"Done and Dusted....at last"

Well all the 'hoo-hah' is over and we're almost back to some semblance of sanity. Yes the 'festive season' is now more that 50% over!

Was it all worth it? Well from my viewpoint - YES IT WAS!!! Even though Serge and Lynsey left (amid my usual 'few tears') late yesterday evening, we had passed a great few (four) days together. I think we would have all liked it to have been more...but I'm grateful even for such small mercies and I'm not about to rock the boat about short stays!

The four days were - to say the least - sort of hectic, but with enough time for all four of us (I include the 'mutt' in this count too...) to have an unscheduled 'forty winks' when the need arose. Of course they were interested in getting a few of the things they like, to take back with them to the UK. This included about ten packs of prosciutto crudo di Parma....which they then promptly forgot and left in 'my fridge' - hahaha - what a shame.... I say that because 'crudo' is one of the few affetati that I can eat. I shall freeze the packs, guard them jealously and use them sparingly...

Christmas Day itself started with a 'lay-in' for us all...I was up first (even before Ciccio) at 9am. The other two followed at around 1015am. A slow and leisurely 'caffe latte' was followed by "prezzie time" with the poor dog getting increasingly frustrated everytime he heard paper being ripped open, only to find that what was inside was NOT for him! Then it was off to the next village to deliver the gifts for the family who were up at their place for the holiday...a quick aperitivo with them and then off to 'Il Capretto' for lunch. We were greeted by 'mine host' (seen here on the left)


after which we got down to the 'serious stuff'.

This was Serge and Lynsey's first visit to 'Il Capretto' and they were pleasantly surprised. It is not a 5 star restaurant, with all that entails, but a 'down to earth' family agriturismo. I was surprised that they were packed out - with not a seat to be had. But even more pleased to see that on one very long table there were a group (with 'carers') from a local centre for 'older people' with learning difficulties - and boy oh boy - did they enjoy themselves! Their laughter was just soooo infectious - it was a real tonic.



The meal was delightful and much of it was very new for Lynsey. She decided though that she liked the following: Sciat (strong cheese dipped in batter and fried), ravioli with bresaula filling, roast goat, turkey with chestnuts and home made 'strudel'









Mind you though....she wasn't al all convinced about the very strong 'sorbet'....it did have rather a strong hint of home made limoncello about it I must admit
(hahaha....)




But overall the whole experience was very enjoyable for us all....the place was warm and welcoming and has an atmosphere which makes you feel really comfortable - no (as I call them), 'airs and graces'. Even their decor is rustic, as you can see here:



And this 'chain' is cut out of just ONE TREE....



All in all a pleasant, peaceful afternoon among excellent company and food that was even more excellent!

posted by Carole B @ 10:46 AM