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!"