Mike and Gina, once again, mille grazie for such a warm welcome on my return to Louisiana. Mike, such good times last year doing two cooking events for Argent Financial Argent, one in Shreveport, two in Ruston.
This year, my pleasure to bring Italy back to Ruston through an Umbrian rural feast and also a talk to your office staff. Gina, thanks for your help on all the dinner pre-prep in your kitchen. And I am grateful to you both for your kind words:
“Thank you for bringing ITALY to Louisiana! The food, the insights, the education about the people. Your talk was so well-received and appreciated. You are a jewel – a rare one indeed.” Mike J.
“Thank you once again for a delightful evening and for your expertise in creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort through food. We love having you in Ruston – and especially in our home.” Gina J.
Gina does pre-prep for our Umbrian dinner:
Mike helps out in the pre-prep
Asparagus pasta sauce simmers on Gina and Mike’s stove
Mike and Gina set up for our dinner in the Argent headquarters:
Byron and Melinda, good to connect again with you both this year over the good flavors of Umbria!
“Anne, what can we say?! Another magnificent evening of splendid food and delightful company. Thank you for bringing the best of Umbria to North Louisiana. You made us long for Italy. for Umbria! Looking forward to next time!” Byron M
Melinda joins Gina in the Argent kitchen, preparing Umbrian goodness:
Byron on the pasta
Melinda and Gina enjoy good times in the kitchen
Gina and Byron on pasta service
Dana and Van, glad you joined in our Umbrian feast for the second time, too!
Dana and Van
And thanks to each of you who joined in our Umbrian feast:
“Thank you so much for your “hospitality” away from home. We were blessed by your love for food and family.” Jeremy and Linzie H.
Jeremy and Kinzie
“Thanks, Anne, the food was great and we loved hearing about your experiences with food in Italy. Your passion is infectious.” John and Yvette
John and Yvette
“I’m bad for putting cheese on my eggplant and la bandiera but made up for it by my “slopping’ technique! I really enjoyed the evening.” Carpe diem, Don H.
(Note: we had a pre-class dinner demonstration of fare la scarpetta or using bread to clean the plate, Umbrian rural style).
Don and Byron ready for seconds – or thirds? – on the asparagus pasta
Don and Connie
Don put grated cheese on all the antipasto dishes -(not very Italian!)
This will give you an idea of the goodness we cooked up:
La bandiera
Savory sage pork chops
Melanzane al funghetto
La Macedonia
Insalata di rucola e pomodoro
And thanks to all of you young woman in Mike’s office staff for your enthusiastic participation in our talk/discussion on Italian gestures.
“Your enthusiasm is catchy! So ready to visit Italy. Loved your exuberance!” Cindy B
“Wonderful talk on Italy. It made me want to travel there – you are very passionate about the country. Thanks!” Linda C.
“Thanks so much for speaking to us and explaining gestures – loved it” Kathy H.
“So interesting! Would love to be able to visit you in Italy some day!…” Laurie P.
“I enjoyed hearing you speak so much! Now I really want to see Italy!” Nikki M.
“Enjoyed so much! Thanks for sharing.” Lori W.
“Loved hearing you speak! It brought back memories and makes me want to go back to Italy…” Kathy S.
