Peter Rodgers

We first dined at Sorriso some ten years ago and went back several time, but not since it earned its third Michelin star. We are returning on our trip late this month, hoping that the third star has not spoiled them. In the past, we found the food consistently good and the service very attentive. We live in Annapolis, Maryland and have a second home in Vancouver. Despite contending with jobs that keep us tied to our desks more often than we would like, we usually manage to spend ten days or so in France and Italy each year.

I had a lunch at Trattoria della Posta in January that could be among my most memorable in the region. I had the tasting menu and every dish was superb. Among other things, the taliarin were best of breed and they make an extraordinary Panna Cotta. Disappointed to hear the collective reports on da Felicin. We had a wonderful lunch at Il Centro last fall and I would rate it a must for anyone's forthcoming itinerary. I'm drawing a blank, but what about the place in Barolo that has a Michelin star? Finally, it is worth sharing the odd experience we've had a La Ciau del Tornatvento. First a terrific, simple lunch two years ago, then a dinner that ranks with some of the best we've had in Italy (a risotto that was better than Al Sorriso's version, which says a great deal), but when we went back last fall with friends, we felt like ugly Americans -- they were downright rude and offered only the most limited and pedestrian menu -- courtesy I suppose of the rush during truffle season.

We are off to a brief gastronic tour of provincial France. Would appreciate word of anyone's recent experience at: Maison de Bricourt in Cancale; Patrick Jeffroy at Carantec; Michel Trama at Puymirol; Moulin de Lourmarin at Lourmarin and L'Oasis at La Napoule.

Forgot to mention that we are staying at the Castello di Villa, a step up for our usual pedestrian lodgings at I Castilli in Alba. The Alba area is our bar none favorite spot in Italy for food, wine and scenery. I have been traveling to Italy for forty years and other than Liguria, the Lake Country, the Amalfi Coast and the Alto Adige, wouldn't bother with much else.

Thanks for the reply. We will hang in with our reservation at the old location and try the new one next time. I speak Italian and hope that I can provide an update on our return. Worth adding that we have a gastronic tour planned for the Alba area over four days. Our reservations, other than Guido (at which we have dined a dozen times) include Da Cesare, Al Enoteca, Trattoria della Posta, Gardino da Felicin, La Contea, Il Centro in Priocca, and La Luna nel Posto. Aware of others like Cascinale Nuovo and Ciau del Tornavento, but is there anything else we are missing.

Noting Robert Brown's February report re Relais St. Maurizio and the relocation of Da Guido, I am curious to learn if anyone is aware of whether the move actually has taken place. We have a reservation at Guido on October 2nd and as far as I can tell (without calling), they are still at the old location. Additionally, the hotel site continues to say that it is under construction.