Guess Who's Coming To Dinner --- Italian Edition
10:53 AM July 23, 2009
Amalfi
The whole idea started out innocently enough. My eldest daughter Perry is also here, not staying with her boring old dad, but rather as a juror, a participant in the Giffoni Film Festival I am covering. As mentioned before, the whole idea is to gather children and teens from all around the world; and have a culture exchange of sorts in the context of watching, discussing, and meeting those involved with movies. The people at Giffoni must be on to something; the festival is in it's 39th year; with over 2000 young people from all over the globe.
Since my daughter and another teen from Los Angeles are not staying with me; they have to be staying somewhere, right? The festival has placed them with a host family; and seeing that I was in the same general area; I thought it would be polite to invite the host family to dinner. As the Andria family speaks no English; and my Italian is rusty at best; thanks to one of the on-line translating sites for helping me come up with the following letter;
Cari Famiglia Andria, Thank you so much per consentire Jackie Perry e di rimanere nella propria casa, e dal momento che tale meravigliosa host. Sarebbe il mio onore e il piacere di invitarvi a cena al mio albergo, se il tuo programma lo consente. Cordiali saluti, Sam
I was able to hand my hand written note to Perry, who passed it along to the family. Perry called me later saying they were thrilled with the invitation and would come to dinner the following night. I certainly don't know the restaurants in Amalfi; but I know the food at my hotel is excellent. I also know that it isn't inexpensive; but to repay their kindness I would be happy to take, mom and dad and their kids all out for dinner.
On their drive over, Perry texted me a note. 'Dad, I hope you reserved a big table.' Lesson learned, when you invite a family over for dinner here, you invite the WHOLE family. Grandfather Generoso, Aunt Caterina, and several other associated relatives all came along. When all THIRTEEN of us sat down for dinner, I had one of those moments I am sure all of us have had as of late, 'There is no way my credit card is going to clear this entire bill. I hope they don't cut it up in front of all these people.'
Despite going into deep hock, I enjoyed the evening so much. Generose plays poker every Friday; but they do not use low value cards 2,3,4,5, or 6. "Why bother, they are a waste of time," he told me. The entire table had a tremendous interest in Michael Jackson. "I could not understand his songs, but the way he moved his body....amazing," Caterina told me.
The Andria's served as a host family, because they wanted their daughter Maria to learn as much English as she could; and having my daughter and her friend in the house was one way to insure that Maria would be hearing a lot of English if nothing else.
One other observation, there is an incredible and very unique relationship between an Italian family and their sons. The youngest boy at the table, an 8 year old proudly nick-named "Mr. Joe" by his family could do absolutely no wrong. And as delicious and amazing as the food was, no one could really enjoy it, until they were sure Mr. Joe enjoyed it. Which he did.
I am probably pressing the wrong buttons here; but if I did it right below should be a photo of Mr. Joe; my daughter Perry, her friend Jackie, and their host Maria. A second photo of the whole group at dinner; and lastly the typical but mandatory tourist picture of my wife Leslie and I on the pool deck of our hotel.
I am not quite ready to move here; but as you can imagine it is very tempting indeed.
Posted by Sam Rubin | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)
I love a family dinner as a reunion. The place is perfect. I also fancy capping it off with wine.
Posted by: wine online | 01/31/2012 at 06:37 PM
When has Sam been? He is missing from the Morning News.
Posted by: buy generic viagra | 11/03/2011 at 04:30 AM
How could I pass up reading it? You and Italia in one posting! Also, I have a particular interest in all things Italian as I just earned by dual citizenship this year, the for the twins too (yep, I have twins now). A wonderful posting...uh...(but didn't you you'd remarried). Your girls are adorable!
Posted by: buy kamagra online | 11/03/2011 at 04:30 AM
This is so enjoyable. Thank you for sharing this with us. You and your family look as though you are enjoying life and for that I am very happy for you and your family. Again, thank you for sharing. I read the entire blog with a BIG SMILE on my face.
Posted by: viagra online without prescription | 11/03/2011 at 04:29 AM
Sam,
Thank you for putting this oversize Gerber Baby in his place this week... This talentless fool should crawl back into his closet and stay there. This is the type of person that runs with rumors to fill an empty blog. He needs to do more research and less hair dye. My wife and I support you 100%
Robert-
Posted by: Robert Gavela | 12/09/2009 at 09:06 AM
Sam my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time such as loosing your mother.I hope you find the peace to accept that she is in a better place now.
Posted by: Cecilia | 11/16/2009 at 09:37 PM
Sam, My prayers are with you and your Family, May your Mother Live on in all our Hearts.
You said beutiful words this morning, and wish you a peaceful day.
Remember: Only you Can Make it A Great Day.
God Bless You and Your Family.
A very special fan of yours.
Posted by: Diana | 11/16/2009 at 08:06 AM
Sam are you on a Disney Cruise? I recognized the background when you were on Water Cooler Buzz this morning. What fun! It is my family's favorite vacation!
Posted by: Jessica | 07/31/2009 at 09:26 AM
Sam,
I know San Diego is not on par with Amalfi, but you missed a major entertainment event by not covering this years Comic-Com. Comic-Con International is the premare event for the new films and TV shows that will be coming our way as well as comic books. Many stars were in attendance such as Johnny Depp, Rachel McAdams, Robert Downey Jr, Megan Fox, Keifer Sutherland and Peter Jackson to name a few. It was a blast. You should plan to attend next year.
Posted by: Frosty | 07/30/2009 at 08:58 PM
Brown suit, striped shirt, floral tie - you are rockin' today's ensemble. Excellent!
Posted by: jozielee | 07/29/2009 at 09:00 AM
When has Sam been? He is missing from the Morning News.
Posted by: marcia | 07/27/2009 at 01:37 PM
Sam -- I caught this on LAOBserved. How could I pass up reading it? You and Italia in one posting! Also, I have a particular interest in all things Italian as I just earned by dual citizenship this year, the for the twins too (yep, I have twins now). A wonderful posting...uh...(but didn't you you'd remarried). Your girls are adorable!
Cheers!
Posted by: jANE GALBRAITH | 07/24/2009 at 09:17 AM
Sam,
Dinner for 13 new Italian friends a 1000 Euro's, memories that you and your family will share for a lifetime . . . priceless. Don't worry about the money Sam, most likely it's tax deductible since you are talking about here.
Posted by: Larry | 07/23/2009 at 04:46 PM
This is so enjoyable. Thank you for sharing this with us. You and your family look as though you are enjoying life and for that I am very happy for you and your family. Again, thank you for sharing. I read the entire blog with a BIG SMILE on my face.
Posted by: Carolyn | 07/23/2009 at 03:14 PM
Bongiorno Sam! Molto bene photos! Enjoy every minute of Italia...its amazing, as I'm sure you already know. What a fantastic experience for Perry and your whole clan...hope to see you back in LA soon. Bacci !
Posted by: Giulia Minsky Barroukh | 07/23/2009 at 01:41 PM
You left out the best part - how much was dinner!
Posted by: Mike | 07/23/2009 at 11:11 AM