Dinner in Lucca

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 (Part 7)

We were in Lucca for only one night, and we decided to try out one of the restaurants

recommended by Rick Steves. [We have very much enjoyed our Rick Steves' guidebooks for both Rome and Italy. He has a great sense of humor, and he provides great practical information and a fair amount of history and descriptive information about the sights.]

One of the restaurants in Lucca recommended by Rick Steves is Osteria Via San Giorgio. We arrived too early (we were first there at 6:15 p.m.) and had to spend some time walking around and then returning for their reopening for dinner at 7:00 p.m. Needless to say, we were back at precisely 7:00 p.m. and we were the first patrons of the evening. Did I mention that we were hungry?

Included on the menu here was a local specialty - Tordelli. This is a homemade, meat filled ravioli served in a meat sauce. I had to try it. I am such a fan of pasta, and I was not disappointed. I loved it! This pasta dish transported me back 40 year to my Zia Chiara's kitchen. The meat sauce, in particular, tasted just like hers! I was in heaven. My only minor criticism was that the pasta was too thick, too heavy. But I would order it again (and again) if I had the chance.

As I write in my journal, I am struck by how much of our experiences in Italy revolve around food! From tordelli in Lucca to pesto in Cinque Terre to Parmeggiano with balsamic vinegar in Stradella to sumptuous butter-drenched prawns in Santa Marguerita, we feasted everywhere we went. And then, of course, there was our amazing meal at Il Convivio in Rome. Mangia!