“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore,” Dean Martin used to sing. And all of us sang it, too, as Kathy played the ukelele and Tom strummed his guitar, leading us along, after our cooking class in their Fresno home. Click here to hear us/see us on YouTube.
And that evening was all about “amore”: a common love of Italian food – and all things italiano – linked all of us. And the love for Italy of cooking class hosts, Mary Jo and Vic, was evident in the printed-out menus with the map of Italy on the back, the shots of their Italy trip on the TV prior to class, the aprons made for each.
Pre-class talk
Presenting the class and showing the menu
Mary Jo on the mushrooms
Mary Jo warms up with sister Kathy and Tom
Mary Jo, Jim, Vic
That same amore per l’Italia had nabbed their friends Lora and Jim – in Umbria with them (and I was their guide) – who told me at dinner that they’re ready for a return to Italy.
Mary Jo, Vic, Lora and Jim reliving their Italy experience in a Fresno kitchen
Mary Jo and Vic on the bruschetta detail
Jim and Lora join in our dinner
Lisa and Joey (of Italian origin) shared their stories of a recent Italian trip as we all cooked and then feasted together.
Lisa and Joe team on the tiramisu detail
Joe does the eggs
Lisa, Joey duo
Penny and Jeff, glad you joined in our Italian evening, too – and hope to soon share Umbrian flavors with you again, but in Umbria, next time!
Jeff on the onions
Penny and Jeff team
Penny on the parsley
Kathy and Tom, the song goes “When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine, that’s amore.”
…and “the world seems to shine” after an evening like the one we shared in your Fresno home. Mille grazie!
Kitchen good times
Tom, Kathy and team
And many thanks to each for sharing in such a memorable evening. And I so appreciate your comments:
“I loved having you in our home..such a beautiful meal..but the stories: they were the best part, with all the delicious food. We are grateful…..” Kathy
“Anne, thank you very much for making this event work in Fresno. We are so very grateful to have met you and call you our friend!” Mary Jo and Vic. B
“You are amazing, Anne. Thank you for great food and great conversation..wonderful to see you again.” Jim J
“Love, love, love you! We will be back! A fantastic meal.” Lora J.
“I love that you have such a passion for cooking with a no-nonsense approach. I am trying to cook ‘off the cuff’ as you do. You have inspired me to continue..” Lisa (with Joey) M
…and here are a few more photos of good times in Fresno:
Joey on the peppers
lisa, salad girl
What a night! After 10 years of working to get Anne to come to Fresno, it finally happened! We are so excited to share her with all of our friends, family and the Central Valley of California. She is a must meet and a must have guide for seeing Italy – especially her beloved Umbria. The dinner was better than we even thought and many of our guests plan to host next year – or at least find another hosted event and attend. It is well worth the planning and attending.