Il Tempo...A Favorite In Tavernelle

  There are so many options when it comes to having a meal "out" here in Umbria. We love to have a nice lunch out, and then a very light, if any, dinner. To tell the truth, dinner is often a few small treats at Bar Gallo... bruschetta, chips, olives.... whatever is on offer with a glass or two of wine. 

  

  What we have come to love over the years are the "tavola calda", or hot table restaurants. I have written about these places before, here, and we are still big fans.

  A favorite has become Il Tempo, just outside of Tavernelle, a town about 15 minutes away from Panicale, in the valley.

  We ate here once last year, at the end of our stay...but this year we have become regulars for lunch. Il Tempo is located on the SS220, just a few kilometers east of Tavernelle on the way to Perugia. Look for it on the right hand side of the road on your way out of town.

Il Tempo, located on the SS220,east of Tavernelle. Well worth a visit! 

  Since I'm always on the lookout for another tavola calda, I noticed this one by the sign above the door. When we went the first time, we were so happy to see the many vegetarian choices available.

  The lovely Olympia, who I believe owns the place, and does the cooking, is such a delightful young woman. She speaks English very well, which is always nice, and has a very good way with her customers.

  When we have stopped for lunch, there seems to be a nice group of regulars. Lots of working folks stopping in for a hot lunch...suits and ties as well as dirty jeans and workbooks. Very much a local place. 

A typical plate of vegetarian treats from Olympia's kitchen.
Johnny is in love with the "suppli", little fried rice balls stuffed with cheese.
 How can this be bad? Oh, It's not...

  There is always something new I want to try, and we let Olympia just fix plates for us...it's always yummy....

The balsamic roasted little onions have been my favorite lately.
We both love the stuffed eggplant and squash....it's all good!

  Right after I got over my stomach flu, early in the trip, I wanted to go to Il Tempo and really eat up. We hardly ever have dessert, but I was feeling brave, and we went for it. I had the warm, home made and utterly awesome apple strudel......with cream, of course...

  

Johnny had tiramisu, which was also very fine. Always. I have grown most fond of tiramisu, I have to say.

  So, we usually just get a mixed plate of what ever Olympia brings to us, but I recently was in the mood for pasta, and she recommended the pasta rosa, or pasta in a pink sauce. 

  Olympia let me know that the sauce was home made, and it is wonderful. Sweet, creamy and just enough spice to give it that little kick of heat. I will crave this sauce in the coming months, and look forward to coming back for it next year.

The unassuming looking, yet incredibly tasty pink sauce.

  This same visit, Johnny branched out a bit, too, by ordering the faro salad. It had lots of fresh veggies and some nice little chunks of local cheese. I would try to make this at home, for sure.

  

I know we will return again and again to Il Tempo....the atmosphere is local, comfortable, and friendly to the extreme. We feel at home here now, and that's so nice. The entire staff is easy, attentive and so welcoming.

  And the food is always so good. We just know that everything is made fresh and with care. There are many veggie things to try, and I have a good idea that the meat eaters out there will be happy, too.

  For me, a plate like the one here, is a little taste of heaven.

This day featured an amazingly great ceci bean salad. Lots of rosemary, and so good.

  We both give thumbs held high up for Il Tempo...If you find yourself in the area, just go for it. You will not regret it.

  Thanks,Olympia! We'll be back soon!!