Isn’t it funny how sometimes the simplest things impress you the most?
I was 9 years old when I attended my great-uncle’s 50th wedding anniversary in Rome, with my family. The reception was held in a beautiful castle just outside the city. There, an impeccable wait staff served multiple gourmet dishes, fine wine for the adults, and a wide array of desserts. Despite all the fanciness and fine dining, that’s not where I had the most memorable and delicious food that day.
Shortly after the reception, we got invited to somebody’s house. In Italy, when there’s a reason to get together and celebrate, the party never ends…and neither does the food! There, I got to taste for the first time a lovely colorful dish: panzanella, a bread-based salad featuring tomatoes, onions, and basil, simply dressed in olive oil and vinegar. Super simple, yet super tasty! I gobbled up my portion and went back for seconds….
