Roman Sunrise 7:36. Roman Sunset: 18:11. Roman Ave Maria 17:30.
Yesterday was a bit of a down day. I didn’t do much, other than to get my things organized for packing and to write an article for Catholic Herald.
In the afternoon I said Mass at Ss. Trinità, as usual, and a few friends participated. One, from Germany, who has been good to the TMSM too, took a couple of photos.
It seems I am quite fast…
Afterwards we made our way to supper.
As we were waiting, they brought us some appetizers.
This a puff of baccala.
As mentioned yesterday, I had gone to the restaurant the day before to talk to the chef about creating a special risotto that would accompany the wonderful sake that my friend from Tokyo brought for my birthday. The risotto was splendid, with mussels, a scallop, a bit of saffron and a touch of Sambuca Romana in the process. The risotto and the sake were great together. The chef got it exactly right.
Some fettucine with guanciale, Roman mint, artichoke and pecorino.
These things… these things… someone else ordered them and they were unbelievably good, with a filling of stracotto, in a thyme butter and with carmelized onion. These guys have game.
There followed some 36 hour roast suckling pig and rabbit stuffed with sausage and herbs which we shared around.
For dessert some of us split portions of the unconventional ajo e ojo which matched up surprisingly well with Talisker 25, brought by a friend.
It was a fine evening, in a fine place, with close friends. This will be a great memory down the line. And it was a pleasure to share around the sake in such an interesting way which my friend from Japan took such trouble to bring, a real honor.
Thus, 60th birthday. Thanks to everyone who sent greetings.
Today, not sure what’s going to happen. I have packing in the morning. I may see an exhibit. There are two errands to fulfill and Mass tonight.
And that will be it.
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“It seems I am quite fast…” or practicing bilocation :)
The name of the restaurant?
Glad you had a grand birthday celebration with your friends.
Travel safely home to us all.
Thanks FrZ for your spiritual travelogue which I really appreciate — no matter where you go you make us all feel that we’re part of the trip. Thanks for the photos and the food shots. I too, like others, would like you to name same of the restaurants you enjoy. Should we start a Blue Plague initiative similar to what is in London and have these places post them – “FrZ Dines Here”.
Happy birthday, and thanks for your posts from Rome. These days all one can hope for with a flight is that it is “uneventful”. So may your flight be.
Happy Birthday Father, your photos of Rome, and the food have been very enjoyable. I think that I have gained weight just looking at the pictures.
Happy, happy birthday, Father, ad multos annos !
Thank you for letting us come along on this trip. It is my great prayer that I will be in Rome on a pilgrimage or something while you are there in the not-too-distant future.
Deo gratias for your life and priesthood !
And when you are appointed a bishop, you still have 15 years before you have to retire. ; )
Pretty cool!
So stracotto is Italian pot roast? And you can put it into little dumplings? Yum….
Happy Birthday! I will remember you at the altar tomorrow.
It seems I am quite fast…
Giggle!!!
Good one Father & Happy Birthday!!
Birthday blessings and many happy returns! Rosaries being offered for you and your intentions.