Likewise the secondi I wasn’t so sure about as it was veal, but nothing like the veal that I have had in the States.  It was served cold and covered in a sauce made of mayo and tuna (tunno), which is really big over here.  I have never heard of such a dish, but I know that Cristina often makes a sauce like this to cover some of the meats that we have.  But again even though I wasn’t sure about it at first, I tried it and LOVED it. Also served with the veal was a side of potatoes, they appeared to just be boiled potatoes with some parsley on them, but they had to have had something special in them, because they tasted like nothing that I have ever had before, and again they were delicious.

By now I had to start loosening my skinny jeans, of course I thought that they would look super cute with my boots in this cold weather that we have been experiencing, but I quickly learned that skinny jeans and Italian meals do not go well together (this as well will be demonstrated in my next blog post).  I tell you these Italians really know how to do this dinner thing right!  I have had the most amazing meals while I have been here and as an American who is brought up inhaling my food, I am appreciating being able to relax and enjoy the fresh, delicious foods and the company as well.  Just sitting, eating and chatting with everyone was so refreshing.  While everything for dinner was delicious, I might have to say that dolci was by far my favorite part of the evening.  Remember when I blogged about my amazing chocolate torta in Florence, well Ana’s chocolate/almond dessert puts that torta to shame!  Oh my goodness, and that panna (whipped cream), okay I have to stop writing about this as my mouth is starting to salivate! 

I was a little nervous when Luca stated that his cousin and his wife would be joining us for dinner.  I get very anxious when Nick and I are the only Americans, as I am afraid that they will only speak Italian and it will be awkward, but this was not the case at all!  Luca’s cousin, Fillipo spoke better English than me!  He received his PhD in St. Louis and was taught English by one of the Clemson professors wife.  He is a mathematician here in Genova and his wife runs a language school. They were the sweetest people and we had a wonderful evening with them. They were so funny as they asked Nick to ensure that they were added to the villa party list for this coming semester, which makes it sound like we have exclusive rights to invite people to the party of a year – ha ha!

The wine that we finished our meal with is from Luca’s family, the label is their family crest. If I remember correctly it was another cousin the has the winery, I tell you this family is very talented!

I could not get over how beautiful their apartment was, on the outside of the buildings in Genova you would not realize the amazing spaces that our housed within.  As well, the view of Genova’s port from their sitting room is beyond describable.  I hope to be able to return in the daytime as I bet the view is even better.  I am not sure how one could be upset any day of their life waking up to that view.  Luca pointed out that we should have about the same view from the villa, and while we have a nice view, it is obscured by some trees and an unfortunate street lap that I can’t seem to get out of my pictures.  I threaten to go cut it down all the time!