After our big day out on our Tuscan Cooking experience, we had decided on a quiet day at home but thought it time to try the Osteria Le Riffaioli for il pranzo (lunch). The Osteria was recommended by Antonella, our apartment host.
What is an Osteria? In Italy, a restaurant is the most upmarket place you can eat, and they are expensive. A Trattoria is a bit below the restaurant in cost, and the Osteria comes last. This has nothing to do with food quality, it's more to do with location, surroundings, food presentation and cost. An Osteria is like going to someone's home for lunch. The food is simple and plentiful and the wine - a rough house wine - is served in a small water glass.
Apart from special occasions, most Osterias, including the one in Le Cure, are only open for lunch. Le Riffioli is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday i the fish day, and that is what we had - fish stew that had mussels, prawns, squid, vegetables, rice, and crusty bread that did not go soggy, in it. We were asked if we wanted seconds (included in the cost) but declined - we were full. Water and a glass of white wine came with the meal. Dolce was served in a small glass, chopped pineapple in this case, with a small spoon.
It was a delicious lunch, simple and filling.
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