I have recently returned to the states, after spending all of 20007 in Rome. While there, I met a girl who I quickly fell in love with - an American, amazingly - and we were able to share a romance throughout the city that, no doubt, was increased after "The Dinner".

"The Dinner" was the evening I decided I cared for her enough to introduce to my family. Being that my mother`s sister, thus, my aunt, and several first cousins are still living in Rome I knew it would be quite an occasion to include her into our family. A big step, I feared, but that's what love will do.

When I arrived to my family`s home with my love, we were immediately treated to a particular vino (Pinot Grigio) that to this day has yet to taste the same. Same bottle mind you, but just not the same taste. With our drinks came an incredibly simple antipasto - essentially, fried cheese balls, that we couldn't eat enough of.

My girlfriend was not yet fluent in the language, nor was I, yet communication was not difficult. We all seemed comfortable with each other, regardless of struggling through the language barrier.

We began the meal with ham wrapped over melon, and the conversation continued.

Next came the pasta dishes of penne rigati (just smaller than rigatoni) in an aglio and oglio sauce (garlic and olive oil). Our meat course was named saltinbocca (literally, jump in mouth - because of it's great taste). I believe it was veal, but this I don`t know.

As we talked and laughed, and continued to grow in what truly felt like family, we barely had room for the salad that was given us - ma quando nella Roma... (but when in Rome...).

We finished the meal with San Giusseppe (sweets served only during Pasqua - that is, Easter) and limonjello (a lemon liquer).

I chose to give few details in this writing, because no pages could fill the feelings of that evening. Unfortunately, the girl is not in my life anymore - but the night will be with me forever.
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