Italy Through Leah's Eyes

Italy Through Leah's eyes and her crazy "Roma" hat

Because of my addiction to Italy, I have had several chances to visit this beautiful country, but this trip would be extra special because I was taking Leah with me. Would it likely be a culinary and superb wine experience? No. But I was so anxious to see if Leah would fall in love with this country as I have. And so we set off on a 10-day trip that took us through Italy and Germany with my church choir. Leah was the only "kid" that went, but she was a blessing to all of us as she has been to me for close to 12 years now.

Colosseum in Roma

We took literally hundreds of photos, so I've chosen those things that Leah told me at the end of the trip were her "favorites". She had studied the Colosseum in Rome in Social Studies earlier in the year and was anxious to see it for real. I think the size of it amazed her.

Dead Popes?

OK, there was one thing I had to include that she DIDN'T like - dead Popes really creeped her out! This is inside St. Peter's in Rome.

Fanta Fanatic

Now we move on to the food category. My favorite meal was an evening where I "ditched" the group meal in Florence and had a lovely plate of pasta with lobster and skipped dessert for my favorite liquid refreshment - limon cello. This however followed a group dinner the night before where we had meatballs and french fries. I'll just let you guess what meal was Leah's favorite.

The Fanta phenomenon was interesting though. As you can see in the picture, it was more yellow than our orange version in the states, and more fizzy and light. Imagine an orange-flavored Pellegrino and that's what it tasted like. She couldn't get enough of it and it followed us everywhere we went (and was often more expensive than my glass of local house wine!).

Gelato!

And of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without gelato. I told her we'd try to have some everyday, but we didn't quite pull it off. This was perhaps the most elaborate and the same night I enjoyed my lobster.

Fruit Bowl?

So, when you are dining for lunch in Greve in Chianti and order a fruit bowl, this is what comes out (and we'd already eaten some of it when I took this picture). Leah and I quickly discovered we needed to split food, so I grew very fond of fruit, pizza and spaghetti.

Leah's Friend Tom

Our tour guide Tom was great with Leah and even offered to swap hats in St. Mark's square. Leah really enjoyed all of our impromptu parties and hung with the adults like a trooper.

But the all-time favorite?

So, on the plane home when I was asking Leah about her favorite things, I asked her who her favorite "person" was. Allyson wins by a landslide, and I'm guessing the fact that she has little ones was something Leah recognized right away. Everyone in my choir was so gracious to Leah and I really love them all for how they welcomed her on the trip.

Now, let's talk water

Out of all of the things Leah mentioned as her favorite, there was one common theme - water. My little fish loved it everywhere we went. Here we are on our gondola ride in Venice.

Brrrrr!

Leah insisted on trying out the pool at our Lake Garda hotel despite the fact that it wasn't heated. How can a 12-year-old pass up a pool after all? Let's just say it was a short swim followed by a long and very hot shower!

Time to relax and kick back

Before we left Italy and headed to Germany, we had a wonderful day on Lake Garda. A leisurely lunch, a little shopping, gelato and we finished it with a boat ride. I told Leah this is how I like to experience Italy - at a slow pace, away from the crowds, and in the small communities where you really learn more about the Italian culture. I think she's convinced and ready to come back! It is definitely a trip we will both remember for a long time.

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!

The Three Jewels of Parma

The Jewels of Parma?

No, these aren't the Jewels of Parma, but a group of friends that got together to experience the latest Jasper Mirabile cooking class at the Culinary Center of Kansas City. It had been a crazy day for all of us and we were ready to be entertained in mind, body and stomach. Pardons ahead of time for the photos -- didn't have time to run home for the camera, so the Palm Pre had to do.

Jasper with Jewel #1

This class was focused on those things made famous by Parma, Italy. Proscuitto, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Balsamico. The menu consisted of proscuitto & gruyere baked in puff pastry, proscuitto-filled chicken breast saltimbocco style, fettucine Pope John XXIII, and warm balsamico & berries over white chocolate gelato. So yes, all of my calories for the week were consumed within this one lovely evening.

