restaurant J' for you to seek out.  It is in one of the major Piazza near the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.  Look for the table out front showing off their fresh pastas and the Black Crow, that will be your key. 

For Florence i wont be so unkind, you gotta go to La Bussola on Porta Rossa.  Its 2 blocks away from Piazza del Duomo, find the Carousel and you are almost there.  They have the best house red that i have tasted so far.  The wine prices have been amazing, and I am glad I did not have my credit card in Greve because the big Enoteca at the far end of the main Piazza would have bankrupted me ( 1991 & 1993 Tignanello for 100 Euro a piece!)  And the 2006 Fontodi Colli della Toscana Centrale Flaccianello ( Wine Spectator #8 Wine of the Year for 09, 99 Points and the highest rated Tuscan wine of the year) which WS priced @ $110 US, for 62 Euro, I mean are you kidding me. 

I will keep everyone posted in the next few days and am looking forward to being on my own so the wine adventure can really begin.  I will also have pictures in about a week when my mom gets the camera back to the states and my stepdad uploads them and emails them to me.  Im still keeping my eyes open for a bottle of wine from California, yet to see one.  I did see a Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream Store in the middle of the Piazza del Duomo though, that made me laugh.  Ciao for now, Salute!