Lombardia: Where it All Began. Italy has lifted all COVID-related restrictions. "These are important measures that remove almost all the curbs that have restricted us. I would also like to thank all Italians for their altruism and patience over the years. We are often perceived as having little sense of civic duty, but instead we have done very well in this pandemic. We should be proud," said Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. Italy and, most specifically, the region of Lombardia, was the first Western nation to be devastated by the disease. Despite all this, Italians have a truly unique take on life – maybe because they have suffered so many hardships through time, they have mastered a fundamental understanding of what really matters....
Waking Up – Springtime in Florence.
Isn’t it amazing how just a few notes of an old song can bring you back to a place you haven’t been in years? When thinking about this week’s menu, highlighting the first new vegetables of spring, I kept hearing the lyrics of an old popular Florentine tune – recounting the spectacular beauty of Spring’s awakening in Le Cascine, Florence’s Central Park.
This week’s menu highlights Florentine Spring rituals and ingredients Italian cooks are beginning to find in their local markets and that most likely will be included on their Spring tables.
Easter Feast - Special Menu for 4/17
4+ Course Menu ($69/person)Includes a large foil-wrapped Italian chocolate Easter Egg
Burrata di Bufala
Grilled zucchini ribbons, buffalo burrata, parsley breadcrumbs, balsamic reduction
Ravioli ai Funghi
Mushroom-stuffed homemade ravioli in a parmesan cream sauce
Choice of:
Herb-crusted Rack of Lamb with mint gremolata
or
Hazelnut thyme crusted salmon
Patate al Rosmarino
Roasted rosemary olive oil potatoes
Piselli alla Fiorentina
Sweet peas with prosciutto and spring onions
Easter Chocolate Silk Pie
BONUS TREAT!!
Large foil-wrapped Italian chocolate Easter Egg
Happy Florentine New Year, Dante.
“Buon Capodanno / Happy New Year” could be heard again in the streets of Florence last week. The traditional Florentine New Year always has been celebrated on March 25, the feast day of the Annunciation.
To add to these festivities, last year, the Italian government announced the establishment of a National Dante Day or “DanteDi” to be observed annually on March 25. Dante Alighieri is considered the father of modern literature and perhaps the greatest poet of all time. He was born in Florence (Tuscany) in 1265 and died in Ravenna (Emilia Romagna) in 1321, making this year the 700th anniversary of his death. This week’s menu takes inspiration from both regions that were home to Dante.
Comfort Foods Unite.
This week's menu was inspired by comforting foods - those that only Nonna cooks to make us feel better. When dealing with uncertainties, food connects us with our past and reminds us that we are not alone.
