Have I ever mentioned how much I love all things Italian? I didn't think so......well, I LOVE all things Italian! AND, we're going back again this summer! I can't wait - or maybe I can - the anticipation is almost, but not quite, as good as being there. For the last two weeks we've been knee-deep in airline fares, schedules, availability of Steve and Charles' villa, etc. It finally all came together and we purchased the tickets on Tuesday. Now the fun begins....planning, making lists, dreaming up menus ideas, trading dollars for euros. Our friends, Steve and Elizabeth, are traveling with us this time. I will miss Cindy and Dennis, our previous travel partners in crime, but sadly, they can't come along.

So last night for dinner, we went to Salvino's for simple, wonderful, hearty Italian fare. We are becoming regulars there at this point. Trish, our waitress, knows our names, knows we never have dessert and treats us with care - she's an excellent waitress, the kitchen staff is on top of things and the food comes out at the proper pacing.

Mitch, our 22 year old son, accompanied us last night. He and I both had the veal chop special. Heaven! (Imagine I sang that and that I have a good singing voice). Tender, perfectly cooked, light white wine sauce with mushrooms and artichoke hearts. Sides of mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. Bruce had eggplant Parmesan - also excellent. But I really must talk about the soups....they are incredible! Mitch had the pasta fagioli, I had lentil and Bruce had butternut squash....each one was perfect and would be a meal in itself, with a slice of their bread.

Ok, by now you get the idea....this place is pretty much perfection - and the portions are so large that we can dine again for Saturday lunch. The only thing better would be having this cooked in my kitchen so I can eat in my jammies.