American Italian BBQ

The Pozza Family

So, what kind of a menu do you plan when Brenda's foreign exchange student from Milan, Italy has her parents come visit for the weekend? Well, of course, a good ole' American BBQ! We had a beautiful cool and wind-free day to enjoy the fresh green outdoor plants, fire up the BBQ grills - plural that is - as well as light the fire pit.

A Special Treat From Italy

Erica's parents brought over a traditional cake from Italy for the picnic - my goal was to save the box and translate it (which I forgot to do), but I can tell you that it was light and had almond flavoring it it - very yummy!

Erica and her Mom Luisa

Erica was so excited for her parents to meet her American family and their friends - they couldn't stop smiling all night. And I'm pretty sure Mom has really missed her daughter.

Erica's Dad Maurizio Doing What He Does Best

Erica laughingly said her Dad has no problems making friends and most of the photos I found of him were talking to all of the guests at the party. Here he is teaching Derek a thing or two, probably about the difference in American and Italian "football".

No Shortage of Meat

The main course consisted of American burgers (although I did add in garlic, parsley and parmesan cheese), lots of cheese topping options, grilled chicken with seasonings and Italian sausages (which I'm pretty sure they don't actually have in Italy the way we have them here).

Gathering Around For the Feast

There was definitely no shortage of food and I'm sure Erica's parents now know why Americans have a reputation for obesity. However, we had some healthy things too -- like grilled asparagus and fresh fruit -- to go with the more traditional chips/dip, desserts, potato salad and baked beans. The "beverage" area isn't pictured, but Erica's Mom went straight for the one Italian red wine we had. Dad went straight for the KC brewed Boulevard Beer.

The American and Italian Family

Erica pictured with her Mom, Dad and Brenda Poor, her host family for this school year. Erica has been a blessing for Brenda and all of us that have gotten to know her. While she will be graduating from Shawnee Mission Northwest this year, she actually goes back to Italy for her 5th year next year and will get to do graduation all over again with her Italian friends. While here, she's been a member of the swim team and tried the American traditions of homecoming, road trips with girlfriends, and just recently prom.

Finishing with a True American Tradition

We couldn't finish the evening, without giving them the experience of roasting s'mores. Everyone else was too full by then to even think about more food, but they had fun making a sticky mess and going home smelling like a campfire. I'm so glad Brenda asked to have the party at my house because now I have friends in Milan to go and visit on my next trip to Italy!

Blue Birds and Bottoms Up!

Blue Bird Bistro

Last Saturday, having to be in the downtown area anyway, we decided to explore Blue Bird Bistro, as well as check out my friend Steve's store Prize at their once a month "Bottom's Up" in the West Bottoms. First stop was Blue Bird Bistro -- known for it's local, organic and natural foods. After all, you can't shop without a little nourishment first. http://www.bluebirdbistro.com/

Room with a view

This was the view from our table. Nothing like a sunny, spring day in KC to make for a picture perfect lunch. Sorry for those that have seasonal allergies, but the budding trees always raise my spirits.

Ciabatta french toast

I opted for the lovely french toast served with pure maple, local butter and Missouri northern pecans. By the way, this was a HALF order. :)

Bison burger

Derek was hungrier and went for the new grass all-natural bison burger served on homemade sliced bread, with a side salad. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals, and I was particularly fond of our waitress who has the same addiction to Italy as I do and gave me many more ideas on remote areas to explore on future trips (and her Italian was way better than mine as well).

Fervere

Next door to Blue Bird Bistro is a bread bakery -- Fervere -- that makes an amazing selection of bread and was the fresh parts of my french toast and Derek's bison burger exterior. By the time we stopped by after lunch, the bread selection had dwindled to nothing, but we'll be back (and you can order ahead and have it waiting for you). On my list first will be the Olive Rosemary loaf. http://www.fervere.com/

Prize's West Bottoms Warehouse

My friend Steve Rogers invited us to their monthly "Bottoms Up" event (usually the first Friday/Saturday of each month) to check out his unique antiques at Prize. http://www.prizeantiques.com/ We needed NUVI-girl to get us there, but it was worth the little expedition.

Some of Prize's delightful surprises

While I cannot claim to be a huge antique person, I really enjoyed exploring Steve's unique finds, and Derek was all about the man-tiques (old tools, signs, etc.). I will be back for the breadboards and Steve is also on the lookout for a unique "butler" for my entryway.

Steve Rogers and me

As Derek so aptly put, it was a great day of "B's". Blue Bird Bistro, the Bottoms and later had some friends over for the first BackDeck party of the year. It was such a happy day, I'm pretty sure I heard blue birds singing!