A European Vacation on a Tuesday

Everyone has that one meal, or perhaps a few, that sticks out in their mind when they think of “the best meal ever.” As we transition into warmer months I’m reminded of one such meal, shared with family on a hot Tuesday in August.

It started with a barbeque. A and UOB (aunt and uncle of blogger) were visiting my family and I when AOB happened to mention a whole leg of prosciutto that had recently been given to her. At that moment, she had my full attention. Knowing full well that she and UOB couldn’t possibly consume it all themselves, I offered to take some off their hands. “You bring the wine, we’ll provide the pig,” UOB said. AOB is fierce in the kitchen; when one is invited to dine in her home, only fools say “no.” What she can do with a beef tongue and a leg of lamb is legendary. And so, a few days later (a Tuesday), I clocked out of work with a bottle of Ponte Super T in my hand and drove the few miles to their house.

While AOB could have made any number of things with the prosciutto, waiting on the patio was a loaf of crusty bread, a wedge of stinky blue cheese, 3 wine glasses and a huge, pink, plump leg of prosciutto. UOB uncorked the Super T and we toasted before diving in to the beautiful, understated and delicious spread before us. We each helped ourselves to the food, carving generous chunks of the ham and cheese to lay on top of the bread, while talking, sipping and basking in the sunshine. For a few hours, we each forgot about work the next day and our cares melted away simply because of good food, good wine and even better company. We might as well have been on a terrace in Spain, France or Italy with how happy we were that afternoon.

After all, isn’t that what sharing a good bottle of wine is all about?

Erica Martinez