Carefree days lounging on the sand are a hallmark of an idyllic vacation for many travelers. But beaches themselves are a commodity, vulnerable to retreat that’s exacerbated by climate change. In fact, nearly half of the Earth’s sandy beaches could be extinct by 2100, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change.
Inside the ‘world’s smallest restaurant’ for just two guests
20.07.2023 - 12:17 / edition.cnn.com / Stanley Tucci
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There are fireworks, flaming outdoor candles, a silver bell to summon the waiter – and just one elegantly set table for two.
Solo Per Due – “Just for Two” in Italian – is no ordinary restaurant, and not just because of its tiny size.
It’s an extravagant place where an exclusive meal for two costs over $500. Champagne, top wines and floral decorations cost extra, and diners have a view of an ancient Roman villa.
Its owners claim it is the smallest fine-dining establishment not only in Italy but in the world, too.
Ideal for romantic meals, it’s open year-round for lunch and dinner but has no menu. The food served is tailor-made for the tastes and wishes of clients.
The tiny dining room of under 500 square feet is part of a rural 20th-century stone mansion located near the village of Vacone, north of Rome.
The German couple who moved to Italy and opened a pizza restaurant
Privacy, discreetness and secrecy rule. It almost feels like a speakeasy – except for the fact that it’s widely advertised and reviewed, and its location is known.
Bookings must be made by phone, in the evenings, and confirmed 10 days prior to the event. Details of the customized meal are defined at the point of confirmation.
There are strict rules. Visitors can’t pop in as they please to take a look inside before making a reservation. A meal can’t be canceled last-minute. Guests are required to arrive at a specific time agreed by the owners, who prepare and serve the elaborate food.
The arrival time is key. Guests must call when on their way 30 minutes prior to arriving and never get there too early, or they’ll find a closed entrance and nobody to greet them.
The restaurant is booked up months in advance because of its small size. The price tag isn’t for everyone – a meal costs €500 for two, or $537.
The owners, a team of three local fine food entrepreneurs who have been running Solo Per Due for 33 years, refuse to share their names unless you’ve booked dinner. That’s to guarantee utter discretion and enhance the mysterious allure of the place, they say.
“This is not a restaurant – we offer a unique, intimate experience which is at the core of our decades-long reputation. So it’s not about us or who we are – we’re in the shadow. It’s all about the diners,” says one of the owners who signs himself as “Mr. Remo.”
“The people who come here are not mere clients. They’re guests who we take great care of. We coddle them and
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