Eric B.
Yelp
Gayle and I had the pleasure of spending 3 Vacation days in the Lake Como area. On our last day, we bought a mid-Lake boat pass and thoroughly enjoyed the mountain scenery, the lake-side Villages, and Villas, and an overall relaxing time on the water. Lake Como is gorgeous, even though the haze significantly detracts from its beauty.
We also decided to go on shore at Bellagio, the self-proclaimed "Pearl of the Lake". The place has a classy Old World Elegance feel, if you don't mind occasionally feeling like a "Tramp in the Palace". And even in September, there are lots of people here, especially on the waterfront.
After wandering about a bit, we were ready for Lunch and decided to walk up the hill a bit to find a nice restaurant. From Rick Steves' tour book, we picked Ristorante Terrazza Barchetta. It's a pleasant 2nd Floor Terrace with no Lake view, but with an elegant, yet causal vibe. We ordered a full bottle of wine, plus portions of Tagliatelle Agnello and Risotto Salsiccia, and settled into good conversation and a long delicious meal.
There was only 1 other party in the Restaurant, a young couple with 1- and 2-year old girls who were acting in an "age appropriate" manner. Mom and Dad were attentive and loving parents, and Grandma Gayle couldn't help herself in engaging the young ones from a distance. At one point, the Mom apologized for her children's behaviour, but there was no need for that. So in addition, we started talking parenting tips and about where were from an what we did. As it turned out, the Mom was a British Pop Star by the name of Lily Allen. Gayle and I had to look her up afterwards, and I'm sure Lily and her Husband Sam were just fine with the fact that we really didn't know who the hell they were, other than good parents with 2 really cute girls. Hence, they are not in any of the pictures I took during Lunch, nor did I ask for an autograph. However, if Sam and Lily ever happen to be in Town and need a babysitter, those girls will never forget G.G.'s (Grammy Gayle) loving care of her young ones.