I went to a luncheon given by my friends Marcello and Roberto with my Honey and our next door neighbors and first friends in Italy, Emily and Enzo. I share two photos so you can smile as we did, be delighted as we were. Roberto fashioned ladybugs from cherry tomatoes and olive pieces for the appetizer course and dolphins from bananas and grapes for the fruit course; our appetites were sparked by the symmetrical beauty of the food and our surprised delight at a friend's efforts on our behalf.
It gives you a sense of why I love living here. Imagine this thoughtful, delightful, creative touch to a simple luncheon with friends? Add in the conversation, the day temperate enough to be enjoyed outdoors and the sheer good will of building relationships across language and cultural boundaries and it defines more than anything else "la dolce vita" for me. Sweet indeed.
Sweet indeed, and that dolphin is smiling.
ReplyDeleteTruly smiling!
DeleteBeautiful photos; beautiful experience. I love it when someone takes such pleasure in food presentation. I think Americans oftentimes lack in this.
ReplyDeleteMy niece and her husband (an Italian native) live in Milan. She loves it there.
Many pleasant hours happen over food here. Taking time to enjoy good food and one another is part of the lovley life style.
DeleteWow! I love the originality and the fact that these are all simple, nutritious foods served with a flair.
ReplyDeleteThe whole meal was that way- simple but delicious food served with personal flair. I was thinking it would be fun to go online with my grands and see what clever presentations we could come up with and do.
DeleteLovely! I especially like those cute little ladybugs. I am indeed delighted. :-)
ReplyDeleteThey were yummy too. Don't you think it adds nutritional value to be delighted with what you're eating?
DeleteThe beauty surely added to the flavor of the food!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasure to share a meal with such people!
I so agree!
DeleteSo clever! Glad you shared this moment with us.
ReplyDeleteMemories for you?
DeleteThat looks so delicious! It is lovely that your friends take the extra steps to create a wonderful experience for you.
ReplyDeleteThat little effort made such a difference.
DeleteNow, that is very clever, and it all looks very delicious. I think your friend is very patient also to do all of that prep work.
ReplyDeleteYou should have seen his beaming face as he served it.
DeleteWonderful! Such a charming presentation.
ReplyDeleteGood word- I was charmed.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wonderful!
ReplyDeleteFriends and food make life wonderful!
Deleteoh i'm getting hungry....this looks delicious...hmmmm
ReplyDeleteAbove all else, it was delicious! And, I haven't even mentioned the persico, which was so tender...
Deletewow...i want some....my lunch does not look anything like that today...ha...mmm...i want some...
ReplyDeleteA visit to Italy is in order!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete