A “sense of place” is really important for us. The convergence of varied elements come together to create something beyond the mere collection of parts—something ineffable. Although the  space may be difficult to describe, we take note of various aspects that resonate with us. It’s a unique sensation for each individual. The best we can do is simply name the phenomenon. In this case it’s “table number four” at the restaurant Piatti & Fagotti, in downtown San Domenico.

A  small table for two just inside the front door beckons, with an alluring brew of intimate, unique, quaint, antique, and special ambiance with a dash of curious intrigue going on around that little vestibule of space. For us it’s irresistable. Originally, our window-on-the-world was another door, complete with a stone threshold of two steps up from the narrow sidewalk. Those former steps have been re-purposed as terraced shelves for terra cotta pots holding fluffy green plants—gently reminding passersby that this is “not a door anymore.”

We called ahead to make sure that our favorite table was available. It was not. Someone else with similar tastes had already nabbed it. We’re not surprised since it’s a really sweet spot. Reluctantly, we accepted the promise to be in the vicinity. Perhaps the ambiance of the open-aired table would drift a few feet to include us. But, to our surprise, the couple who had reserved the number 4, relinquished their hold at the last minute. Apparently there was just a little too much Tuscan sun streaming (momentarily) through the window. Lucky us!

Housed in an ancient convent, the restaurant has become a social hub in San Domenico, just mid-way up the hill between Florence and Fiesole, Italy. Across the street is a renowned school of music where students from around the world arrive to study. We watch a steady stream of musicians step off the bus number 7 and walk the remaining yards to the school. They are like bees drawn to the honey comb, buzzing with excitement. On their backs and in their hands, they carry various instruments. This delightful parade of musicians is part and parcel to the appeal of table number four.

The name of the restaurant, Piatti e Fagotti is in honor of the symbiotic relationship between the musicians and great Tuscan fare. They go together: the plates (piatti) for the restaurant, and the carrying bags and cases (fagotti) for the instrumentalists. The clever logo for the restaurant is two musical notes—one rendered as a stylized ladle. The logo perfectly captures, in the name, the harmony between the two symbiotic entities. It whimsically “notes” or honors the rigors of musical studies, while simultaneously invites all passersby to share a hearty, comforting meal.

Tuscany brims with such small wonders. They’re just around the corner or beyond the next bend in the road. They’re uttered in a friendly greeting or generously served up warm to table number four.

Addendum

Here’s another view of “Table Number Four” from the outside/streetside, showing the repurposed steps with plants. Today we lunched al fresco, perched within a four-feet wide dining platform. Note: that’s a sidewalk between the rail and the building.

To show the irresistible quirkiness of this place, following is the olive grove, across the narrow street, which is owned by the school of music—doubling as an outdoor dining room. This further illustrates the close relationship between the school and the restaurant. The school actually installed a short wood gate in their fence so customers at the Botega can climb the wall with lunch in hand to dine in the shade of the olive trees—simply beautiful.