Sometimes when you see a photo that you have taken, you are transported back to an experience that was extraordinary. Last year, a few of us had an open afternoon in Siena to roam around the city. We went down this narrow street and noticed this big man standing on the side of the street smoking a cigarette. Nathaniel Smalley stopped to ask if he could take a photo of the man which he responded with a “Yes”. After thanking him, a conversation started. Turns out that he owns the ristorante across the street and he invited us in to walk around and take some photos. The ristorante’s name is Ristorante Gallo Nero and it is very highly rated. Along with the fine food, the Ristorante offers many fine Tuscan wines and has frequent wine tasting. If that isn’t enough, they conduct a cooking school on the premises.
The owner allowed us to wander over the three floors with a guide from the cellar to the the two dining rooms. There were a few customers scattered throughout and they didn’t seem to mind the four of us with or cameras. This experience was indicative of the inviting, friendly and warm culture that the Italian people often display. It certainly made our day. The only downside was that we were unable to eat there as we were leaving the next day and already had dinner reservations that night.