Before we left for Corsica, my husband and I spent a few days in northern Italy. We stayed near Vicenza and while he was off caving, the women and I went sightseeing and eating. Every year I go at least once to Italy and I decided it was high time to actually buy the Slow Food guide to Italy's Osterias and not always borrow it from a friend of mine.

Before we left I marked several interesting sounding restaurants and when "the girls" and I decided to visit Asolo around lunch time, I checked the book and we drove there. Asolo, a beautiful town, is on a hill and the restaurant "Locanda Baggio" is at the base of the hill, on the backside of Asolo.

We walked in and asked if there was a table for three for lunch. As we were taken to a round table in the center of a large room, we were silent. It was perfect- we all felt comfortable, as if we were at home. The table decorations were simple, but elegant.

It was asparagus season and we asked if it were possible to have a first course dish with asparagus. Our waiter said, they wouldn't be having any until the next day, Easter Sunday, but he'd ask in the kitchen. He returned and said yes, it was possible. There would be pasta with asparagus and pea sauce. After placing our orders the bread basket with fresh homemade bread was brought.

Then an amuse bouche came: whipped baccala with polenta chips.

We couldn't get enough and we were sure the rest of our meal would be equally as good. We were not disappointed when our pasta arrived. I would never have thought that peas would accompany the asparagus so well, but they did. Perfection.

The other two women went for another serving of asparagus with an egg sauce for their main dish, but I really wanted to try the caramelised onion tart with ricotta cream. Again, both were very good.

We had all eaten so much and could barely stand up, but then the dessert menu was brought and we just couldn't say no. I ordered the homemade pistachio gelato and the other two shared the crème brûlée trio. When the coffee was brought, another plate of fresh cookies was set on the table. Who could blame us for rolling out the door afterwards?

The service was impeccable, the food outstanding and the atmosphere very welcoming. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a restaurant near Asolo.

In an attempt to digest atleast part of our lunch, we walked up to the town of Asolo, then around  and back down again. It was a very memorable day and meal.