Answer: With Food and Wine of course!
A long table located in the back of Danilo’s restaurant, Orofino, had been set for our group to gather for a meet & greet. We have been counting the days forever, but now the adventure is only a few weeks away. Multiple bottles of wine were opened and chilling awaiting our arrival. The libations included Grillo (white) and Nero d'Avola (red), two of our household favorites. The room instantly became a buzz as we took our seats and began introducing ourselves.
When the wine had been poured, Danilo captured everyone’s attention. Right on cue plates of Arancini di Riso arrived and the group instantly became quiet as everyone grabbed a delicious rice ball. The Arancini was prepared two different ways – one with cheese, the other stuffed with meat. Tom did bring his camera but left it sitting on the table, not capturing any of the food. Here is a picture from the web to provide a visual of this treat. Oh my… they were so good! We cannot wait to try the different types of Arancini that can be found in the local street markets.
Danilo kicked off our dinner by introducing himself and then we went around the table allowing each person to say where they were from and a few words about themselves. There were a few in attendance that their family had emigrated from Sicily or southern Italy to the US. This trip will definitely provide them with a unique opportunity to discover more about their ancestral culture.
After introductions, like a coach before the big game, Danilo covered the highlights of our upcoming adventure with enthusiasm and zeal of his home island. Truly animated, words like, UNESCO World Heritage sites, wine tastings, a boat ride, Michelin star restaurants, a cable ride up to Mount Etna, and the list just continued! What Danilo has in store for us seems over the top! This being the sixth group that Danilo has taken to Sicily, he told us he has added new experiences from past sojourns.
The next round of dinner arrived family style and was a beautiful salad. The large dish of fresh vegetables will be the way many of our meals will be served while in Sicily. There was more than enough for everyone to have a heaping share plus more if desired. While we ate, Danilo covered a couple useful topics for the group.
Oh yeah, don’t forget your bathing suit. Danilo showed us a picture of him jumping off the boat into the sea!
Expected water temperature… 65°F! Janet had already ordered a long sleeve swimming suit just in case an opportunity like this did arise.
The table did quiet down while we all ate the pasta offering. After a few glasses of wine and a few more questions the time came for something sweet! Small plates of fresh cannoli were presented as a sound of anticipation could be heard from the table. Oh my… they were sooooooo good! The only thing better than the pastry cylinder filled with deliciously sweet ricotta was the espresso with anise-flavored sambuca that followed. Life is good!
The meet & greet had been successful with lots of information passed, new acquaintances made, and a meal that was first rate! Of our group of 18 plus Danilo, we were short four travelers for the evening. It is our hope this short summary of the meet & greet will help all of our travelers get excited about the trip!
Richard, Sally, Carol, and Brenda - the rest of the “Orofino Posse” will meet you in the Hotel Tonic lobby in two short weeks!
Thanks Sheryl and Dave for capturing the group shot!
Safe travels to all – Ciao for now!
Can’t wait to get started!! Danilo will be the perfect host and there is nothing better than having a local show you around.
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