Fettucine Pope John XXIII

J knows how to entertain, and one of his first rules is to feed us early. We started with the fettucine. It's amazing how good simple ingredients can be when they are made with love (along with a little cream). This dish consists of fettucine, butter, proscuitto, egg, peas, cream and parmigiano reggiano. I waited until everyone was watching J again before I licked the bowl.

Mirror Image

There is no bad seat in the house at the Culinary Center. A large mirror reflects everything that's happening to keep you engaged and learning all the best tricks. I've been to many "In the Kitchen with Jasper" classes, and I always pick up a handful of wonderful cooking histories and secrets. This night those included these jewels:

• Tuscan spices are called Tuscan drugs - what a great description
• In Parma, they have proscuitto "halls" - open air areas where the meat ages in the Italian breezes
• They test whether proscuitto is of good quality by inserting a horse's tooth - apparently one of the cleanest things they can use to test (my friend Brenda had to ask if the horse was dead or alive when that happened)
• J talked about an Iowa proscuitto producer that is now one of the hottest sellers in the country - he started selling out of the back of his car and has only grown from there - I found the website - http://store.laquercia.us/La-Quercia-Prosciutto-Green-Label-Organic
• J's mama was there (as she usually is) and he joked while draining a steaming pot of pasta that she calls those Italian facials!

The Colors of Parma

J finished up the cooking demonstration by dressing a simple salad, letting us make the chicken breast dish, and my favorite, the proscuitto and gruyere baked in puff pasty. What a simple and elegant appetizer/side dish/brunch item -- will definitely be making this soon. Sorry, I was so excited to see the dessert when it came, I failed to take a photo. Let me just say this - chunks of white chocolate topped with fresh fruit drizzled in the balsamico (that was also drizzled across the salad and the puff pastry - shoot, you could drizzle that over anything and I would eat it!

Erica Pozza and J

My friend Tom bought Brenda's foreign exchange student Erica the class for Christmas. It was quite entertaining watching this young lady from Milan learn from the master here in KC!

Unexpected Surprises

Checking out the chocolate!

One of my favorite all time things are those unexpected days with nothing planned that turn into amazing surprises. I've had a couple of those recently, and they both included food and wine (and beer!). The most recent was when Derek surprised the girls by taking us down to pick out chocolate for Valentine's Day at Christopher Elbow Chocolates in the Crossroads District. A perfect treat for the girl that always gives up chocolate for Lent.

Pretty pizzas

I have always wanted to try Pizza Bella and since we were just right around the corner, we did. Leah and Madison were famished since we made them wait to try out their chocolate choices.

Pizza Bella

Pizza Bella is a little hard to find and doesn't have it's own parking lot, but is worth the stop. And it's also right down the street from The Cellar Rat - a fabulous place to taste and buy wines.

My favorite part

I gave the pizza at B+. It was tasty but didn't quite live up to my expectations given the pizzas I've had in Italy. However, I was delighted to nibble (more like feast!) on the trio of olive oils with fresh baked bread and a variety of olives. I almost didn't let the girls have any, it was so good.

Oh, but we're not done yet

We were on such a roll, we decided not to stop. We took the girls over to the Legends theaters so they could see a tweenager movie, and Derek and I dropped in on Yard House for a selection of beer. I think it literally took me almost 20 minutes to pick one - there are just a couple to pick from.

Too pretty to eat

We brought home a mixed assortment of both chocolates, as well as caramels. I quickly decided they were way too good (and expensive) for the kids, and squirreled them away. I savored the best for last - the middle heart shaped caramel that was infused with red wine and coated in white chocolate. I must now hang up my keyboard as my chocolate-deprived Lenten body is about to revisit withdrawal.

