“There is a pasticceria that looks out onto the piazza where the Duomo lives in Florence, which has hot cioccolata that you remember each night as you close your eyes to sleep…” says Avio. 

“Jane and I have been there,” I chip in. “The whole place is full of chocolates in glass jars, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and some that…” 

“…it is Italian, of course,” continues Avio, “the best ingredients, simply prepared. Giraudi or perhaps Slitti cioccolata. My favourite is Giraudi fondente, warmed slowly like she is a woman, over hot water, until she melts. Then she is whisked in hot milk, and served in a tall, slender glass. She is a beautiful woman – and once you have tasted – you cannot drink at the common well.”