La Trattoria dei Quattro Leoni, Florence, Italy - November 2005

I wanted to try this restaurant based on the reviews it received on Fodors’ website, and in the wonderful guidebook I procured (The Food Lover’s Guide To Florence). We were not disappointed. The menu was completely in Italian, but we had a wonderful waiter (Dragos) who spoke a little English and kindly helped us with interpretation.

We had an amazing salad here…very fresh greens with chunks of Italian cheese and avocado, with a homemade pesto dressing (outstanding). Another showstopper was a pasta dish which consisted of little pasta purses stuffed with cheese and chopped pear, topped with an asparagus cheese sauce. Sounds strange, I know…but was amazing. My spousal unit couldn't seem to keep his fork out of it, so I made him buy me a second order. 

At the end of our meal, Dragos first brought us a round of Limoncello (on the house), and then a round of grappa (a distilled wine with a kick like tequila…also on the house). By then, we loved Dragos...and that love was reflected in his tip. Excellent moderately-priced restaurant.

Dragos appreciates a girl with a hearty appetite!

Quattro Leoni's Fiochetta with Pears, Asparagus and Taleggio Cheese - YUMMO!

http://www.4leoni.com/