As much as I've been loving every moment of my time here, up until this evening, something never felt quite right. It felt like there was an invisible barrier in front of me, stopping me from relaxing and enjoying it to the full. The language difference would seem like the obvious conclusion to draw, but I've had the chance to chat with a few English people since arriving here, and that didn't seem to do it. But this evening I think I cracked it, I think I knocked down the barrier. It was the food. Up until this evening I had been incredibly strict with myself, never allowing myself to finish a plateful of food, and avoiding big mouthfuls. Be the dainty eater I thought, prove to everybody that I can go to Italy and return the same size (I'm flying Ryanair so I wouldn't be surprised if they charged me extra for my own weight gain!) But this obsessive control was stopping my enjoyment, I'm in Italy for goodness sakes. This evening I was invited out with some new Italian friends to go to the most incredible pizzeria nr Montefalco, called Spiritodivino. I ate far too much and took big bites, holding the pizza in my hands... discarding all dainty cutlery based pretences. And what was the result? Pure, simple happiness. I dropped my control and just allowed myself to do what I wanted, not what I ought... and oh my word, it felt like a load had been lifted off my shoulders. I was relaxed, I was happy. So it seems, as it is for many things, the answer was food... and lots of it. Yes I suppose this may not be a good discovery for my waistline, but I can select my moments to indulge. And I am in Italy after all, it would be a crime to waste such a gourmet opportunity.
Anyway, sorry, I rambled on about the profound effect this pizza had on me, without actually telling you anything about it. Well, the owner is from Naples (that's almost enough said really, it explains everything!) and he cooks all the pizzas exactly true to Napolitano tradition, using the absolute highest quality ingredients. The base is thick, but not doughy, with wonderful charred edges from the traditional pizza ovens. Meanwhile, the toppings are simple, but perfectly executed and as fresh can be. A particularly genius idea is the 1/2 metre long pizza: one huge pizza with up to three different flavours - perfect for sharing with friends as it's a great way to try multiple flavours... and there is something amazing about seeing such a huge pizza. As if I couldn't do more to persuade you, the puddings are also out of this world - the tiramisu was pretty unparalleled, with a wonderfully liberal dusting of cocoa on the bottom complimenting the creamy custard beautifully. So please, if you ever get the chance to come to this wonderful part of Italy (Umbria), then I urge you to go here. The incredibly warm and chatty welcome will assure you straight away that you've made the right decision, and once you've taken the first bite, I defy you to fight the urge to reach out for a second (and a third, and a fourth, and a twentieth...)
Oh and just a bit of the boring cost bit - the bill for the five us came to about 68 euros having eaten one 1/2 metre pizza, one slightly smaller (but still giant) pizza (I think it was just a standard large), soft drinks and three tiramisu. We were all stuffed on our departure, having spend only just over £10 each - that's certainly better than a trip to the cinema with a large box of popcorn! What's more, this incredible pizzeria is situated within a wonderful country house with beautiful rooms and stunning grounds (and another restaurant!)... so you really can eat until you can't move, and then just crawl upstairs to bed!
So there we go, food really is the cure to all things. So do I have a food baby at the moment? Yes! But was it completely and utterly worth it? Yes!
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