Anna and Emanuel

national championship game two years ago. “Heartbreaker,” he said. “Sooo heartbreaking,” he added, his Italian accent rising to a crescendo. The immediate reaction we had, along with that of Karen and Kevin Price, who know all about life between the hedges and had joined us for dinner, was that this native of Florence, Italy, sounded like a seasoned Bulldog aficionado of long standing.

In short order, there was a reference to Cortona, which is approximately 74 miles from Florence. Cortona is one of the Bartolini’s favorite places since it indirectly led to their friendship, which segued into marriage. There was a reference to the 50th anniversary of the UGA studies abroad program, founded by the late Jack Kehoe. In fact, there could be little mention of Georgia without them having a reference point.

Now for the rest of the story. Although she grew up loving the University of Georgia, she enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis to study for a fine arts degree giving sculpture priority in her studies. She later met Larry Millard, director of the Cortona program, when he visited the Washington campus. Millard invited Anna to Cortona for the established summer program, which, by that time, offered courses for the entire year.

She was immediately smitten about everything Italian. Later she enrolled at Cortona for the entire school year. While at Cortona, she met Emanuel in his hometown of Florence. The romance turned serious almost immediately. Following graduation, Anna settled in New York. Emanuel soon joined her working in the restaurant business.

They enjoyed New York, but could not endure the harsh winters. “The snow is too much,” Emanuel sighed. “We had to find a warmer climate.” Soon their spirit of adventure brought them to Monterrey.

They found the right piece of property for a restaurant and opened “la Balena,” which means whale in Italian. “Emanuel is very passionate about saving the whales,” Anna said. Their restaurant soon became one of the best recognized in Carmel. With a vibrant patio atmosphere, the becoming restaurant is within arms-length from a second growth redwood, which is more than one hundred years old.

The Bartolini’s have immersed themselves into the Carmel community, finding the Monterrey lifestyle intoxicating. (Emanuel walks the beach every day wearing his Georgia cap.) They make their own pasta; they shop every day for fresh meats and vegetables. By now, you likely are not surprised that included on their menu is fried chicken, which is very popular in this upscale community.

If you show up for dinner on Junipero between Fifth and Sixth streets in Carmel, wearing “G” apparel, you will likely get a table. Just tell them, “Uga” sent you.

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. –