Last nights menu was from the region of Abruzzo. The loft style studio has tables lined up for one giant family gathering. The setting reminds me of my childhood, with all my family gathered together for a Sunday meal.
Here, strangers become friends and for 4 hours can immerse themselves in Italian living - Eating, laughing and falling in love with each plate that is placed in front of you. Hearing stories from Massimo about his time growing up in Puglia and why food is so important to him, you feel the passion that he has and how important it is for him to share this with everyone.
In the background you can hear the knives cutting into salami and the sound of Spieducci (lamb skewers) sizzling in the frying pan. Massimo's menu must be taken seriously - pacing yourself is crucial in order to ensure you have room for all the courses. His famous Focaccia Barese is served at all dinner events, regardless of what region is being served. Speaking as a seasoned veteran of these dinner events, I think a riot would start if he didn't serve it. A dish called Pasta e Lenticchie (pasta with lentils), will set your taste buds in motion and proves once again that simple fresh ingredients is what Italian cooking is all about.
The guests are uncorking more wine and approaching both Massimo and Enzo to ask questions about the food and how they've cooked it. At the back of the loft, Italian movies are playing on a screen. The event itself is like a scene out of an Italian movie. If you close your eyes you can hear forks hitting the plates, laughter from the crowd and the smell of another dish just passing by to be placed right in front of you.
By the end of the evening, as everyone leans back, the moans slowly getting louder and the words that all Italians love to hear "I ate too much". The smell of espresso is just starting to brew and just one more dish to serve up - Dessert. As Massimo encourages all of us to have a taste, it quickly turns into everyone now fork deep into the Zeppole.
Delizioso
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