Your numerous challenges prompted me to spend some more time surfing (paddling?) and I think at this point, I should say: Eureka!

I believe that the restaurant between Bologna and Cortona was: OSTERIA DI RENDOLA Loc. Rendola 76/81, 52025 Montevarchi (AR) Telephone (011) 39-055-9707490 Fax (011) 39-055-9707491 Open Thursday to Tuesday Credit cards Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club

Have a look at: http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Archives/Show_Article/1,1275,2660,00.html http://www.truetuscany.com/food/rest/direndola.shtml

According to the Wine Spectator, Francesco subsequently opened Beccofino in Florence but Rendola continues to be his best restaurant. I know that he was in New York as a very young chef and made a splash there, then returned to Italy to set up his own place.

Of course, you will want to check the current position. Things change so quickly in the restaurant world. Some of our Italian Ziners may know the place/chef/current quality. My memory is that it was not expensive - but if the chef then became a famous Florentine, the world may have changed in that respect also.

Buon appetito, Joan Melbourne, Australia