Nepal/Rome Fusion in Bethesda (Mar 20, 2013)

Last night’s gathering in Bethesda started off with nibbles of the fresh bread made by delightful hosts, Lisa and Gary. While breaking bread before we cooked, some at the class re-united, others connected for the first time. Mike and Joanie, old friends from Rome junior-year-abroad, thanks again for your parts in yet another D.C. area class (this is becoming a tradition, vero?) Christina, glad you came along with Mike, reminding me of our family’s wonderful stay a few years ago in your country, Nepal, as Mike’s guests. (Next time, let’s cook a bit of Nepalese, too!). Marybeth and Stephanie, this year, too, you joined in a memorable evening of Umbrian rural cuisine! I hope the flavors reminded you both of your musical Umbrian sojourn Scheggino with the Berkshire Choral Fest group (delighted to be your Umbrian local guide then and glad we have maintained ties).

Mara and Nate, your youthful enthusiasm at the burners added a spark. Chris and Bruce, Noel and Barbara, delighted to meet you while savoring Umbria – and now, please come visit!

Gary and Lisa, so delighted you have requested a cooking evening “re-run” for March 2014! Mille grazie and I am ready if you are.

Thanks to all for your notes to me:

“I think I am in heaven. This was wonderful. Thank you so much!” Christina

“Anne, this was so wonderful! I am going to try all the recipes at home…we are going to visit you in Asissi!” Chris and Bruce

“Annie, what a wonderful evening in Lisa’s home. You are a delight and your food is marvelous.. Hope to see you in Assisi at Christmas!” Barbara

“…wonderful to see Anne again and to experience such delicious food among new and old friends”
“…lovely evening and a superb meal.” Stephanie C

“…What a fabulous evening …… – good company, food and wine, interesting conversations and a warm welcome by all none of whom I knew before but Barbara …and I’ll be making several of the recipes this weekend… Annie, your delicious recipes and tales of Assisi and Italy encouraged us all to go back. fabulous! …These recipes were so tasty …Wonderful to see you again!” Marybeth E

“…a delicious dinner and a wonderful evening with new friends. Thanks for bringing Italy to us in Bethesda.” Mara and Nate

“Annie, another year, another dinner. So what, so what? Because they are so wonderful.” Mike M