Kick it off on the Patio

We got through a three day (count 'em 3!) week and finally arrived at our 4 day weekend! In order to encourage me Larry e-mailed "how about we eat out on the patio tonight" knowing this is just the carrot this old lady needs to make it through the day. We got to one of our favorite places, Tutti Toscani just about a mile and a half from the house, and as we walked in the door we began the de-stressing process. Ambiance, smiles and music.....what a welcome! Like we've come home.
As always, we chose to eat "on the patio" bordered by a tiny, bountiful garden and fig trees, anchored by a wishing well, and the ambiance is everything you need to transplant you to Italia - to another, easier, more relaxed way of living. No matter the temperatures elsewhere, there is usually a lovely breeze and you just wouldn't know you are in a shopping center's parking lot.....trust me....you are transported.
Lar is looking to kick off our much deserved and very much anticipated few days off with a fine meal and a glass or two of red. He wasn't disappointed. Anna Maria, the heart and soul of the place, always welcomes with a smile and we have come to think of her as family....after all, we are eating on her patio!

Lar had the raviolies, and while he relished them, I had no second thoughts about my choice. I enjoyed - with gusto - the herb encrusted salmon over - be still my heart! - broccoli raab. It was a meal fit for a king - or in my case - a queen. It felt and tasted as good for me as it was. Yum! The original menu listing did not call for the heavenly greens, that was my choice. Nice thing about the chef at Tutti Toscani - if they can, they will accommodate in any way.

So we are home now, we are sated by good food and good wine and thanks to Tutti Toscani, we have quite properly kicked off our mini- vacation.