A night out with Laura and Fabio

here's a picture of Coquinarius

Last Thursday, my night-life loving roommate decided to take me out. She has this friend, Fabio, who has a car, so all of Tuscany was within our grasp. While the evening was still young, we ventured to Chianti--which is not a city but a province--where life was tranquil and there was nothing to do. Except taste wine. Fabio and Laura each got a glass, which they assured me was mediocre. Thn Laura began to insist that only 50% of the wine was made from San Genovese grapes (those specific to the vineyards of Chianti) while Fabio insisted that there was no way Chianti wine would be less than 70% San Genovese, and the argument persisted the entire night.

After being unimpressed with Chianti we ventured back to Florence blasting music all the way. We listened to a little Bob Dylan, Hendrix, and Battisti--the Italian Bob Dylan. Anytime the words to songs were known we were obliged to sing along.

So, as dusk was just beginning to settle, it was too early to turn in. Thus, we went bowling. The venue was called "Crazy Bowling" which shows the sport is not indigenous to Italy. Further, all the balls' weights were expressed in pounds which suggested that all of the bowling balls were imported. Now those would cost a fistful of Euros to ship! I managed to outscore Laura, but Fabio beat us all.

After our game of "crazy bowling" we wandered a few meters over to the billiards where we played a few games of 2-on-1 pool. And I was abysmal. I said, 'Ho un billiardo alla casa mia! Ma non sono brava!' And I lived up to my word. I think in two games, I only hit one ball in. At least I never scratched though.

Then the pinacle of the evening, dinner. The three of us went to the restaurant where Laura works as a waitress, Coquinarius. Fabio and Laura downed two bottles of wine (although Laura did insist in pouring glasses for her two co-workers on shift). And we ate the most delicious antipasti including prosciutto stuffed with different things, and bread with brie, honey, and almonds. Oh, and stuffed zucchini! Mmmm. For the main course, on Laura's suggestion I ordered raviolini with pear and cheese. Yes, pear. I was worried that I would detest the flavor combination, but it was sooooooooooo gooooooooooood! I was too full to try any dessert, but Fabbio and Laura insisted I taste theirs. Interestingly, Fabio also insisted that the Americans at the table over try a bite of his dessert. They were slightly abashed, but gave in to the opportunity to eat a bit of chocolate cake.

Laura and Fabio then commenced to talk with a French couple sitting across the aisle from our table--in French. I thought of counting to ten or saying 'je suis une jolle fille' just to hop in the conversation, but refrained.

Now it was midnight, and while Laura and Fabio had no intention of turning in, I was spent. So I was brought home where I slept quite well after a busy day.

Note that the post before this occurred the same day!