Rome, Italy...13 July, 2010

Anyone who has followed this little diary in past will know of our devotion to Ristorante Lagana here in Rome.  This afternoon we made our return.  With our friends Marco Caviglia and Valerio Barbantini we arrived at 44 Via dell' Orso around 1:30 this afternoon.  As always our hosts, Mimmo and his wife Cinzia were on hand to welcome us with open arms.  As soon as we sat down the dishes began arriving.  I'll list only some of them, but it is impossible to put in writing how exquisite this food tasted; cantaloupe, prosciutto, mozzarella, focaccia, figs, fried calamari with zucchini, grilled aubergine, diced celery with cheese, sliced Roma tomatoes with red chili and olive oil, spaghetti with fried pancetta and parmesan, fettuccine in a peccorino, cream and black pepper sauce, cannolli stuffed with sweetened creamed ricotta cheese, fresh fruits, wine, beer, desert wine.  It was a meal that we'd waited two years for and tasted better than we remembered from last time.  Check Lagana out on the internet at www.ristorantelagana.it  If you are ever in Rome, do not pass up the chance to have lunch or dinner at Lagana and tell them I sent you.

We were so full that everyone went back to the hotel and had a nap before the gig.  It was a late car call today, 7 p.m., as we played in Rome and the venue, Auditorium Parco della Musica was only 10 minutes from the hotel.  A great oval open air amphitheater, modern and very intimate.  It seats about 3,000 and it was full of wonderful Romans.  We loved playing tonight though it was a little tricky as it was hot and humid which makes for sticky guitar and bass necks.  Still it was a grand gig.

A quick hop back to the hotel, drink at the bar and a relatively early night for me.

So long,

Richard​​