Finding Collepino

Yesterday we decided to take a drive up to Collepino, a tiny town with a population of about 13, high above Spello on Mt. Subassio.  We had been here 20 years ago, but hadn't been back and had heard of a great restaurant there, so we thought we'd go for lunch.
Traversing the winding narrow road I kept saying, this is too far, I'm sure we missed it, but then turning a corner, we saw a town, and sure enough, we made it.

Our welcoming committee was a new litter of kittens; the grey and white ones were hiding, but the black babies were so cute and curious.

As we made our way through the town to find the restaurant, the views were delightful.  We got to the restaurant only to find it was closed.  October in Umbria means that many places are only open for dinner, and on certain days to take advantage of the dwindling tourist market.  So, we hopped back in the car and headed back to Spello, with these beautiful views to savor.  Ciao for now.

Celebrations

For the past several years, I've celebrated my birthday here in Spello accompanied by the Angelini family and Dr. C.  This year is a BIG one, and Dr. C. surprised me by flying in our daughter, son-in-law and son Ryan for the celebration.  Let me tell you no one celebrates like the Italians! 
Chef Marco Gubbiotti prepared our dinner, and for dessert, I'd requested a gelato cake from his gelateria Amandola. (best gelato in the world) 

Marco calls this one truffle carbonara: poached egg, crostini crumbs, pancetta, and truffles

Risotto with porcini and butternut squash

Pork two ways:  chop and mini-porchetta

A few days before the celebration my brother and his wife arrived for 3 days; we toured Gubbio where our grandparents were born, and enjoyed some family time here in Spello and Montefalco. 

On the day the entourage arrived, they were still here and got to enjoy lunch together with our kids.  It doesn't get any better than family gathered around the table. 

To further celebrate our family at Enoteca Properzio sent us to the Arnaldo Caprai winery for a wine tasting.  This is one of the largest producers here in Umbria, and the setting couldn't be better. 

Sagrantino, not quite ready

To say I was overwhelmed by the weekend would be an understatement. I'm so grateful to the family at Enoteca Properzio for arranging the celebration with my family this weekend, their generosity and love are astonishing, but then this is Italy, and their passion for what they do is evident every day.  Living here is one big celebration of love, food, and family.  Ciao for now.