First Night

In the evening we head to Raffaele's father's home which is a fifteen minute drive outside the city of Rapallo. It always amazes me as you leave the city and head outside of town how the streets begin to narrow and the cars pass each other without incident. 

 

We were welcomed at Renato's home with a breathtaking embrace.  He had so graciously set a lovely table on the terrace with a view that could take your breath away.  As the night darkens, the city lights seem so close but yet are distant.  This is the mystique of the Italian countryside.  

 

Our evening starts with a little bubbly and of course, then a local foccacia - one plain and one with onions.  There was Stracino cheese, and Reggiano Parmigiano, and one of our Uncle Ralph's favorites Prosciutto!  (He is sadly missed on this trip and the guys are wishing he was here).  The boys ate Uncle Ralph's share, since he was unable to join us this year.  

 

Our next course included regional specialty pastas; trofie with pesto, stuffed borage, herb and chicory pasta in a walnut sauce.  We enjoyed a specialty sausage called Luganica, simply cooked on a wood-fire, and a taste of some real Genoa salami.  

 

Raffaele is making sure I take note so that some of the items appear on the menu at LaCampagna!  

 

The night air was pretty chilly in the mountains. The view was spectacular with la luna rossa shining down on us. Time to head back to the hotel! 

 

A picture of the guys in front of the castle ends the night.