Buon Compleanno to Me

True, we celebrated my birthday early with a trip — and lunch and dessert — in Parma a few days ago.

Mui didn’t let the actual day go by without recognition, however. Since we don’t exchange gifts — and haven’t for I don’t know how long — he took me out to lunch … and also surprised me with a small cake at home later.

Our lunch reservation was at Restaurante da Cesari … around the corner from our apartment … with the ambiance of a friendly, family-operated neighborhood dining establishment.

Da Cesari’s origins date back to 1955 when it began operating as an osteria and wine reseller. It is often described as a place that “Italians bring their Italian guests to dine” … an excellent endorsement.

After ordering a ½ bottle of a regional Sangiovese, we perused the menu and listened to the specials.

Our first course was an appetizer special … the classic Italian dish of “asparagi con uova” … blanched asparagus garnished with a chopped, hard boiled egg, EVOO, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Now, I am not an asparagus aficionado, but I really enjoyed this preparation. Oooops … forgot to take a photo of it.

Some might find my choice of tagliatelle alla Bolognese as my main course boring. But it is one of my favorite dishes, and hey … my birthday, my choice. Mui ordered a scottona roast beef. We had to look up what scottona means … it refers to a female bovine under 2 years of age that has never given birth … producing tender, marbled meat with a delicate flavor. I think Mui ordered the dish mostly for the artichokes that garnished the meat, but he said the roast beef was fantastic, too.

Dessert was a taster’s plate of three delicious sweet treats … a semifreddo with eggnog and crunchy almonds … reminded us of crème brûlée; a slice of panna cotta with a caramel syrup topping … reminded us of a caramelized flan; and a slice of chocolate torta tenerina … a traditional flourless chocolate cake.

The whole meal was delicious … and we felt pleasantly full when we left Da Cesari to return home.

No dinner tonight … still too full from lunch. But I couldn’t resist a bite of the lemon cake with which Mui surprised me. I’ll have the rest of my cake for tea tomorrow.

A lovely birthday in Bologna … as I begin inching my way towards another decade … but I still have 729 days before that auspicious milestone. Who knows where that celebration will take place.Read more