Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Let's Talk Lunch.

No, seriously. Let's talk lunch. I have worked in US public schools for the past twelve years and never once eaten a single school lunch. Have you looked at what your kids are eating? And, not just on Thanksgiving when there is slightly more effort made to make it look like it didn't all come from a can. So, today I was awestruck when once again the school lunch served at ASM was beyond amazing. We've been eating in the school cafeteria since the day we arrived in Italy, and, at least at ASM, it's just what you do. The food is real stuff, not just slopped out of a can and into a chafing dish. There is pasta every day. (This is Italy- did you expect anything less?) There's also salad options, meat options, vegetarian options, fruit options...I could go on. It really has been something impressive. But, today was different. Today they rolled out a buffet lunch for the staff. It started with Prosecco and other assorted wines. In the school building. With the administration. Where am I again? Oh, that's right...Italia...the land of wine. And on to the food. Caprese salad, sauteed eggplant, zucchini, peppers, cantaloupe, thinly sliced tenderloin, prosciutto, stuffed squash blossoms, stuffed shells, seafood linguini (the seafood being giant prawns and lobster like things) and so many other things I've probably forgotten a few. Are you drooling yet? Then, of course, you must have room for dessert, yes? Homemade in the cafeteria by the little Italian ladies? Tiramisu, chocolate tortes, cherry tortes, and fruit-- but who eats fruit when you have those other options? Anyhow, now that I've had an apple for dinner (mangio una mela verde) I will let you salivate...Kate took a picture of her plate. When she uploads it, I'll add it here. Until then, imagine me doing that little Italian gesture where you put your fingers together by your mouth and move them away and say something like, "Delicioso!"

5 comments:

  1. WOW! I never thought about the food at an Italian school. My limited time in Italy was full of wine and great food. It is incredible that wine and great food are both a part of the every day school experience for the teachers and I assume great food for the children. Enjoy!!! I may come out of retirement:):)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hopefully with all the walking you do, eating like that won't pack on the pounds, holy cow!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Boss: I quit. I am going back to school so I can teach in Italy. Love, Cece

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am amazed and deeply disturbed that you are comparing that menu to our frozen pizza and watermelon lunch yesterday. Our kids wouldn't know how to act with home-cooked meals. I'll be there for lunch tomorrow!!
    Dee Harriott

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh I am so hungry now!!!! Isn't it amazing how a school ( and education system) can take such pride in the details!! I wish our teachers had the support that you are finding in Italy.
    By the way... I am still totally jealous :)

    ReplyDelete

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Let's Talk Lunch.

No, seriously. Let's talk lunch. I have worked in US public schools for the past twelve years and never once eaten a single school lunch. Have you looked at what your kids are eating? And, not just on Thanksgiving when there is slightly more effort made to make it look like it didn't all come from a can. So, today I was awestruck when once again the school lunch served at ASM was beyond amazing. We've been eating in the school cafeteria since the day we arrived in Italy, and, at least at ASM, it's just what you do. The food is real stuff, not just slopped out of a can and into a chafing dish. There is pasta every day. (This is Italy- did you expect anything less?) There's also salad options, meat options, vegetarian options, fruit options...I could go on. It really has been something impressive. But, today was different. Today they rolled out a buffet lunch for the staff. It started with Prosecco and other assorted wines. In the school building. With the administration. Where am I again? Oh, that's right...Italia...the land of wine. And on to the food. Caprese salad, sauteed eggplant, zucchini, peppers, cantaloupe, thinly sliced tenderloin, prosciutto, stuffed squash blossoms, stuffed shells, seafood linguini (the seafood being giant prawns and lobster like things) and so many other things I've probably forgotten a few. Are you drooling yet? Then, of course, you must have room for dessert, yes? Homemade in the cafeteria by the little Italian ladies? Tiramisu, chocolate tortes, cherry tortes, and fruit-- but who eats fruit when you have those other options? Anyhow, now that I've had an apple for dinner (mangio una mela verde) I will let you salivate...Kate took a picture of her plate. When she uploads it, I'll add it here. Until then, imagine me doing that little Italian gesture where you put your fingers together by your mouth and move them away and say something like, "Delicioso!"

5 comments:

  1. WOW! I never thought about the food at an Italian school. My limited time in Italy was full of wine and great food. It is incredible that wine and great food are both a part of the every day school experience for the teachers and I assume great food for the children. Enjoy!!! I may come out of retirement:):)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hopefully with all the walking you do, eating like that won't pack on the pounds, holy cow!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Boss: I quit. I am going back to school so I can teach in Italy. Love, Cece

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am amazed and deeply disturbed that you are comparing that menu to our frozen pizza and watermelon lunch yesterday. Our kids wouldn't know how to act with home-cooked meals. I'll be there for lunch tomorrow!!
    Dee Harriott

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh I am so hungry now!!!! Isn't it amazing how a school ( and education system) can take such pride in the details!! I wish our teachers had the support that you are finding in Italy.
    By the way... I am still totally jealous :)

    ReplyDelete