Chiusi

Turns out this restaurant Fabio has been telling us about has 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's typical for people to come from all over to Chiusi for this place.

It is called La Solita Zuppa which means Always the Same Soup but it's a joke because their menu is never the same. They serve only what is fresh, in season and available at the quality they approve. Because of this the owners (Roberto and Luanna) personally speak to every table about the menu, the details, make recommendations etc.

The view from our parking spot in Chiusi

The restaurant entrance.

Another view of Tuscany from elsewhere in Chiusi.

Inside the restaurant, Roberto us at the counter on the left and Luanna is doing the books at the table to the right.

One you choose all three of your courses they pair each course with wine. Everything was superb. They even made options for me as a vegetarian. Here is what we had:

Sara - Pear and Porcinni Cheese salad - Artichoke Soup - Vacala a fish dish, I think cod in a tomato sauce (wasn't my fav) - Apple Cinnamon Tart

Chris - Different cuts of spiced pork (Salami etc) with Syrah Allicante wine - Picci pasta with tomatoes, spices and duck - Thin sliced smoked beef from the Valley of Chianino - Saffron Gelato with Nanerone 2004

With our main dish they also brought a side of chicory (kale like), chikpeas and lentils, potatoes and cardoon which is like artichoke but the plant looks like celery and was really good.

After dessert they brought coffee with fresh whipped cream with cocoa powder on top that turned to melted chocolate in the cup.

You have to have a reservation. They only serve for a few hours, they will turn away business if people are rushed. They want everyone to be relaxed and enjoy. Tonight we were the only customers.

My brother and his wife are big advocates of eating local, naturally raised animals, self sustaining lifestyles and live as such (withrespectforfood.com) and I think they would really love this place. The owners are already expecting them and excited to have them, they even offered to help then find a hotel.