Savor lunch in Assisi

I had a lovely lunch in Assisi in May ’07 at Trattoria Pallotta (Vicolo della Volta Pinta, 06081 Assisi [PG], Italy; phone 075-812649, fax 812307, www.pallottaassisi.it).

When my friends and I arrived, several well-dressed Americans were waiting for the doors to open. Standing in the cool, dark stone alley at noon, I doubted my guidebook’s recommendation. Could this restaurant be a tourist trap? Too well known?

Inside, clean, linen-topped tables awaited us, but there was no outside seating. Since my friends wanted to dine al fresco to take in Umbria’s views and breezes, we were about to go, and then we saw Nonna (Grandma) come from the kitchen to coo over the bambino in the dining room. Mama was the waitress. It was then that we decided to stay. This family-run place was wonderful.

From the set menu, I chose my primo piatti (first plate), fresh vegetable soup. My secondi piatti was a veal cutlet, with a cortono (side dish) of roasted potatoes. This was followed with fresh fruit, acqua minerale frizzante (sparkling water) and a liter of white wine. My friends both chose penne and omelets with salad.

The meal, slowly savored for two hours, cost €16 (near $23) each.

To find this dining gem, walk uphill from the Church of St. Francis and continue up the shop-lined streets, first on Via San Francisco and then Corso Mazzini. Off one of the alleyways you’ll find Trattoria Pallotta. I believe you will enjoy a wonderful meal.

JENNIFER M. EISENLAU

Boulder, CO