21.12.2003, Stine, William D.

U.S.A.

Signore Martin:

Saluto! E scusi, mentre io scrivero in inglese.

On Tuesday evening, May 20, 2003, my wife, Marcy, and I had the pleasure of eating at your restaurant, Osteria da Fiore. Our thoughts have repeatedly returned to that wonderful culinary occasion. My wife's clam risotto and my soft-shell crabs set us off to a meal we will continue to remember for years to come. And we especially appreciated your introduction to us of the wonderfully complex wine from the nearby Fruili-Venezia Giulia area, Tocai. It is not an easy wine for us to find here in Michigan.

About ten days ago there was a review in the New York Times of several cookbooks, including your book, _The da Fiore Cookbook_, Wm. Morrow, 2003. I could not resist purchasing a copy as a Christmas present for my wife. What a superb job of writing, and a warm tribute to your parents! As an inscription to the book, I wrote: "Marcy, Let me put new meaning to the old claim that de gustibus non disputandum est - there is _no_ dispute that da Fiore is the best on matters of taste! We experienced just that in May, 2003."

We both look forward to our next visit to Serenissima and dinner at da Fiore.

Mille grazie!

William D. Stine