We arrived in Viareggio and went straight to our apartment. Our host Mirko Tessandori, his sister Silvia and nephew Fabio were waiting for us. We were an hour late but they were in good spirits and didn't appear to mind at all. Well maybe Fabio was a little upset since he began crying after about 15 minutes and he and Silvia left.
Mirko showed us around the apartment and then asked us what time we would like to start our cooking class. His mother Vanna was planning on teaching us how to make some of the local cuisine. We wanted to freshen up a bit and then get started around 5 pm.
I thought maybe a pasta dish or some main course or maybe some sea food dish. We had no idea what this experience was really going to entail. Vanna and Mirko arrived promptly at 5:00 and after introductions and pleasantries we began. Vanna had us start making the tiramisu showing us some secrets like using a particular kind of cookie instead of lady fingers to keep it from going mushy. Then we went on to make eggplant parmesan, a fantastic pasta and pancetta dish, chicken with balsamic vinegar, and the best crostini I have ever had in my life. Each of us took turns mixing and cutting, writing down instructions, tasting and taking pictures.
The food was unbelievable but on top of that we were entertained and enthrallo by both Mirko and Vanna who told us we could call her mama. We were treated as though we were part of the family so it felt natural. Mama told us with pride about her home town of Cortona and Mirko gladly told us about the family. This is a close loving family that is happy to include their guests.
The spice that added flavor to the evening was mama's sense of humor. She told us of her struggle with the difference between words like sheet and shit and they taught us some vulgarities we have been repeating whenever we can. We laughed all throughout the night enjoying stories, warm conversation, delicious wine, and of course outstanding food.
A better reward I can not imagine.
Mama and her two sons.
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a real treat for all of you, and if you can learn vulgarities in another language while cooking and laughing, all the better!!
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