A Gastronomic Coup
If we got into every great food moment we had in Bologna, we’d bore you to tears. They were all remarkable, so it’s tough to resist the urge to give you blow-by-blow accounts of every bite.
You know, from our time in London (and our outlook on travel), that we need to be incredible deal finders when were on the road. That’s why we gravitate away from expensive parts of the world.
(Um, so what in the hell are we doing in Europe?)
Anyhow, this was especially challenging in Bologna because the whole point of our coming here was that we didn’t want to be be planned out at all. I mean… we picked Bologna by blindly pointing a finger at a map. Similarly, we vowed to not talk about it, research it, etc. We wanted to let things unfold old-school style.
One afternoon, we found an eclectic looking restaurant that commanded our attention. We walked in, found we were the only people there and were seated by a still-setting-things-up server. A couple minutes after getting settled in, he came over, delivered water, champagne and an appetizer (and left without saying a word).
We gave each other the look that says “Oh shit. How much is this going to cost?” Especially since that champagne was the good stuff – the likes of which we don’t normally have.
Thankfully, when he delivered two pastas, we were able to muster up the courage (and proper italian) to put the breaks on.
No meat dish. No dessert. More champagne (hey, I said it was good).
I wish I could adequately describe this lasagna to you. To say it was the best we’ve ever had, would be a disservice. The layers and layers of pasta were delicate sheets of perfection and the sauce was deep and flavorful Bolognese magic.
As was the case last time, I can’t provide details because we’re leaving our Bologna experiences in the hands of locals. I can, however, show you a picture of the other pasta. Notice the same tagliatelle we had previously.
Here’s the best part. When the bill came, I took a deep breath and was relieved to see that it was only 30 Euros. Not bad at all for this kind of meal in this kind of city in this kind of country. I think our waiter could see the fear in our eyes.
Heading to Bologna? Be sure to go to Drogheria Della Rosa on via Cartoleria 10. You won’t regret it.
Next up… our visit to Rome!
Yummm! Kali’s favorite food is lasagna, so I’m hiding this post from him. He hasn’t eaten lasagna in months and I’m pretty sure he’d demand a trip to Italy if he read this. And 30 euros is super reasonable for two entrees and champagne – well done!
Finally I see photos in which Italian food actually looks like proper Italian food, less common than you might think
Not researching ahead of time? That’s so bold. I don’t think I could do that!
It was great – and surprisingly not difficult even though we usually like to operate with a loose plan.
“Delicate sheets of perfection….” My mouth is watering!
Sounds amazing– apparently “No Itinerary Required” either. WTG.
Yes, exactly! This no itinerary thing is working out well. Time for another website
I love the idea of this sor of flybytheseatofyourpants travel! Thanks for sharing! Now, I’m going to promptly attempt to scour these delicious images from my mind since, unlike you two slim gentleman, I may as well tape that lasagna to my butt as eat it.
lol, JJ…
Did you really just point to the map and decided to go to Bologna! That’s super awesome! Love that you’ve decided not to do any research or any planning at all – that must’ve been fun and full of adventure! The lasagna sound mouthwatering – i just ate breakfast but already feel hungry just reading your description of it!
That is kind of neat that the guy just started to bring you stuff and it wasn’t that expensive. Sounds like a neat little place.
There are SO many good places in Bologna.
We must meet up to talk about Bologna
One of our best food/culture experiences happened in Bologna. We had just arrived, and had no idea where to eat. So, we wandered aimlessly. Getting increasingly hungry, we eventually tried to find “that place that had a downstairs entrance with the black sign” that my wife saw an hour ago.
Once we found it, we walked in. Half of the restaurant was celebrating an 80th birthday…with a band, dj, belly dancers, fire eaters (in a small basement space with low ceilings!). It was an incredible evening. And of course, they shared cake and bubbly with us. And I think grappa, as well.
I’ve been missing Italy and reading your posts is making me long to go back again soon. And I can’t wait (though it may be a bit torturous) to read your Rome posts. I lived there for 3 months a few years back and consider it one of my favorite places.
THAT sounds like a blast. The food in Rome was incredible, but Bologna was “tops” for us.
For the record, I would not be bored by all the posts being about food.
That bill sounds like a great surprise! I would have been scared too, so I can only imagine your relief at it being only 30 Euros. And of course the fact that it was delicious helps.
O_O That lasagna looks really good right now….(as I am in Asia). Good job for finding reasonable price restaurant. I have heard that food costs a lot in Europe, so I have been lagging on planning to go to Europe
30 Euros is very cheap considering what you were offered
I’m dyin. Should not have gone through my stumbles tonight. Now starving as this is the second pasta/Italy entry from you two that I’ve read tonight. DYING.
But keep it coming, love that I can live vicariously
We’re evil that way
Seriously, Kirsten, it was mind bogglingly good. Lasagna is forever ruined for us, having had this piece in Bologna.
I don’t normally like lasagne but that looks incredible!
I think this lasagna would change your mind!
That, sir, is 30 euros well spent! Excellent photos too!
It looks so appetising. Beautifully illustrated, too.
Very pleased to have come across your blog. All the best from Santiago.
It takes a lot of courage to travel the way you guys do! It looks like it paid off though. I want to hear the detailed account of each bite. The pictures had my stomach growling!
Sounds like a neat little place.There are SO many good places in Bologna. I would not be bored by all the posts being about food.
Oh my GOSH those dishes look amazing!!!! I’m drooling. Also, I’m so glad it’s Saturday night — after a whopping two nights sans wine, I’m dying for some bubbly!