Howell House B&B

The Howell House B&B in Downs, KS

Tucked away in the quaint town of Downs, KS in north central Kansas is a lovely bed and breakfast named The Howell House. Lovingly restored and operated by Steve and Joan Heide, this is a great stop on your way west from Kansas City. My mom and dad both graduated from Downs High School and my Dad's ashes are buried in the local cemetery. The house is actually located almost directly in the back yard of the home my grandmother lived in when I was a child visiting Downs. www.howellhousebandb.com

Breakfast awaits!

My favorite things about staying here are the surroundings, the lovely front and side porches (great for sipping coffee), the amazing detail finishings, but most of all, the breakfasts. On our first visit to Howell House we were treated to a pecan praline french toast that my daughter and nieces daydream about until the next time we return.

Pecan praline french toast

Not for dieting - that's for sure! We've enjoyed this dish on almost every visit to Howell House and I've even talked Steve and Joan into the recipe so I can make it at home. They were even gracious enough to make a gluten free version for my nieces Courtney and Jennifer.

Our bedroom

Leah and I had one of the four rooms available at the Howell House, each with a private bath and all decorated with antiques. We always enjoy reading the guest books in each room and the tales of previous travelers.

Joan and Steve Heide

Steve and Joan are great hosts and they also own a coffee/lunch restaurant called The Gathering Grounds in downtown Downs. It's always fun to visit with them about the latest happenings in Downs, and of course the KU Jayhawks. :)

World's Largest Ball of Twine

Not only is the Howell House a great stop on your way to Colorado (Highway 24 is a much lovelier trip than I-70), but it's just a couple of miles west of the infamous World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, KS. Definitely worth a stop and pic.

Jennifer, Courtney and Leah

I must say I prefer stopping when it's warm enough to enjoy the front/side porch, but we enjoyed the heavy snowfall on the morning we left.

Dean Clintsman, 1934-2007

Dad's ashes are buried in the Downs cemetery which will ensure I get to enjoy the Howell House over the years. Rest in peace papa - we love you and miss you.

Bleu Christmas

The Bleu Tomato in downtown DeSoto, Kansas

It's actually been anything but a Blue Christmas for me this year, but a bleu Christmas? Absolutely. I have been reading reviews, seeing Facebook comments and had numerous friends tell me I needed to try out this off-beat little restaurant in downtown DeSoto, Kansas. I had a great excuse to do so when having lunch with my friend Jeff who works about as close to it as you can get without working in DeSoto.

The restaurant is owned by Karen Mitchell who took her love of catering and evolved it into a sit down restaurant. Don't let the exterior (or interior for that matter) fool you though -- this isn't your down-home country (= fried) restaurant. After you maneuver past the Dollar General next door and inside, you will find a small and simple dining room, with a rotating artist featured.

My sandwich and salad combination

I immediately opted for a combination selection so that I could try at least two things. The Kill Creek Salad consisted of spring mix, roasted sweet bell peppers, fried goat cheese (OK, so there was something fried but it's light and delicate), ruby red grapefruit, all tossed in a bleu cheese vinaigrette. This was paired with the Griddled Salmon Sandwich served with herbed caper mayonnaise and fresh basil on a brioche roll. Isn't that just about the prettiest, most colorful plate of food you've seen in this dead of winter?

Jeff uses his best Vanna skills to present the dessert

Jeff was the professional here and I was the rookie, he having eaten at this restaurant a few times with co-workers. I followed shortly after Jeff as Kansas City IABC chapter president and can't help but smile when I think of all the good friends I've made through being active in that organization. And it always seems that when we get together we're either eating or drinking!

Warm Chocolate Phyllo Dough Brownie

I had to take a look at the dessert tray and to my delight, they had my all-time favorite dessert. I had pretty high expectations for this one as my favorite is served by the local PB&J restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised to find the dessert not only elegant, but the brownie contained three different kinds of chocolate and was richly flavorful. It has become my new favorite.

After checking out the menu online, I definitely have to make it back for dinner since it looks like a completely different experience. Reservations are recommended and they are only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings (lunch served on weekdays only). So, if you're going to have to be bleu, I recommend you indulge in this little gem.

www.bleutomato.com