As I listen to the sounds of my grandmother's table linens being washed in the 1-18 with some vintage Blue Cheer I can say that it was a grand day. Beautiful early morning church service where I saw at least 4 people I went to grammar school with - also a perfect day with bright sunshine and 65 degrees. Sixteen of us strong at the table - mixture of family and some lifelong friends and neighbors. A few little ones to remind us that life goes full circle. Plowed through a lot of food. Sausage dip, bocconcini (marinated mozzarella knots), roasted olives with lemon and fennel, hummus for the 2 vegetarians and a friend's homemade soppressata started us off. Then on to the first course of linguine with pesto (lasagne was traditional with my mother, but this is a bit lighter), then on to the marinated and grilled pork loin, poached salmon ( again the vegetarians loved this...), roasted asparagus, baked orange and red beets with a tarragon dressing, and "Party Potatoes Beverly" (smoothly mashed potatoes with cream cheese, butter, sour cream, chives and a touch of garlic, then baked in the oven. A big romaine and arugula salad to finish us off (you know we Italians eat salad after the meal to help digest). Lots of great wine thanks to my neighbor and some great bread from Addeo Brothers in the Bronx. The flowers were beautiful, the table looked fantastic with my mothers pastel tinted Venetian stemware on the pale pink cloth and napkins. Most important though was the lively conversation and laughter of people who were truly thankful to be together, continuing the tradition of our parents who were all best friends and neighbors for many years. All of the parents are gone now and there were a few toasts that made us well up. But we are all at the point where we can recall our parents' antics with more laughter than tears - I guess they did their job well and we all watch out for each other. What better tribute?
To end the meal, my hazelnut biscotti, espresso and a delightful tangerine/pomegranate sorbet. It was a lot of work, but loads of fun. Nothing better than bringing people together on the most beautiful Easter Sundays (weather wise) in a long time.................