Thursday's Child: Two dinners in San Gimignano

Thursday, October 27, 2011

I’ll finish my month of writing about special meals with two memorable dinners in San Gimignano, Italy.  When we were in Italy two summers ago, we spent a couple of nights in a lovely farmhouse in Tuscany, just outside of San Gimignano.  I’ve written about this beautiful medieval village and its stately towers here.

On our first night in town, we decided to eat at Trattoria Chiribiri.  Because it's a tiny restaurant, we’d been warned to arrive early or be prepared to wait, as hopeful diners greatly outnumber the few tables.  Fortunately, we got there before the crowds, and enjoyed one of those rare meals where everyone was thrilled with what they ordered.  From the fresh gnocchi to the wild boar, the food was uniformly delicious.

But what made the evening truly unique was our effervescent waiter.  Shortly after we arrived, he told us in confidence that he’d just proposed to the cook the previous night.  He even invited her out of the kitchen so we could congratulate her in person.  How exciting, we thought, for us to share in their happiness.

Our meal was so memorable, in fact, that we decided to return the following evening.  Our waiter greeted us with a joy reserved for long-lost friends.  We had just placed our order and were chatting amongst ourselves when we heard him talking to the diners at the next table.  “This is a very exciting time for me,” he said, “because I just proposed to the cook yesterday evening!”  He beamed as they applauded, and gave us a wink on his way back to the kitchen.

Is it any surprise that the country which inspired Romeo and Juliet could encourage our waiter to propose to his co-worker every night?
The happy couple

31 comments:

Velva said...

Awesome! Wouldn't it be wonderful to be proposed to every night?

Wonderful.

Velva

Mary said...

What a great restaurant. I noticed on the sign it states "Open No Stop." Was it common for some restaurants to close between lunch and dinner?

I think I would love to be proposed to every night. :)

Jess said...

What a charming story! Makes me want to go to Italy even more :)

Barbara said...

As I recall, arriving early in Italy means around 9:30 PM!
So cute you were in on the first two proposals! :) Wonder how many more?

nancy at good food matters said...

great story! it makes you wonder if they ever got married. the never-ending proposal!

Carol said...

What a sweet story! I love the name of the restaurant!

Joanne said...

Love the proposal story. I guess part of what makes a great meal is the ambiance and mood surrounding it. These two knew just how to make it sweet :)

Valerie Gamine said...

How romantic! Italy, delicious food and a proposal...is there anything more enchanting? :-)

Belinda said...

Aww, How romantic! Glad she finally said yes.

Jill | Dulce Dough said...

I love it! If the story works, why not use it every night!

Christina Lee said...

Seriously?!?!? Ambiance, huh?

laurie said...

Thats too funny! What a story!

sally said...

Your post brings back memories--I was in San Gimignano about three years ago.

Bonnie said...

Only in Italy! You've got to appreciate such an enthusiastic waiter. I love, love, love this story.

Anonymous said...

Now THAT is hysterical! When we were in Germany, somehow we ended up taking a family photo with our waiter at a Greek restaurant. To this day, no picture confuses me more than that one.

Stina said...

This is definitely more exotic than what I cook, even though my community is called Tuscany. :D

Jeanne said...

What a beautiful place. The towers are stunning!

Miriam said...

I love Italy, I used to live there. Such delicious food!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. The photograph of the buildings just made me think of delicious Italian food. Great post.

Angela said...

Congrats to the new couple. He looks really happy.

Rita said...

What a great story Beth; love rules the world. I made you broccoli chicken casserole; Very good; Merci!
Rita

Beth said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed the casserole, Rita. Thanks!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Such a sweet story! So cute that they let you take their picture :) I think all we ate in San Gimignano was gelato...rats, I think we'll have to go back and have dinner!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Fun story! Wild boar? Adventurous!

Claudia said...

If I ever return to restaurant work - it would only be in Italy. Where someone could propose to me every night. Even if I am married. It could happen...

Joanne said...

Aww how super sweet is that! What a cute story and a delicious meal to go with it!

Anonymous said...

Too funny, but now I'm wondering exactly what's going on with the waiter and the cook!

Angie's Recipes said...

How sweet! Did they really mean it when they proposed or just out of fun? Never mind...as long as they are happy.

Marina said...

Italy is really magical!

Kayte said...

Magical indeed...Matt and Mark were there the year before you and enchanted by the towers and views and yes, food, as well. Fun to read about your time there.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story! I wonder if the waiter's daily proposals are for the cooks benefit, or for his. ;) Either way, love stories make people smile.

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