A Family Luncheon Celebration

Saturday, March 26, 2011 (Part 3)

One of Dad's chief goals on this trip was to host a special party for his family and friends in Pavia. He invited over 25 people and only one (Lucca, who is in school in France) was unable to attend. In addition to all of our family from Stradella, those who attended included Dad's second cousin Rimo Marchetti and his immediate family -- his wife and their daughter and her husband and son.

With Barbara's help, Dad had reserved space for our large party at a restaurant in Piacenza -- which is the capital city of the Province of Pavia. Barbara and Maurizzio were also a big help in placing the order for all of us. Everything was served family style.

As I am learning is the custom, our first course was a plate of prosciutto, mortadella and salami. At the same time, a relish tray of pickled or marinated peppers, mushrooms and onions also was passed around the tables. This was followed by a platter of two kinds of fried fish. One was eel (yes, eel), and the other looked like tiny minnows. They were very salty, especially the eel.

The next course was three kinds of pasta: (i) fettucini bolognese, (ii) ricotta stuffed tortelloni in olive oil with pine nuts, and (iii)

pasta with beans! I tried each one. The bolognese was to die for. At some point, we were also served rosemary roasted potatoes. And finally, we had a selection of desserts -- a cheesecake and several tortes -- plus a choice of liqueurs, one of which was limoncello (a personal favorite). And, of course, during the meal, we drank red wine out of bowls, which is another custom in Piacenza.

But the best part of this lunch was visiting with our family.

Everyone had a great time. The conversation was lively, and it was wonderful to meet some relatives we'd never met before (like Christina Marchetti and her husband, Giuseppe). Katherine had a great time with the cousins and friends her own age (especially Cecelia). Most of the younger generation speak really good English.

This was a wonderful party. In fact, it could not have been better. Bravo, papa!