So I'm sitting in a local Italian owned restaurant, staring at the place-mat which is a map of Italy with the regions on it.  Calabria.  On the toe of the boot!  Oh my!  So, this little forever-in-sales person starts thinking... "What if I offer the owner a baby fig tree from Calabria with a history, would he comp me a meal?"

Absolutely he would, actually 2 dinners!  Don't sell your figs!  Trade them for dinner!!

This is why I have a new addition to my wish list.  I love little snugly out of the way family owned places to eat out, and many are Italian.  I would also try this with French or any country.  I'm starting with Italy!

Send me your cuttings with a heritage story, and I'm happy to pay postage, and trade in return!

Bring them!  All countries, unknown, with a story!

Suzi

Great idea Suzi!!

A couple of months ago, I spoke to the owner of a Persian restaurant in Austin about trading pomegranates for food.

That is a really good idea Suzi! Hope you have lots of luck.

Us Italians love a good fig story.
There's an Italian restaurant nearby...total strangers to me.  I jokingly asked the owner; "Where are the fig trees?"  He said there are 13 trees at his grandfather's house, about 10min away.  He has 3 different varieties and loves to share his cuttings.  I was floored.  He invited me over, which I plan to visit within a month.  I'll be giving this man a bottle of my finest wine.  :)

Frank, I'll happily pay for the story and shipping, and 2 cuttings.  Deal?

Suzi

Great stories.

hey.. that's a great idea, and at the same time get to meet new people... i might become a fig pusher. "hey kid.. try this fig.. it's awesome".