"The historic building has been tastefully redesigned to provide an exceptional experience, and the work of local artists adds to the ambiance. Italian marble, upscale lighting and just the right music all ensure a meal to remember."

["Palio Ristorante Italiano" Our Town Newspaper. 15 Dec.  2009: 42]

If the Kentucky Derby is the greatest two minutes in horseracing, Il Palio di Siena (the Palio Horse Race) is the most infamous minute and a half. Today in Siena, Italy, riders will gather beneath the gothic city walls to await the explosive start of the hundreds-year old race which takes place just twice a year.

Traditionally, seventeen horses and riders representing the seventeen city wards of Siena compete in the race.  Today however, only ten horses complete the three laps around the Piazza del Campo. Riding bareback and using whips to not only urge the horses on riders can deter another rider’s progress.

Often horses will finish the race without their rider however, a riderless horse can win. Instead of a blanket of roses, the first place rider is awarded a banner, or palio, of painted silk.