The first time we went to Bologna we were completely exhausted. It took forever to find the hotel because the one way streets had been changed and the directions made no sense. We got there eventually and settled in late in the afternoon. The hotel recommended the ristorante down the block for dinner and booked a table for us. Al Sangiovese.(1) A very local family run place run by Rocco, from Calabria, and his wife Antonella from Bologna.
When the meal ended I asked for Amaro Averna, an herbal after dinner liqueur. Rocco came out of the kitchen with a bottle of Amaro del Capo and explained through gestures and a bit of English from Antonella that the ONLY Amaro that was any good at all was Amaro del Capo, which not surprisingly is made in Calabria. It was really wonderful. That was 4 years ago.
We went back to Bologna for New Years Eve this year(burning of the frog, another post later) and this time stayed at the nearby hotel to be near the Al Sangiovese. We had reservations for two nights and were welcomed as old friends, hugs and all. At the end of the first meal, Rocco put 4 glasses (we were with another couple) on the table with a bottle of Amaro del Capo. No question of ordering it or not drinking it. Same for the New Years Eve meal. Just like home.
No kidding, if you ever get even near Bologna, stop in at the Al Sangiovese and tell then “Woody da amico Americano” sent you. You won’t be disappointed.
1. http://www.alsangiovese.com/en/index.html
Images from above website: Rocco on left, Antonella on right, chef in middle (looks like a relative to me. I will find out and re post this later.)
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