Sabato, Saturday, August 10, 2013
Had a perfect Friday. A bit lazy. A bit normal, doing a few loads of wash which included shrinking an already pair of short shorts of Carlyle's. I guess the new dryer FINALLY works all too well. A bit of a nap, just to reinforce the cultural aspect of a siesta break. And, of course- the marchettino.
If it is FRIDAY, it is marchettino evening, with the buzz of folks strolling and being tempted by the fates of 'A FIND'. Something purchased at a market, always feels like a discovery!
I bought Casey a VASCO ROSSI LP record. This is a famous Italian rock singer, who still draws huge crowds. I found some interesting 'hair toys' for Carlyle, made of nylon stockings and wire. Hmmm. And, I found another kleenex box, for SOGNO Terrazzo laundry bath. It is hand carved of what seems like balsa wood and was the first time at this marchettino. I was in a primping the bathroom mode.
Then, last night- the three of us went to SALA COMACINA, along the lake. There is a 'bar'- enoteca: a wine tasting place, which every time I pass- I always say to myself, that I would like to try it out. I never had until a friend took us there last night. Periodically, the owner "Albertino"- will put on a THEME evening. Last time, it was all FRENCH, as his wife is a lovely French woman.
This evening, it was food from VALTALLINA. Just north of Lake Como, this is food of the local specialty variety. We joined others, and feasted for several hours on super red wines and sensual foods.
Of course, most Italian meals begin with an AFFETATO: slices of a variety of meats, with a large basket of bread, which was YUM. The selection of meats were from Valtallina: a divine dried beef, thinly sliced, as if you were playing a violin. It is called "VIOLINO", and when served with a bit of olive oil dribbled over it- and the YUM bread: it was consumed happily. Also included was a beef like JERKY, aged and dried and still a bit moist and served in chunks as if a swiss army knife had just cut a piece from the carcus.
Next was a dish which I could have all the time: this was sensual! Mashed potatos, chopped fresh green beans, lots of butter and cheese ALL melted together and gooey. Warm, and soft, it was like eating warm ice cream. I don't remember the name of that dish, as it was virgin trip to this recipe.
The next 'tasting', paired with more super duper REDS, was PIZZOCHERI ( pronounced: Peets Zohk Cair Ree. Not pizzo cherry) This is another local specialty and was the BEST I have ever had. I have had it lots!!! and Lots!!!! It is made with a buckwheat pasta. Cabbage. LOTS OF BUTTER. TONS OF BUTTER, boiled potatos and a special cheese "BITTO". It melts in your mouth, but has substance of the wheat noodle.
If that was not enough: we then were served more RED and a plate called SCIAT (pronounced "shot") On top of a bitter sliced lettuce, were balls of fried cheese. Add balsamic vinegar, and you have a combination of melted cheese, a crunch and the cool and tart of the lettuce and acete (vinegar- AH CHET TAY)
That was of course followed by plates of more local cheeses, eaten fresh, along with the ever present BREAD and RED.
The proprietor played the piano, and everyone in this intimate setting cheered and applauded. He was in 'his element'- soaking up the praise and the good time that everyone was having. The decor is sophisticated and fun: wine barrels as chairs, Large painted wall of gals dancing the CAN CAN- and upstairs, a wine shop. Elegant bottles of designer Courvoissier were for sale: along with great bottles of champagne. There were old bottles of Chateauneuf du Pape, and it was displayed in such an aesthetic way- you felt like you were in a museum of oral delight. It is a gem.
This enoteca is located in a place along the lake with NO PARKING.... making the walk from wherever a parking space is found- to it: a bit treacherous. Walking along the narrow, very winding road with 3 " of space between the white line for the cars to drive on ONE SIDE of the line and the walls of the building- means that there is a lot of faith in the little WHITE LINE. A bit TOO much faith, me thinketh. The road along the lake was only constructed in 1938! Before then, you traveled either by boat or foot!
It is a brilliantly sunny and windy day. The lake is abundant with ripples stirring up a bit of life on the lake's surface as it reflects the sparkle of a well lighted day.
Happy Saturday, with smiles.
Judy
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