Il Capatavi

This was a must do restaurant in Varenna. It is here you have risotto cooked to order from scratch, and only for two persons. We nick-named the cook The Strawberry Man, because last time we came and ordered the risotto on the menu, we were told he wasn't cooking that one today, he was cooking a Strawberry one. Basically, take it or leave it. We took it of course and it was good, so we didn't know what to expect this time. As it happened, the menu selection was on, Red wine and Smoked Cheese Risotto, with a secret ingredient. Doesn't look much, but it was as tasty as........

Il Capatavi is a tiny place, taking a maximum of only 14 people. All you need is one table of dominant characters and they can overrun the atmosphere, so it's very much pot luck. Sometimes all the tables get talking to each other and it can be really good fun. There wasn't a lot of exchange tonight because John was too busy watching the cook through the little kitchen window. The kitchen is tiny, but well run and very well organised by The Strawberry man and his one little helper and there is only one waiter for the 5 tables.

 

A very happy John and an equally happy Debra.