FLYGVA and I are now leaving Zurich by car for Lugano. We should get there by mid- to late afternoon and will call chrissxb to meet up. Looking forward to seeing you tonight. (BTW, no more internet access from now for us.)

The current situation:

1. We are all meeting in the lobby of the Hotel Dante Lugano at 7 pm and will convoy to the restaurant.

2. After the dinner, we will return to my UIG's house, where there will be:

a. Brandy.
b. Coke (Light).
c. Marzipan (not so light).
d. Chocolate cake (very not so light).
e. Coffee (instant).
f. A roaring fire (already set up, needing only a match, so it should also be instant).

The cake is from Lugano's best bakery, Munger (mentioned several times in this thread). I told them I needed one for 9 people. They told me they only had them available for 6 or 12 people. Knowing that F/Ters will never pass up a freebie, I figured the 12 person cake would present no problem at all. Besides, I have two more days left in Lugano after the Meet and what you guys don't finish, I will.

The coffee presented more of a problem. I discovered that the UIG only has 6 coffee cups in her set. Okay, I don't drink the stuff but that still meant that we were two cups short. I found one more in her kitchen, made of plastic and reading "South Park" on it -- very un-UIGish.

I still needed one more. Then I remembered that Alysia had sent a Republican coffee cup to the PBI-FLL Meet as a birthday present for me. It was still in my suitcase and I got it out. The UIG is an extreme Leftist and I think she would prefer that I had another woman in her house to a Republican coffee cup but she is not here so I am safe.

I got the instant coffee. I got the sugar. I am all set. All I have to do is sit back and relax until this evening.

Wait! The milk! I forgot the milk!!! I guess it is back on with my coat and out into the cold again to get the milk for the coffee.

Now do you understand why I hate the stuff?

(Weather report: The fog has lifted, so MXP should be in full operation. It is still cold outside but the sun is shining and within an hour it should be pleasantly warm -- until sunset.)

After a pleasant drive across the alps in the company of FLYGVA and Freddie Jr., I am back home with fond memories of this nice and cozy FT meeting... last year! ;) Thank you very much Dovster for organizing this, for hosting us after dinner and for introducing me to a very good little Grotto in spitting distance from my family's place.

Grazie mille, auguri e buon' anno a tutti!

Dovster, it was a pleasure to meet you and many thanks for guiding us to this lovely restaurant and organizing this DO.

Jan

Finally able to get back online after being back home a few days. Dovster, thanks for organizing a great meet. To everybody, thanks for a great meet. The restaurant was top.

Dovster - So sorry I missed this one. Didn't return to CH until the day of the Do.
Where did you end up having dinner? I have been back to Lugano/Cannobio several times over the last few months and will be going again this weekend.

Cheers,

Fduvall

We wound up slightly outside of Cannobio at the Grotto Ticinese, Via ai Grotti 2, 6944 Cureglia. It is easy to find but if you want directions call them at 091-967 1226.

The food was delicious and the prices extremely reasonable. (Smoking is allowed downstairs but if you want a non-smoking area ask to be seated on the second floor.)

You will not find food anywhere as good as this at a reasonable price anywhere in Lugano proper -- and it is only about a 10 minute drive from the heart of town.

I have eaten there a couple of times. We liked it and had great service. Will definitely go back the next time we are in town.

fduvall

Just had dinner at Grotto Ticinese again last night. Twice in the last ten days. Can you tell I like it?

Highly recommended if you are in Lugano area.

fduvall