This is one of the faces I think about when I think of the people in Italy. His name is Luca. It was 9 years ago! We stopped in his restaurant when we first arrived in Rome. The restaurant is called Piccolo Buco. Luca gave us a cute little table outside. We sat and watched, as the people bustled back and forth to the Trevi Fountain. He would come and check on us -offering his suggestions of what we should try. This pasta is one we still talk about today. It was so delicious!
Must have been good huh?
It was the atmosphere, the music in the air, the people, the perfect chill to our wine, and the mouth savoring freshness of the pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It’s was already a Trouvaille moment for us. But since the dinner crowd was winding down Luca asked if he could sit with us. We said, ” Of Course!” So he sat down and enjoyed his meal with us. We got to hear about his life and family there in Rome. It was so interesting to sit there and share real-life stories with this local. I remember he was working to find ways that food didn’t get wasted and how to share it. This was a true Trouvaille moment (Something lovely that happens by chance) I will never forget his Kindness. I will never forget the food! I will never forget the whole experience. I wonder what happened to him. Is he still there? Is the restaurant still there? I wonder how this coronavirus has impacted his family and his restaurant. Are they ok? This is the face I think of when I hear news reports about those in Italy. So Thank you, Luca, for your great Hospitality. I hope you and your family are ok there in Rome. We will go back there one day. Hopefully, we will see you again…and maybe share another meal together! If anyone knows Luca please share our story with him and let us know how he is!
This week we will be sharing some of our favorite highlights of Italy. Since we are stuck at home here in the US and we can’t travel, we will dream. So stay tuned.