( I presume that if Buon Compleanno is Happy Birthday than Buon Compleanni is Happy Birthdays)
That is the focus of this posting! To wish a Very Happy Birthday to some amazing people!
First and most important is to wish my love Tom
a very very Buon Compleanno!
His birthday was actually last Saturday and we had a lovely relaxing day at home then went out for an Amazing Dinner at a new restaurant in Rome, ViveVoce, at the Hotel Villa Agrippina. As we have stated many times, we have have some wonderful meals in Rome but this was truly outstanding! Every course a Wow!
I can not write a proper description of our dinner but Tom reviewed this fabulous restaurant on Trip Advisor and I think he said it best - here is a piece of his full review:
"...The first course included the most delicately fried oysters (a very light tempura-like preparation) I've ever eaten. It was a remarkable preparation and presentation.
The second course included sliced duck, with a sauce that I believe included chocolate. Again, something not be believed.
A third course of a tortelloni-like pasta filled with pumpkin was like nothing I've ever eaten.
And the final course of veal wrapped in spinach and rolled into a crispy wellington-style tube and served upright on the plate was a piece of art, to be enjoyed by the eyes and the tastebuds.
I know I'm not describing these with nearly enough detail to express how intricately and perfectly they were prepared and served.
After each course, we just looked at each other and said "This can't get any better" and yet, it did.
The service was perfectly professional, yet warm and friendly. We were treated by the entire staff as though we had been coming to this restaurant for years.
When desert time came, in addition to the 'pre-dessert' that was served as part of the tasting menu, they also brought out a beautiful plate with an assortment of small, sweet delights with Happy Birthday written on the plate. Yes, lots of restaurants will do something special like that, especially if you call ahead and mention that you're celebrating a birthday. We had not asked for it. They just noticed a small birthday toast and did it on their own. Another testament to the outstanding service and attention to detail.
If you are fortunate enough to have the means to treat yourself to Viva Voce, please do so...."
(To see his full review just click on Vive Voce Review here)
Here are a few pictures from that evening:
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| A pre-dinner Martini! |
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| A birthday dessert! |
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| A good motto! |
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| Greeted by a huge head! |
On Tom's Birthday our friends James & Greg sent us photos of Tom's present from them. As some of you may know we have a guilty pleasure when it comes to TV shows - we enjoy the drama and turmoil of the "Real Housewives" shows. One of our favorites is the Real Housewives of NY. A member of that cast, Ramona Singer, has a line of wines out and she was on Long Island doing a signing at a local liquor store.
We can not thank them enough for doing this for Tom and we can not wait to have a taste!
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| James, Ramona & Greg... |
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| Her signed Pinot... |
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| & an extra treat! |
Since we are speaking of Greg...we have to wish him also a Very Happy Birthday (his is today!)
Greg has always been a good friend and wish him all the love and happiness this world can give him!
I know that a picture of Greg is above but here are few others (my favorites):
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| Greg and his Vive! |
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| Greg and his bowl of coffee after a great night of 'drinking' in Berlin! |
Last but not least for this month, I want to wish a very Happy Birthday to my nephew Dominic. He turned 19 yesterday (I can not believe he is that old - I guess it means I am getting old too).
To all the Birthday Boys...I wish them a wonderful, happy and healthy year!
Now onto something else...
Last posting I showed everybody the wonderful Nativities we saw during our trip between Christmas and New Years. After we returned we decided to take a wonder down to St. Peters square to see the tree and nativity there. It was truly an amazing piece of work - the detail was outstanding (and the line wasn't too bad).
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| The entire piece was about 20 feet long ans just awe inspiring! |
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| Every detail just beautiful... |
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| ...down to the tiny vegetables! |
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| Even someone painting the event... |
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| ...and tiny painted frescoes! |
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| The nativity & the tree in St.Peters Square |
On the home-front everything is good.
Tomorrow I am flying back to Richmond for a few days to take care of some stuff at the house (nothing bad just normal stuff). Tom is flying on Monday to Switzerland for a meeting for the week.
To give you an update on the ceramics - I have started adding more detail my antique Roman street corner. Can't wait to get back and finish it so it can be baked and I can start painting it.
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| Very therapeutic! |
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| Outside the shop I added shelves & barrels for the produce and started adding the lady on the street! |
Well, for now I think that is it. I probably will not post next week because I will be in the US. I am sure I will post my adventures when I return.
We hope all our family and friends are well and enjoying this wonderful new year!
We wish everybody health and happiness and lots of Love!
Ciao for now!
Abbracci a tutti!
Ron & Tom
