Pasta Throwdown

Inspired by the Ikedas, Sandy decided it was time to cook our black ink pasta we purchased from Italy. She challenged me to a black pasta throwdown. We had to acquire our ingredients from the same local store and the dishes had to be ready by 6:00.

Challenger 1: Pilipino Pasta Lover – Sandy Barin-Goya. Sandy made black pasta in shrimp garlic cream sauce.

Challenge 2: Cussing Chef – Grant Goya. I made a black pasta with a Gorgonzola cheese sauce.

The judges deemed it was  a draw. Sandy’s dish was rather bland and mine was way too strong. It actually tasted good when we combined our sauces. We will have a rematch as we have learned valuable lessons, one being it’s impossible to make black pasta look good with a white sauce.

Italian wrap up

I’ll never forget our Italian vacation, it exceeded all my expectations. Luckily I have many photos to bring me back. A few things stand out in my mind and I would like to express my gratitude to all who made this trip so memorable. A big part of it was sharing the experiences with family and friends. Together, we gorged ourselves with great food and enjoyed good wine. And of course the laughter, lots of laughter, sometimes uncontrolled laughter.

Jimi – your thoughtful meal planning, ability to improvise and expertise and grace in the kitchen was incredible. That’s why there was always a crowd watching you cook. It’s unfortunate I rarely get to see you these days. Thank you so much.

Joan – many thanks for all your help with planning and organizing this excursion. All the things you did to watch over us, attend to our needs, accommodate our wishes from throwing a coin at the Trevi fountain to finding the best gelato shop did not go unnoticed. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Jon – or Mr Perfect. Way back when you first brought up the idea of this trip, it seemed like a fantasy. I can’t thank you enough for inviting us and I’m sure you and Kathy did more things than we’ll ever know.

On some level Italy has ruined me. I’ll never enjoy Italian food again unless I go back. Also I now want to take 2-hour lunches.

I don’t think we’ve ever spent this much time together and I have to admit I was a little anxious about spending 10 days with 14 people in a foreign country. Now I can say that my anxiety was unfounded.

I also learned a few things on this trip:

  • Don’t give Uncle Dave too much wine.
  • Tami & Amy Tahoe are very photogenic.
  • Caitlin, beautiful as she is, I can never take a good photo of her. A failure on my part.
  • Italian versions of French Bulldogs are much bigger.
  • Italians don’t pick up after their dogs.
  • Italians don’t drink tap water.
  • Pesto is not supposed to be so heavy with basil.
  • Never shoot portraits without Amy Tahoe.
  • TJ Maxx $10.00 knives are a good deal.
  • Whatever happens make sure I bring that flash.
  • I can eat and drink a lot and only gain 1 lb. if I do a lot of walking.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes regardless of how they look.
  • Ho bisogno di carta igienica più (I need more toilet paper).
  • Never let Jimi hold my passport.

Italy 2010 Day 10

Our final day in Rome started out by walking to Campo de’ Fiori, an outdoor market in the heart of Rome.

From there we headed toward the Vatican stopping on the way at a restaurant I didn’t think was that good.

Vatican

I decided not to post too many Vatican photos as they can look repetitious.

I had mixed feelings about going to the Vatican as I have my reservations about the Catholic church. However, I will admit that I found the Sistine Chapel to be magnificent. In the end, I was glad I went although I wish more photography was allowed.

Stitched Panorama

Saint Peter’s Square

Stitched Panorama
Stitched Panorama
Stitched Panorama

For our last dinner in Rome we revisited one of the “good” restaurants.

Italy 2010 Day 9

Rome

Day 9 started with a taxi ride to the middle of town where we started our walking tour of Rome. Giulio Cesari our tour guide was informative and charming.

Stitched Panorama

Colosseum

Stitched Panorama
Stitched Panorama
Stitched Panorama

After the walking tour, we had lunch and took it upon ourselves to explore the rest of the city.

Trevi Fountain

Stitched Panorama

For dinner, we ventured a couple of blocks from our hotel. The fried artichoke was excellent. I really enjoyed my puffed pastry, beef & mozzarella dish but Jimi ruined it for me by stating it was a glorified cheeseburger.