So, I have just arrived and today is May Day in Europe and traffic was terrible coming in from the west.
Everything is closed in Rome except for the pizzerias and farmacias but everyone is out on the streets. The weather is still and hazy.
When I step off the elevator there is a group of Japanese, 22 strong clogging the entry while the young hostess seeks to fit the guys with jackets as they are all in shirtsleeves.
The terrace is closed tonight so am having a glass of champagne, vintage rose, at the first table by the lounge. The place is entirely empty except for the Japanese group who have finally been fitted and sent to a private room.
Rather strange actually.
First couple in, American naturally. They are not seated at the window despite asking. The man is a little put out since there is only me, but the wife shushes him and they sit.
Bread and oil now on the table with special emphasis put on the "extra virgin" from Umbria. Of course, we are in Italy!
Now the evening begins-the air conditioners by the windows have been started.
Finally it is eight o'clock and four tables have been seated-3 American parties, even though dressed not nearly as beautifully as you Rhonda, and a splendid Japanese couple in gorgeous clothes. They are seated by the window, natch.
Wonderful amuse bouche-served atop a plexiglass box filled with pebbles-rare beef with mushrooms.
Even here at La Pergola the staff says, wait for it...are you sitting down while reading this???
" No problem!"
Amberjack sashimi suspended on a clear plate above a bed of sea salt that erupts with fog once water is poured atop the salt. Surprise-dry ice.
Have told the waiter my car is not due until 10p and I have no place else to be-slow down!
Ahhh, now the Ukraine delegation has arrived. such black hair, such red lipstick, such clingy clothes on the women. And such attention from Simone-ahhhh, to be rich and formerly Russian, what a life.
Not an Italian to be had besides the staff. Room is full now as is the room where we were seated. Fairly quiet as all are eating. Have asked for only three glasses of wine-all different and from Italy- as I am flying to Venice tomorrow and don't want a hangover. First a Sauvignon Blanc and now a Chardonnay from Piedmont. Will see what the red turns out to be.
Grilled oyster encased in parsley foam-a jewel on the plate.
Last table seated by lounge adjacent to me-much older with much younger. Guess who is blonde?
Swan Lake in the background-before that Vivaldi's Four Seasons-I will speak with Simone about this cheesy choice re the music.
BUT, the lighting fabulous!!!!!! Let me repeat, fabulous!! Once again, five candles on my table-fabulous.
I assure you I am being discrete as I type on my device but I am also reading Kate Atkinson's latest on a download. What a strange book but definitely one she had to write given her interest in alternatives.
Oh no, she can't stop fiddling with her hair and she is in her forties- he looks smitten-I see bunga-bunga in the near future. Fortunately I have to turn my head to watch so no more in that direction.
Ack, hair lady is talking on her phone at the table-he beams adoringly. Female Japanese posse to the loo...
Ukrainians burst into laughter-I suspect vodka is being consumed.
Posse returns-wow, they are really young.
Red is Tuscan-blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and merlot grapes-chalky and delicious. Reminds me of Father Tom's Cote du Rhone. Should be meat next.
At a very interesting place in the book-reminiscent of the Maisie author.
Hmmm, another choice reminds me of Winspear.
A big cheer from the Ukes-turns out it is a birthday!
Raising a glass to all both-but no pic!
All best, G
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