The Accidental Festa

I think it was our second to last night in Italy when we got reservations at a place called Il Moderno in the neighboring town of San Martino nel Cimino. We'd been there a few weeks prior, and having liked it, went back. Actually, I'll back up. We had two nights left and seven places we could think of to go for dinner. So I made two lists and we privately numbered them one through seven according to preference. Our number ones and twos were identical! So it was Il Moderno Friday, and Il Labirinto Saturday.

A table for two outside for 9 pm is what we reserved. As we approached the "porta," the entrance to the centro (the center) ,we were stopped because it was blocked by cops. As we drove on by we saw why. A festa. Of all days.... So our nice little dinner for two outside would be potentially surrounded by reveling Italians and a really loud band. We parked a few blocks outside the center and walked tentatively back. The centro was completely mobbed. (We think this festival was celebrating beer.) We love festas, but not surprise festas. We imagined sitting alone in this restaurant while everyone else in town (who knew better) ate much more, for much less, at the festa.

Our first glimpse. 

Rows and rows of tables, plastic chairs and families.

The chefs!

These guys were roasting the meat on grills. We weren't really clear on what that fire was for...

 

Dinner was as tasty this time as last time, AND, lucky us, it was just on the other side of the action, so it was only occasionally loud, and it was also quite full so we didn't feel like losers.

Our table—reserved for "Caren."  I'm getting really good at saying Karen with an Italian accent. They never have to ask twice. 

The resident kitty. 

She must get lucky sometimes, but I've never seen it. Fred did drop something and she came running, but she didn't eat it. I think it was a vegetable. :)

The chef's hand would occasionally reach out and pluck off a few basil leaves.

No pics of the food this time. Not sure why... nor do I remember what we had!  I think we began with bruschetta, then had pizzas and green salad at the end. On the way out we took some more pics and vowed to check the festa schedule next time we book there!

Apparently this says:We don't have wifi but we have great wine and after two glasses you can navigate anything you want.I just liked the "Wi-ne Fi-ne."

A lively bunch. 

Spirits were high. 

And, back in Viterbo, they prepare for the Macchina, right on schedule. See this post for more info on this.
http://luglioinitalia.blogspot.com/2015/07/practicing-transport-of-la-macchina-di.html