Sunset view from the Ponte Vecchico bridge.
How to pronounce All’Arrabiata.
My love affair with a pasta dish.
The dish that started it all. Penne All’Arrabiata, Trattoria Le antiche Carrozze. Florence, Italy.
“BEST IN TOWN”. Menu of classic pasta dishes, with All’Arrabiata listed at the top.
At this stage of my existence, I am only slightly embarrassed that I have just learned about this classic Italian dish, All’Arrabbiata. My apologies to all of the Nonnas out there.
I am quick to brag, too, that I love Italian food and often seek it out when traveling to any city or country. Silly me!
Italian food always has the same ingredient: comfort.
That comfort in texture and flavor is what kept us coming back to order this pasta again and again in Florence, Italy, last August.
On our extended trip, we spent four of our nights in Florence. We arrived early to our lodging, as one does, and strolled to the nearest restaurant to buy time and lunch.
Proudly written on the first page under the first dish, Penne All’Arrabbiata, were the words, “BEST IN TOWN”. We laughed. How is this possible?!
Located in Piazza Santa Trinità, also called The Holy Trinity Square, Trattoria Le antiche Carrozzo is the restaurant I speak of. Its outdoor tables are tucked far enough from the street that passing horse-drawn carriages clop by, giving diners sightseeing views and sounds.
I am telling you we spent four nights in Florence, and in those four nights we ordered the same pasta from the same restaurant five times! Okay, maybe four. But I swear we might have doubled up one day and split an order.
When we weren't eating, we walked sun-drenched streets, darting from harsh rays to slivers of shade, and talked endlessly about this pasta dish. Why was it so good?!
Do I know Florence has world-renowned restaurants and other options? Of course I do. We had other meals too, lest you worry. However, none spoke to my soul like this one!
Before leaving the country, I would wake up in the middle of the night, dim my phone light to the lowest setting, hide under the sheet and scroll through hundreds, more or less, of recipes for making All’Arrabbiata. Determined not to leave this dish a memory on a table in Florence, Italy.
Tables facing the cobblestone streets of Florence, Italy. Location of Trattoria Le antiche Carrozze
Now home in Oregon months later, I constantly dream of that spicy, garlicky tomato goodness.
Have I attempted any of those hundreds of recipes? Nope.
Last weekend, I found myself in a desperate state of craving All’Arrabbiata. On a whim, I searched online: Where can I find All’Arrabbiata near me in Portland, Oregon?
I FOUND IT!
I REALLY FOUND IT!
(Insert. No one is as surprised as I am. I did just discover this dish, remember?)
Not only was it in the walkable Pearl District, but it was also on the menu at Piazza Italia, a long-time favorite restaurant of mine and many in Portland. I was so excited I could have hugged them!
But was it the same?
We ordered with confidence.
I took my first bite, and oh my goodness, it was incredible!
My palate memories and my current taste buds were dancing a magnificent dance!
As if that wasn’t enough, we also scored a 2018 Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Riserva-Conti Capponi from the wine list.
I am happy to have found the “BEST IN TOWN” in Florence, Italy and in my city, Portland, Oregon…which I sometimes call Tiny Europe. Tiny Europe is another story for another time.
The love affair continues.
Piazza Italia, thank you for the comfort, and please consider my reservation standing. (wink)
Portland, Oregon restaurant Piazza Italia. Showing All’Arrabbiata dish.
Villa Calcinaia 2018 Chianti Classico wine. Conti Capponi. 10/10
