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And yes, a stand-alone, seemingly ramshackle building emerges behind rows of parked cars. We are met by a smiling Giovanni with hand outstretched, owner of ‘I Templari’, (named after a medieval church managed by the Templars). He’s quick to tell me that his father once lived in Ayr in North Queensland and he has a cousin who is a barber in Sydney. Instant family!
Seating us in the family dining room (with the airconditioning), he proceeds to organise the meal; home-made tagliatelle with grated white truffles served on a plate of fresh mint leaves, lavender flower and grated parmesan ; enough to blow the senses (not to mention the budget). A chilled local Rosé is refreshing, even if a bit rough.
I really don’t need the slow-cooked beef with herbs inside and a fresh pepperonata (capsicum and tomato sauce) that simply appears for us to share; but what can I say, or do? This is family!
And there is no saying ‘no’ to the homemade dessert – pastiera Napoletana, with ricotta, vanilla and candied fruit. The bill – the princely sum of €40 for the two of us!