Special anniversary or birthday? Imagine having dinner here at Grotta Palazzese

When I first saw this photo, I had no idea where it was taken. It took a little bit of sleuthing to learn that this amazing restaurant is in the south of Italy. My husband and I were just about to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and although we already had a trip to Cancun booked, I wished that I had found this place earlier.

Naturally lit by the aqua marine reflection from the waters, the summer cavern has been the scene of many a romantic moment since local nobility held banquets there in the 1700s. I may not be from nobility, but I can envision that romantic moment with my husband and I sipping on a crisp pinot grigio, nibbling on croquettes of tuna tartare with pistachios, then moving on to a chardonnay with risotto ‘Vialone Nano’, saffron and dill pesto. I don’t know where ‘Loch Fyne’ is, but I’m imagining that their salmon with baby spinach salad, whole grain mustard dressing and crisps of lime would rival anything I’ve tasted in Florida. I can imagine that my husband would be eyeing the kobe beef and a great glass of their finest chianti classico.

I’ve never done a “proper” trip to Italy. I’ve been to the north of Italy for dinner, just crossing over from Switzerland. And I’ve been there for lunch, crossing over from the south of France, but have never done it on purpose.

I have a milestone birthday coming up. Perhaps it is time!