Serendipity

The Oxford Dictionary defines the word serendipity as:  "The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way."  Many days here in Italy, things happen unexpectedly, and I think that's why I love it here.  Back home our lives are so programmed, that sometimes the spur of the moment activity never seems to be able to invade the plans we have.  Yesterday was one of those days. I'd asked if I could cook lunch for the family at the enoteca.  I'd planned on 8 people figuring if someone showed up, we could stretch the lunch.  I was making asparagus risotto, Saltimbocca and a salad with oranges and fennel.  My dessert was Alice Medrich's chocolate cake, which I have to say is one of the easiest cakes to make, and the results are stunning.  

As with many things here, this one got a little wild, with wine makers showing up, and then cousins from Milano arriving, and it was all a lot of fun.  Fortunately, I'd thought ahead and made a bucket of risotto, so if there was any left it would be arancini today.  With a crowd of 12, the risotto was gone.

Because it was such a joyous occasion with friends, family and colleagues, Roberto decided that the only wine to have was Sassicaia, only we'd need a magnum.  

Filippo Peppucci, an exceptional wine maker from Todi opening the box

The man himself, Roberto Angelini, the ring master here at Enoteca Properzio

This was a happy group, laughing, telling stories, and enjoying the day.  We sat at the table for at least 2 hours enjoying this special moment in time.  

And, there was cake.  I topped each serving with a chocolate and pistachio candy that I'd gotten in Bronte when we were in Sicily.  

Moments like these should be savored, each minute cherished, and remembered, especially when we are caught in the chaos of our own lives, it's nice to remember the pleasures of being with family and friends.  Ciao for now.

Cin Cin!

 

Cin Cin is the toast that is used here at the Enoteca Properzio. Dr. C. and I tend to hang out at the Enoteca, and it’s been fun to meet the people who come through for wine tastings; some just stumble across it, while others have been sent by friends or other merchants. 

Wednesday night after our adventure in Tuscany, we were having dinner, and two couples arrived from Riverside, California. They ended up spending the evening, having a wine pairing, and toddling off to their apartment around 12:30 a.m. It was a lovely evening with lots of wine, and getting to know new friends. 

The next day, friends we’d met from New Jersey were here as well as our four new ones from Riverside for a lovely pranzo (lunch) I ate way too much, and drank some spectacular wines (Redigaffi and Sassicaia to name two) I was toast by the time the group left! 

Friends from San Diego arrived as the party was ending, and we stayed here with them and another couple from town till 11 p.m., drinking, eating, and laughing. The hospitality here at Enoteca Properzio is described in one word—amazing. We are blown away by the welcomes and the invitation to join in.  If you come here, you will be served wines you will not be able to buy in the US, small production, organic, and biodynamic wines are what is available. Ernest and Giulio are not here. 

Un grande Prosciutto con uno mano

Cena al Enoteca

 Friday is busy here, with groups from Australia and New Zealand as well as the United States.  Every day is new and different, and we enjoy each one as it comes.  Dr. C. has a terrible head cold, so he's gone home to get some rest, I'm still hanging out here, enjoying another gorgeous day in Umbria.  Buon Giorno from Spello!

Don't Trifle with that Truffle!

There is nothing trifling about this truffle our friend Roberto Angelini is holding; not only is it enormous, it's also heavy! Here in Umbria truffle hunting is an ancient art; having used pigs for years, dogs are now used to hunt for the truffles, and as you can tell this doggy brought home a winner!

  Just thinking about all the luscious things one could prepare with this baby is mind boggling.....I could go on like Bubba in the movie Forest Gump where he talks about all the ways you can cook shrimp, but instead talk about truffles! 

Truffle Pasta

Truffle Risotto

Truffled Eggs

Truffle Bruschetta

Veal Coated with white truffles

 My mouth is watering just thinking about all the lovely dishes one could make from such an amazing specimen!  Roberto will also pair the perfect wine with this beautiful truffle.....today at lunch we had an amazing new wine Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2008....if you have had Sassicaia, you will love this wine! A super Tuscan, by the Bolgheri family (yes, those Bulgari's) the wine is just as beautiful as their jeweled creations.   
Our daughter and her family left this morning, and we are missing them already, but our son Ryan will be arriving on Thursday evening into Rome, and we are looking forward to introducing him to Italy.   Wishing you buona sera from Spello.