Looking back, when we lived in Nelson County, VA, we kept more to ourselves, especially when we lived on the side of a mountain. We had an extremely steep driveway, and it just was off-putting to people. It was either too steep for their vehicles (a long climb on foot) or just too out of the way. So visits were few and far between.  Also, the atmosphere of the deep mountains of the Blue Ridge is reserved in the respect that folks kept to themselves more, enjoying their privacy. We unconsciously adapted that behavior.  Being in Italy and specifically on this farm, just on the edge of a road, makes dropping in or having a party an easy occurrence or event. And we are so enjoying the culture of being social.

So we’ve planned a dinner party. Our first here. Chef John is getting ready! John plans to use the wood oven as well as modern conveniences and he is stoked. We have enough furniture in place to make a small gathering happen. Now in Italy, you will find many of

the rooms filled with extra tables and chairs. We laughed over this as we peruse real estate listings. Oh and extra beds everywhere. And I mean everywhere! Italy is all about family and eating, so their interior decorating definitely takes this into consideration. I am, in no way, making fun of the cultural difference,  but enjoying their resourcefulness. We’re not going to follow the Italian  model to its extent for our party, but will be adding small tables to our dining room and hall to accommodate our friends and all the food.

 

This party evolved out of a promise..a thank you…. to Luigi for all his help getting the house ready for our arrival back at the beginning of October. He specifically asked for BBQ ribs, as he learned that John had just finished up his last job, prior to retirement, at Devils Backbone Brewery. We picked a date for the dinner with Luigi and it grew a bit, asking some of our neighbors and friends. When John and I moved here, we made a firm decision to immerse ourselves among the people of this land, and not resort to the familiarity of expat living. A few of our guests spoke no English, some a bit and one couple was from the same county in Virginia we had just moved from… small world. In the end, we all can laugh together and friendships grow in spite of the language differences. And of course, we’re learning more Italian each day.

 

 

As this is not a food blog, I won’t go into great details on John’s menu, but to say it was a mix of American and Italian elements. And his BBQ ribs were a big hit! He used his wood oven for a number of the dishes and to top off the evening, he and Luigi roasted some chestnuts. This brings me to the fact that our dinner party turned out to be on an Italian holiday; Feast of San Martino, November 11. San Martino was the patron saint of wine and wine making, the 11th signifies when the first sips of vino novello can be tasted. Also to be enjoyed are freshly pressed olive oil and roasted chestnuts. Stef and Ugo brought their new olive oil and Luigi supplied the chestnuts. Just a perfectly wonderful night of friends, food and traditions.

 

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