Dry the River

Tucked away amidst the fresh mountain springs, Ristorante delle Fonti is backdropped by the Fonti di Poiano in the province of Reggio Emilia. I have fond memories of summer days at the spring, which feeds the Fiume Secchia ("dry river").

The restaurant itself is a gem. The gnocco fritto is admittedly not gluten-free but based on feedback from others in the party, it was tasty and wonderfully light. As per usual in Italy, the waiting staff were able to advise on alternate options (though I did make a dent in the prosciutto, salami, and cheese boards that accompanied the fried dough) and I opted for some chicken/veg brochettes and salad. More Lambrusco and a few aperitifs later, I was pleasantly full and sitting in the dark night of the valley under the cascade of the Perseids meteor shower.