On my way to the Ristorante Il Corianolo, one of the rare ones open in the city as opposed to the country, at Sunday lunch, I passed the side of the Duomo I had not been frequenting, and could not believe it - a sneaker ad. My Goodness, I guess the New Yorker cartoon by John Klossner showing two monks, with Pizza King logos exclaiming - "A vow of poverty and sponsorship aren't necessarily exclusive" is not far off the mark. The Vatican must be in more financial trouble than the valet-leaker let on.
In any case, on past La Scala (with Rigoletto today) and some really cool buildings to the chosen place.
I wasn't really up to a four course meal and realizing the fritto misto would reach the budgeted amount anyway, ordered that. I was not inaccurate; it was ample for two big Mezzogiorno-ians if there is such a word. Unfortunately it's tough to get calamari untough and still crisp it and this kitchen hasn't yet figured that out.
But after a hard mornings' work, with a half-bottle of Banfi wine and a corrected coffee, this citizen was happy to pay 46 E.
Again, all but one person in the place was a local and Italian-speaker and suits and ties made me feel that i fit in.