For my birthday dinner this year, I preferred to celebrate at home rather than in a restaurant. Michele agreed and said she would prepare some of my favorite foods. It was an offer I could not refuse.
We started with Zucchini flowers that I brought at the nearby Union Square Greenmarket in the morning.
Michele filled them with anchovies and mozzarella, coated them in a batter, and deep fried them. I always order them when I am in Rome, but I enjoyed them even more here at home.
On the plate
It was a very hot day, and this fresh cool Calamari Salad was light and refreshing.
Spaghetti with Clams — We were able to get very fresh New Zealand cockles at Eataly and Michele made my favorite pasta.
Fiano di Avellino 2013 Alimata Villa Raiano Alimata DOCG is the name of the district of the municipality of Montefredane in the province of Avellino that you meet going up towards the town on the slope of the hill that faces east. Here, at 350 meters above sea level, is the two-hectare vineyard where the grapes for this wine grow. The soils are composed of clay on a marly basis. The vinification is simple but developed over a long time: it takes place in steel vats where it refines on the fine lees for twelve months and a further twelve months of aging in the bottle. This is an elegant wine with hints of citrus fruit, apple, white flowers and a nice finish and long aftertaste. It is a white wine that can age. I visited the winery in 2019 thanks to Diana Cataldo and brought this wine back from the winery.
Candy Striped Figs were ripe and delicious.
We finished with cookies and coffee for dessert.
Biscotti Regina
Brutti Ma Buoni — Hazelnut “Ugly But Good” Cookies. Michele had bought these hazelnuts in Naples and they were particularly delicious.
What a Lovely Birthday Lunch! Happy Birthday Charles!
Thanks, Michael
Thanks Michael
Looks like a delicious birthday!
It was. Going to Bologna and Florence in Oct. Many of your restaurant recommendations match my own.
Hope All’ Osteria bottega and Trattoria Collegio di Spana made it through Covid. They were 2 favorites in Bologna. Have fun travels!
Belated Birthday wishes, Charles. Cent’ anni di piu!
Thanks, Tom
What an amazing menu. Fantastico
Thanks ELizabeth
I’d say, seeing and reading your post, you had a wonderful birthday! Michelle treated you very well indeed. We often stay at home for birthday dinners…like you, get to choose our favourites!
Ciao Phyllis Yes, it was wonderful