On my “fancy lady day” in Bologna I needed a break between Renaissance art and gift shopping for the family, I stumbled on La Trattoria del Tempo Buono. After a quick glimpse of the menu posted outside, I thought I’d try my luck with a table. Luckily, the crowded restaurant had one for and all my bags. After escaping from locking myself in the loo (this was pre-wine), I settled in for a gorgeous glass of Berlucchi Franciacorta and a good book.

The staff were very friendly and recommend another white to accompany my graminga pasta. Simply sauced with probably just a splash of pasta water and Parmesan, some classic ground sausage woven throughout, made for a very satisfying solo lady lunch.

After my lovely pasta, I was ready for a nap, but needed to prep for a video call in a few hours, I loaded up on a macchiato or two instead and continued to eat my way through my novel, Life According to Garp by John Irving. What a treat!