I’m not quite sure where to start this story, but let’s begin with the book, this one that I bought because I liked its cover. Too, the title seemed so appropriate as walking Florence through its food and culture felt exactly like what I had been doing.
Then, when I opened the book and saw it described as an emotional guide to Florence, I was hooked as so much of this adventure was one filled with emotion for me.
OK, now let’s fast forward. My daughter, her girls and I were off to Sant’ Ambrogio (see here) to shop for a few more bags and have a bite of lunch. Though the market is supposed to be open daily until 2 PM, it was closed this day as unbeknownst to me it was a national holiday. Just my luck when everyone was hungry and getting a little cranky. What’s a mom to do?
I wasn’t too familiar with the market area meaning I had no idea about a place to eat, but I suggested walking the opposite direction from where we had entered at the same time saying a little prayer there would be some cafe or trattoria close by.
We got lucky and in a few minutes took outside seats at Cibreo Caffe.
As we were looking at menus, one of the girls said, “Lulu, you know that book you have? I think the guy on the cover is right over there.” I looked up and there was Fabio Picchi and we just happened to be sitting at his restaurant! Now there may be some people who would seek this place out because they knew it from a guidebook or a blog or whatever, but we’d ended up there totally by accident and without knowing he had a restaurant or, as it turns out, three! I hadn’t gotten that far in the book.
However we got there, it was a very good thing as the whole experience was a delight. I ordered a sampling of antipasti expecting it to be the usual combination of meat, cheese and melon for which I had become so fond. Not so, there were tasty new bites, each served on its own little plate so as not to get the flavors confused.
Just as we were taking our first bites, one of the many accordion players that stroll the streets of Florence appeared livening up the experience.
It would have been perfect enough had it stopped right there. What finished it off was this dessert which was so good we had to order another and if it looked like anyone was taking more than their fair share, he/she was in danger of getting a fork in the hand!
OK, now here comes the true confession. I have the book, right, but it’s not with me, so I text the hubby asking that he join us for lunch and, oh by the way, bring the book. I just couldn’t help myself, I asked Fabio to autograph it. Others may have their own autographed copy, but I’m betting in not a so round about way.
Such are the moments that make life so special!
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
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Lulu's Musings 
Ah I went to school in Florence…it would be like my friend in Venice who ran into Donna Leon..Murder mystery writer…
I think you should submit this story for publication somewhere with the 3 photos of the book, the author, and the food. I accidentally just found you on my neighbor Donna Gaetti’s Facebook page (via your photos of her garage room). You are an interesting person and I love your artist’s eye for beauty and detail.
What a memorable experience ~ and to have the book signed by him while you were there! Extra special for sure!
Great story!!!
Such unexpected happenings are what make life fun!
Florence is so beautiful and how wonderful to have found someone you are so fond off…
This is an awesome story—I would have been out of my mind with joy to have met the author as you did! Serendipity?
Jane xx
It was one of those happenings that made lemonade out of lemons!
What a wonderful surprise – awesome Lulu!
Another “small worldism”…you just never know who you’re going to meet around the next corner. What a fun filled adventure you had during you time in Italy and so special to share much of it with Lindsey and family!
How very true and I’m surprised by how often the unexpected happens. The kids got a real kick out of the experience!
Mickey and I have eaten at the restaurant and it is wonderful. I love your story…your discovery of one of the best restaurants in Florence and getting your book signed…life is fun.
Well it was meant to be that the market was closed and you happened upon that restaurant…a bit of divine intervention….so happy that you had that experience!
What a brilliant experience…..the food looks wonderful…sounds a perfect holiday:)
Ha! Now that is a fun experience!
Treasured memories gathered on your travels Linda.. very treasured for years to come! Great post.. x
What a happy day to share with your kids! Love when those special times happen in our lives to make extra special “forever memories” in this book of life.
What a wonderful story and experience. And I want that dessert!
A great story with a happy ending.
Best of all worlds..
What a great dining experience, and you got your book autographed into the bargain. Perfect serendipity! 🙂
How fortuitous! 🙂 Italy sounds wonderful too!
I love those special moments in life!
How wonderful!!!
INDEED special….!! What wonderful memories that will be retold MANY times by those grand daughters. Delightful entry……big smile