May 12 evening - Dinner at 200 year old restaurant in Bigorio.

After our day in Indemini, we went out to dinner with our friends Roberto and Giovanna. They brought us to the nearby town of Bigorio. 

View of Lugano area from Bigorio

Before going to eat in Bigorio, we hiked up a path with Roberto and Giovanna to a church and convent, but unfortunately the church was closed and we could not see inside. 

On our walk up to the convent in Bigorio

We arrived back in the nucleo of Bigorio. I took this picture from the Trattoria Menghetti. Town in front is Sala Capriasca.

From the balcony of the restaurant

Basically, the kitchen dining area of the Trattoria Menghetti. This house and this room has been used by the same family as a restaurant for 200 years! It was so charming and a very special treat for us to see. 
Outside, the restaurant has a sign, it says it's open and all. When we walked into the restaurant on the lower floor, there was a dark hallway and we had to walk upstairs. Now, if Rick and I had been by ourselves, we would never have walked up there! We would think it was closed. But it was so awesome to see! The furniture was handmade many years ago by the family. In the back is a fireplace with a seat nearby to warm up. The sink is on the left. Running water was added later. 

The awesome fireplace - and there was a little fire going. 

the kitchen sink

A toast to Giovanna and Roberto! Wine was served the traditional Ticinese way - in ceramic bowls! The meat, cheeses and wine were all homemade locally. Because these restaurants are so small and intimate, it is recommended that you call ahead of time - to see what they are offering that night. It is usually a light meal. We also had homemade minestrone soup. 
Trattoria Menghetti - 091 943 24 01
Bigorio

Nighttime view from the Trattoria