Dining Out in Florence (Alabama, That Is)

I knew I’d found my soul mate when I started dating my now-husband ten years ago, and he had the same love for food, travel, and wine that I did. He did not think I was snobby, but rather a woman who appreciated the good things in life. He did as well and, countless trips together later, we are still having the best time together over different types of cuisine and libations.

This past weekend, in celebration of our 8-year wedding anniversary, we visited Florence, Alabama, and stayed at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa for a little rest, relaxation, and FOOD. Friday night we ventured out to Florence’s downtown area, which has several dining establishments from which to choose depending on your mood.

We settled on Ricatoni’s Italian Grill, an unpretentious trattoria great for families or a low-key date night. They do not take reservations, which I am not a fan of (there is nothing I detest more in life than having to wait), but it was a short wait as the staff is good at seating people quickly. Do not bother ordering a mixed drink, as my margarita was all mix and did not taste like there was an ounce of tequila in it, but their wine list is respectable so I recommend skip straight to ordering a bottle of the chianti.

Our salads were definitely generic, and lacked imagination; think, lettuce with one tomato, cheap croutons, etc. For my entrée, I went with the veal parmesan. It was cooked very well, and the accompanying side of fettuccini alfredo was tasty. The hubs ordered their lasagna, and was very pleased with his as well. Their fresh-baked bread with olive oil helped us leave stuffed to the gills. Dessert was skipped, as I witnessed a server keep using her fingers to scrape ice cream off a spoon in prepping another table’s dessert – I realize things like this happen in restaurants everywhere, but I really do not need to see how the sausage is made.

Overall, it was enjoyable. Not fancy, but I left full and happily plied with wine. I give it 3 out of 5 pours. 🍷🍷🍷

I mentioned the Marriott resort at which we stayed all weekend. The best restaurant in Florence is located at the top of the resort: 360 Grille, and was the perfect place to go after my afternoon in the spa working up an appetite. It is a rotating restaurant, and is definitely for those who enjoy fine dining. You can sip your cocktail while enjoying the revolving view. We have dined here several times before, so I can honestly say this was not the best experience we have had there. They were a little off their game having just reopened from renovations.

Their wine list is impressive even if they were out of certain vintages, but our 2014 Brunello was incredible, as well the Rose with which I cleansed my palate. Our server was incredibly friendly. Where this place faltered for me that night was in the food being room temperature at best. The crab cake is what a crab cake should be: dense with crab a great deal of crabmeat and not a bunch of crusty batter; unfortunately, it was cold upon arriving at the table which it is not meant to be.

NY Strip with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach

My NY Strip with Oscar topping melted in my mouth, but the spinach and sweet potatoes, again, were cold. It was clear some of the food was cooked much sooner than other parts of the meal. They did, to our delight, surprise us with dessert since it was our wedding anniversary – a nice touch, yes?

I may review this establishment again in the future, and reevaluate my rating. It has a wonderful atmosphere, and is a place where you feel you can really relax. There were some hiccups this time around, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I give it 4 out of 5 pours. 🍷🍷🍷🍷

It’s not Florence, Italy, but Florence, Alabama, scratched my foodie itch for the time being. Cheers!