The stars at night are big and bright ….deep in the heart of ….
Cortona?
Yep, you read that right! Having lived in Austin for 10 years, I can recognize a bit of ol’ west cowboy, and believe me, there’s some in Cortona that’s as good as it gets. Really. So to my Austin friends, this one’s especially for you.
©Blogginginitaly.com
In a million years, we would have never found this place, down a dirt road with as many twists and turns as a viper. But of course, it was no secret to Lapo and Paola. The sign reads Club House and American Saloon, but the front of the restaurant gives little indication of what awaits inside.
©Blogginginitaly.com
And there it is – the dream realized of a born and bred cowboy, Franco. Note the resemblance in the painting.
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
This is a 30+ year adventure of a man with a passion, “The Man who Lives on Horseback.”
©Blogginginitaly.com
Watch your back, Clint…Franco’s got you cornered, and he has SIX Stetsons.
©Blogginginitaly.com
And a collection gathered and also gifted by the many friends he has made over the years.
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
I didn’t realize that my brother Bill left his Black Hawks jersey when he visited us here two years ago! (Actually, son Andrea picked up the jersey when in Chicago because of the Black Hawk.)
©Blogginginitaly.com
This is a family run business and all are involved.
Franco, Gianluca, Ornella, Andrea –
©Blogginginitaly.com
But let’s not forget about the food!
©Blogginginitaly.com
Son Andrea tells us about the menu and specials,
©Blogginginitaly.com
while some appetizers are brought to the table.
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
We let them decide our menu, and it was not only international but also delicious.
Gnocchi
©Blogginginitaly.com
Pasta with ragu
©Blogginginitaly.com
Bison steak from the U.S. or Canada,
©Blogginginitaly.com
Local chianina beef with green peppercorns,
©Blogginginitaly.com
Grilled pork from Spain.
©Blogginginitaly.com
While we were eating, Franco entertained us with his pet owl, Archimedes. Seriously.
©Blogginginitaly.com
And Andrea brought along a one-month old they found abandoned.
©Blogginginitaly.com
After dinner, we moved to one of the verandas for dessert and caffe,
where the stars at night are big and bright,
and the views, they go on forever!
©Blogginginitaly.com
and Franco served grappa, not tequila, from a glass rifle.
©Blogginginitaly.com
Before leaving, a few more photos with the family,
©Blogginginitaly.com
including Franco and all the wannabe cowboys, (well at least for the night)!
©Blogginginitaly.com
Although we have walked nearly every street in Cortona over the last four years, this was such an unexpected and very fun surprise. The address is Localita Piazzanella, 247/A, but I doubt that will help you find them on a map. Funny thing is, the next day I mentioned our dinner to some local friends, and they’ve all been here. Go figure!
My toast to friends both near and far, and all whom I hold dear… do like Franco,
Grab those reins, sit tall in the saddle,
and never let go of your dream.
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Giddy-up tutti!
LikeLike
Len thought I should have said that!
LikeLike
Hello Judy and Leonard,
What a delight to hear from you. All those beautiful people you making friends with is just remarkable. The food looks so inviting, I can almost almost tasted. What a wonderful vacation, You both looks so happy. A little Texas in Cortona, looks like the real thing.
Love, Magda
LikeLike
It could fool me for sure! My kind of BBQ! xo
LikeLike
Judy this is just fabulous !! We lived this blog – you are having the best trip ever !!!
Love ou both! F and V. Xoxo
Sent from my iPad
LikeLike
xo
LikeLike
How amazing to find a bit of the wild west in Italy.
LikeLike
And for us to just learn about it now!
LikeLike
Juju…
thank goodness for pictures…would be hard to imagine this gem without them…love you guys and so happy you are living the dream…
GO HAWKS!!!!!
xo
Bill
LikeLike
Thought you’d enjoy this one! xo
LikeLike
You’ve really hit your stride this year. Because you have been to most of the well-known places, maybe you should replicate the WTTW “Strange Chicago” show by giving us more of “Strange Cortona”.
LikeLike
Sounds like a plan…if I did deep enough, I can probably find some Etruscan scandals!
LikeLike