words by Carol King
Customers at the L’è Maiala! restaurant in Florence can pay for a meal with fruit, vegetables, handicrafts, wine, olive oil, paintings, clothing, household items and antiques.
Bartering was once common and, spurred on by the current climate of austerity, restaurant owner Donella Faggioli has introduced the practice in an effort to help out clients who may be short on cash, although people can also pay by the traditional methods of cash or credit card. Inspired by hearing about similar locales in France and Germany she thought the idea would also work in Italy, and that bartering would add some fun to eating out. Even the restaurant’s name refers to the present trend for thrift: ‘L’è Maiala!’ means ‘It’s a pig!’ but is also Tuscan dialect to describe a situation that’s hard to face.
The restaurant serves classic Tuscan dishes that Faggioli describes as “like grandma’s” at reasonable prices in keeping with the economic crisis. Dishes include ‘pappardelle al cinghiale’ (pasta in wild-boar sauce) and ‘tortelli del Mugello’ (pasta stuffed with potatoes), although what’s on offer changes seasonally.
Faggioli says it’s best for customers to tell her they will be hoping to barter items to pay for their supper when they phone to make a reservation. Depending on what they have on offer, they may find they can barter for one course or even an entire meal worth €20 without wine.
L’è Maiala! is at Via Agnolo Poliziano 7, Florence. Telephone: (0039) 345 109 3498. Opening hours are 7.30pm to 1am, Tuesday to Sunday.
