Lunch at Villa D’Este

As those who read our blog know Tiarra posted some pictures from our visit to the world famous Villa D’Este hotel in the town of Cernobbio just down the lake road from our rental on Lake Como.  Although it was a rainy and gray day the setting was just breath taking. We strolled through the grounds when Joan and my sister, Kathie  insisted they we spurge and have lunch there.  We had been talking about it but I thought it was just a suggestion. We weren’t really dressed up at all but apparently it doesn’t really make a difference.  Lots of guests mingling around in various levels of dress, meaning from twenty dollar t-shirts to two thousand dollar suits. We were closer to the t-shirts than the suits.  We wanted to sit outdoors but the wind was kicking up so we were escorted to the pavilion adjacent to the garden.  Very spacious and while indoors you kind of feel like you’re still in the garden.  We were given a table that was preset pretty much like a five star wedding.  Then menus were presented to us and I immediately knew we were in financial trouble when I was the only one whose menu had pricing with the selections. Hey, if you have to ask the price you can’t afford it!!  The girls certainly didn’t want the maitre’d  to see or hear them asking the price so we quickly worked out a pricing hand signal code.  Thumbs down, you ain’t getting it!  Thumbs up, it’s within our loan limit.  Oh, did I mention I filled out the loan application for lunch and was quickly approved?  The maitre‘d handed me the paper work without  Joan , Tiarra and Kathie even noticing.  I think he had a lot of experience with this procedure. I hate to even think what the consequences are if you get turned down. Maybe they just ignore you for good and that after a few days without service or eye contact you finally get the message.  We finally ordered our food and were pleased with the quick service and, honestly, everything was very very good!!  What we had is really inconsequential.  Pasta stuff with exotic names (fettucini and spaghetti)and some drinks.  Oh yeah, you might be interested in the pricing. I had my usual local beer.  Of course everything is in cl. measurements but it’s essentially the same as 12 oz.  A mere ten Euros, about 13 dollars!!!!!!!!Hey, at least it had alcohol in it.  The 8oz. Coke Zero’s were ten Euros each, and the tall bottle of water was nine Euros.  Each of the entres’ were 26, 27, 26 and 34 Euros each.  Final bill?  153 Euros, about $197. For sure we walked out with a wonderful meal in our stomachs but a great big gaping hole in our wallets.  As least the management was kind enough to part the skies for us so that we were able to walk to the car without getting wet!