I arrived on Saturday morning to an overcast day. That didn’t matter at all. The countryside was beautiful, and the sounds and smells are everything I remember. First stop, Conad, the local grocery chain. I picked up some essentials including coffee, olive oil, flour, and dish soap. Saturday night I made a charcuterie board because we were so late eating lunch (Pomodoro foccacia). Sunday we started early. We ran back to the grocery to buy a little more then had a most wonderful lunch at Angiolino’s with the JMU-based Program Director, Chris Blake. Knowing I was making a veal pappardellae for dinner, I opted for a lighter lunch: a delicious smoked salmon salad with avocado and burrata. We shared a bottle of 2-12 Umberto I merlot. I highly recommend it! For dessert, cantucci and vin santo. I have a picture of the box in which it was served. Guess it was so good that I forgot to take a picture before it was gone. Delicioso! The Mormoreto box reminded me of my old friend, Diletta Frescobaldi. The veal for dinner was OK but a bit chewy. Next time, a different cut for sure!
All in all, a great time so far. I had forgotten how much time is dedicated to shopping for the day. Refrigerators are small and storage space is limited. This afternoon I will begin shopping for my culinary classes. Off now to Casa Lingha near Mercado Centrale to get my thermometer so I can make cheese with my students! I can’t wait!
