Gala @ Sheraton 2010‏

Tradition, some say, is an outdated mode of a bygone era. Manners,
etiquettes, and a proper course of established criteria, is no more
necessary in a world dominated by Internet real-time. Not so in the
world I was privy to the weekend of November 20. As is customary,
for the past several years, I attend a Gala @ Sheraton. A sumptuous
affair organized to full aplomb by a natal village association of
which my father is a founding member.
The Associazione Cattolica Eraclea was the brainchild of a man,
recently passed away, who felt their arid corner of Sicily and its
customs deserved to be celebrated, honored and remembered, especially
for the generations that ensue. He set about to amass an array of
family, friends, and other like-minded businessmen to found this
organization.

Every year, at about the same time, they celebrate an event in
honor of La Madonna della Immacolata (Our Lady of the Immaculate).
An evening of succulent, gastronomic, fare, wine, dance, re-kindling
of old friendships and nurturing of new acquaintances. There is
a myriad of business luminaries and political dignitaries nearing
800 strong.
As a close family member of the organizing committee, I have the
privilege of enjoying accommodations such as a beautiful room and
a bountiful brunch the following day. The lodging allows much more
freedom with the night's festivities. This year I had the distinguished
privilege, nay, honor of having the ever so magnificent Maria be
my special guest. The devilish Maria was very tanned, tight as a
drum, and wore the most delicious décolleté.

'Ordinary life does not interest me. I seek only the high moments...
searching for the marvelous.' ~ Anaïs Nin

The Gala was an amazing evening of unsurpassed expectations. The
Culinary delicacies were lavish and exquisite. The 'primo piatto'
was an assortment of aubergines, tantalizing Portobello mushrooms
and shrimps the size of a golf-ball. Then it was onto the Italian
indulgence of 'Fazzoletti con Ricotta'. The dish translates into
'handkerchief with ricotta cheese', which is exactly what these
large squares of fresh pasta resemble. They were laid out next to
a bed of small 'Macaroni with pomodoro' sprinkled with a touch of
basil and parsley.
To refresh one's palette for the night's most anticipated arrival
we were served a heavenly baby spinach salad with a juicy, diced
pear. The final course of this divinity was a Pan Roasted 4 inch
succulent side of Veal chop the size of a golf driver with Arugula.
The wine, including the spillage, was with licorice and leather
scents released from the dark garnet hues, along with ripe black
fruit notes. Coated tannins and flavours of cassis were perceived
in the mouth. A delightful sorbet with gelato topped off this elegant
banquet. My friend and I swayed with complete abandon to the cool
sounds of The Showmen Orchestra. Maria looked so delish I wanted
to stand and salute.

'Camminando le donne può tutto mostrare...Ma niente non lasciare
vedere! (Sensual women can show everything, without revealing
anything!).' ~ Marcello Mastroianni

Due to the recent events in the news, it was a much more subdued
and Serene soirée. In my humble opinion it felt roomier and easier
to get around, hence you were more prone to stop and mingle. It was
a spectacular night filled with a thousand and one delights.


* Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the
moments that take our breath away.


Tanti Baci Con Amore,
xoxox


* Observed November 20th, 2010