The daily diary of a wandering restaurateur
May 23 - Osteria la Madernassa
The Villa's restaurant was closed tonight, so they suggested the Osteria la Madernassa. It was only about 15 minutes away by car ... plus an allowance for getting slightly turned around once or twice along the way. An osteria is usually a very casual local sort of place to get a bite to eat, but these guys really had their food act together. I was particularly surprised by the glass wall on the kitchen -- it is one of the first things you see when you come into the restaurant and the kitchen was as spotless later in the evening when this shot was taken as it was earlier before the crowd arrived.
In addition to a culinary conscience in the (exhibition) kitchen, the restaurant offered many civililized touches. I liked the grissini (thin breadsticks) with the linen wrapper. I also liked the selection of sweets that followed the meal. The operator side of me says that the after-dinner goodies could cost dessert sales ... but it is still a very nice touch.
© 2005 Restaurant Doctor
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