Name:   architect - Subject:   Back from Tuscany.... Date:   9/23/2019 5:02:41 PM

You are bringing tears to my eyes GF!  Of  course you have to get there but once there, unless it has changed drastically from 2008, you can eat a great meal in lots of  mom and pop restaurant in small town Italy for about the same as you will pay for a pale imitation of Italian cuisine at the Olive Garden!  Throw in the fact the VAT is already included in the menu price (no add on sales tax) and the fact that a typical tip is 6% to 8% instead of 18% to 20% and you will probably come out ahead and have a hell of a lot better meal and more fun and you will be in ''Italia''!  May not work in Florence or Rome or areas overrun with tourists but it sure does in Bettolle and Castelina di Chianti!

I propose, we all no matter where we are, try to frequent the locally owned establishments and bypass the Mc Donalds, Starbucks and Walmarts when there is a choice!