So, does this make me a groupie? Last night we had dinner in Moorpark at Cafe Firenze, the restaurant that Fabio, from this season's Top Chef (and Fan Favorite!), runs with his two partners. And it is all thanks to Palma, who read of last night's fan favorite party on Facebook and made reservations for us, that we were all there. Joining us were fellow ST'ers Krista and Steve, who braved Friday night traffic from Santa Barbara to get there for dinner.
Cafe Firenze has gotten a lot of publicity since Fabio's appearance on Top Chef; it has been open for 14 months, so before the Bravo show aired. I have read many online reviews and I have to say I totally agree with all who have said that is wonderful. In spite of the fact that this restaurant was very, very busy with diners and others who had come for the 10 pm - 2 am party, the food was delicious, the service was excellent. We were lucky to have service from a charming young woman named Jennifer, who not only indulged our ordering our meal course by course, but she also answered our Fabio questions, met us in the kitchen window area and made introductions, but at the end of a long evening, took the photographs that Palma had brought, and asked Fabio to autograph them for us.
If you look carefully at the picture, you will see that Fabio in his charming almost command of English, misunderstood what Jennifer had asked him (which was to sign a picture, one of each, to Palma, Krista and Marcia), and instead put all 3 names on each picture. It will be a most unique signature.
Like Krista said on her blog earlier today, I think that Palma will have the definitive account of our adventure in Fabio-land. And I do have some great photos of some of the wonderful dishes that we ate last night; I think that I will save those for another post.
But here are a few pictures that defined our evening:
Palma brought a bag of her homebaked taralli to give to Fabio, which totally charmed him:
Jennifer our server showed us a neat trick with a wine cork; with our second bottle she actually went through the steps of getting the cork on the side of the bottle.
After our most leisurely dinner, which went on for a good 3+ hours, we decided to check out the fan favorite party which was in the bar area. It was very noisy, and a much younger crowd vibe. We did linger over coffee, heard Fabio thank the crowd for coming out and supporting him, and saw him throw a few Top Chef white coats into the crowd. That was pretty much the party, and I was glad we had come for dinner first.
Would we eat again at Cafe Firenze given that Moorpark is close to an hour from our house? Yes, I think we might make a trip out there now and again. The food and the ambiance were excellent; it would make a good place for a Slow Travel GTG if we wanted to find a place between here and Santa Barbara. I know we all wish this young man the best of luck on his upcoming culinary and business adventures.
But I can't resist one foodie shot; this is my fettucini al fruti di mare, which was as delicious as it looks on the plate.
to be continued . . .
Comments (9)
Oh--I would have LOVED to be there! Sounds like a perfect evening.
Posted by jgk | March 21, 2009 3:18 PM
Posted on March 21, 2009 15:18
Wow, Marcia. I am speechless.
Posted by candi | March 21, 2009 5:19 PM
Posted on March 21, 2009 17:19
Thanks for the details Marcia. I'm so excited for the ST'er fans of Top Chef. What a thrill.
Posted by Barb Cabot | March 21, 2009 7:04 PM
Posted on March 21, 2009 19:04
Oh, Marcia, I am so jealous! I would have loved to have been there!
Another GTG at Cafe Firenze perhaps?
Posted by nancyhol | March 22, 2009 8:31 AM
Posted on March 22, 2009 08:31
Marcia, fabulous retelling of your evening! Yes, I think you are now a bonafide Fabio groupie! LOL.
How exciting for all of you!
Posted by Eden | March 22, 2009 10:45 AM
Posted on March 22, 2009 10:45
What a drool-worthy evening. Glad to have virtually joined you all.
Posted by Terry (teaberry) | March 22, 2009 11:30 AM
Posted on March 22, 2009 11:30
It sounds like your evening was so much fun. The food looks great.
Posted by Cindy Ruth | March 22, 2009 9:35 PM
Posted on March 22, 2009 21:35
Your fettucini al fruti di mare looks incredible! I would drive an hour for good Italian food. Sounds like you had a fabulous evening. What fun!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Posted by girasoli | March 22, 2009 10:14 PM
Posted on March 22, 2009 22:14
Hey, being a groupie is very cool. I LOVE the way you are leaning on his shoulder! You are SO lucky! He's a doll. I'm glad to hear that his restaurant is so good. Looking forward to seeing more food photos. Go Fabio!
Posted by Annie | March 23, 2009 6:12 AM
Posted on March 23, 2009 06:12