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Published: October 1st 2013
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Martinica Cafe & Bar
Final trip to the cafe, also known as Antonio's, after the proprietor, shown here with Sandy. It's our last day of cooking school, so during our time at the cafe this morning we planned the dinner menu for our last meal together. Our classmates had tried a typical local dish, called tiella or taieddha, at a restaurant, which they wanted to learn how to prepare, so we built a simple, light menu around that, since it is a heavy dish made with mussels and potatoes. The morning's market visits included a stop at a fish market, where we bought tons of fish and shellfish for lunch's fish soup, as well as dinner's ingredients. Then we headed back to the school, where things got real fishy! The soup was simple but absolutely delicious, especially with the great bread for mopping up the delicious broth, with beautiful and sweet fresh peaches to finish up. We were glad to see Dave show up for lunch relatively unscathed by his adventure of procuring our rental car, thanks to Elisabetta's husband, who accompanied him to the rental car office, but more importantly let Dave follow him back to the B & B. You'd know what a gift that was if you could see the alleys that pass as streets here, not to
mention the lack of signage! After "rest time" Sandy and I went back into the centro to do a little shopping (largely unsuccessful, unfortunately), then back to school to prep and assemble dinner casserole. We took a short walk to an enoteca while it was baking, to discuss wines and olive oil for purchase. We returned to the kitchen for our final prep and then, of course, mangiamo! There was a little gift exchange, and then poof, it was over! Hugs, baci and thanks and soon we were working our way across the main streets and piazza, filled with literally thousands of people of all ages and stages walking, socializing, eating, listening to live music, watching street artists, etc. So hard to describe the scene....and it goes on into the wee hours every night! We arrived back at our B & B, feeling a bit let down by our final evening at the school, so of course we had to sit around the kitchen table to dissect it all... Overall, both Sandy and I had a great experience, learned a lot of basics and new ideas, got immersed in the history and culture of the region, were charmed and amused
Sharon's Daily Brew
Plus Bacio candy Antonio gave each of us as a goodbye treat by the staff and gained at least 10 lbs between us! BUT class dynamics were sometimes a bit difficult, though by the end I think we all felt charitable, at least, towards each other. Anyway, were glad we came, and are starting to look forward to the next part of our trip, though we all agree we will really miss Lecce!
Dave: GOOD THING-- PierAngelo generously giving of his free time on a Saturday to help me get the rental car. BAD THING-- No pasta or red wine at the final dinner.
Sandy: GOOD THING-- Getting to use my Italian in various settings and being understood! BAD THING-- Strange vibe and anti climatic experience at Farewell Dinner.
Sharon: GOOD THING-- Fantastically simple and delicious fish soup at lunch. BAD THING-- Stressing all morning (needlessly) about the possibly problematic rental car scenario after getting a couple of cryptic texts from Dave.
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Laurona
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Ciao Lecce!
Oh, I feel sad :-( I had such a wonderful time here...oh, wait. Sorry. That is how good this blog was, every bit of it was for savoring. So, molto grazie! I think I want to do this next year now. And Sandy, no frutta macedonia?! cosa fai??! I adore you sisters. Thank you so much Sharo--the pictures are wonderful. You have such gifts. Ciao for now. See you down the road a piece. Oh, one more thing. Last time I drove in Italy (it has been awhile) but those crazy drivers on the autostrada took abotu 10 years off my life. Buona fortuna! xo laurona