Here in Rome our program provides meal coupons, which allow us students to eat for free at four local restaurants, pizzerias, etc. Volpetti has proven to be the fan favorite for its delectable meats and cheeses, but more importantly for its unmatched friendly atmosphere. You see, at Volpetti our sorry attempts at speaking Italian are welcomed, and strongly encouraged. Trading our scrumptious prosciutto, mozzarella, sun-dried tomato panini for a "Come ti chiami?" or "Molto bene, grazie."
On the other end of the spectrum, there is L'Insalata. A restaurant at the bottom of the hill, best known for its salads, which do come in handy, particularly after our trip to Capri where hardly any greens were consumed and bikinis were the attire. Unfortunately, however, the salads come dressed with attitude and tossed with eye rolls.
Upon entering la'insalata my friends and I brace ourselves for the service. The unnamed waiter, typically dressed in red, and always accessorized by a frown has proven to be the least friendly Italian that I've come to know, thus far.
Perhaps it's because our form of currency is coupon and not Euros, or the fact that he need not make a lasting, positive impression, as tipping is hardly the norm here, whichever it may be...the L'Insalata man has it out for me.
Here's why:
1. First and foremost we must always ask, actually, beg for the menu. Oh, and when we do, it's as if I've requested a filet mignon at McDonalds. Don't most other restaurants provide a menu upon being seated. I'm not here for the faux flowers and unfortunate interior decorating--I'm here for the food.
2. Secondly, water. It usually takes a good 10-12 minutes of awkwardness before we muster up the courage to ask for a beverage--a truly terrifying task. At L'Insalata it seems as though the waiters only operate upon requests.
3. Another thing--when ordering our main courses we are extremely limited, if we choose to pay by coupon. But, the deal with the coupons is that they amount to 12€--so really price should be my only limitation. So long as I don't exceed 12€--I should be able to order whatever my gurgling belly desires, shouldn't I? Nope. I can hear him now reprimanding me, "NO. No meatballs. Only order of first course. No second course." Excuse me, sir, THE MEATBALLS ARE 8€!
After having several of these kinds of experiences, I am left to wonder why this cold little man has it out for us? It is because we are American? Is it because we pay in tiny pieces of paper that supposedly amount to 12€, or is it because he doesn't have to be nice--because he is paid not in tips but instead by salary, or...does the L'Insalata man need a hug? The world may never know.
Lucky for L'Insalata their salads are delicious, and unless I want to have to be rolled onto the airplane come December 18th, I'll need to return--each time more determined to crack a smile out of the infamous L'Insalata man.
**Update hopefully to come--as well as a picture of the charmer himself **