Our daughter Michelle and husband Kyle treated us for dinner at Trattoria 360 in downtown Campbell for a belated birthday celebration for yours truly. We weren’t able to connect for my actual birthday on August 26, as they were on a beach vacation in Del Mar in San Diego County with our granddaughters and Cecile and I were at the Seascape Resort Beach in Aptos. So last night was the night, an early dinner on the eve of the long Labor Day Holiday weekend. It was such a treat to see them and our granddaughters, Lyla and Emmy again. The hostess escorted us to a cozy outdoor table. The girls told us about their beach vacation in colorful, animated ways that you’d expect from a child. Trattoria 360 was a first time event for all of us, so we weren’t sure what to expect.
Our charming waiter, who spoke with an Italian accent, introduced himself as Damiano. I asked him where he was from and he said Rome. He sized me up and asked me how about you? I said my mother was born in Sicily, I have cousins in Sicily, in Rome, an aunt and uncle and cousins from Torino (Turin) and the tone for the evening was set. Of course, I added that Michelle and Kyle had spent several months in Florence during their school abroad program while in college.
Kyle ordered an IPA and I asked Damiano what kind of Italian beers he had. He pointed to beer section of the menu. I didn’t see the more popular Italian beers like Peroni or Moretti, so I chose a Mendbrea Bionda, a light premium lager beer. Michelle and Kyle ordered up some starters for the table. Cozze Al Pepe (Steamed Mediterranean Mussels, with white wine marinara broth, served with toast); Burrata Casareccia (Fresh Burrata Cheese served with tomato, basil & Arugula; Insulate Pomodori (Tomato, Gorgonzola, Basil, Olive Oil Dressing). We also collectively ordered Tagliolini (long like spaghetti with Italian Sausage); Gnocchi Formaggi (Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cheese), and Salmon All Livornese (Wild King Salmon Fillet grilled, with capers, olives, Cherry tomatoes, Garlic, Fresh herbs over Farro and sautéed Spinach). Lyla and Emmy had pasta with butter from the kids menu and the burrata cheese, and Italian bread rolls.
For dessert, Kyle had Bread Pudding (Italian style with Zabaglione sauce and dark rum); Cecile and I shared Zabaglione (Italian custard with strawberry gelato); Lyla and Emmy shared a Lemon Sorbet packed inside a real lemon that had to be scooped out. They were in heaven (photo). The waiter brought out an additional birthday dessert and shot glasses of Limoncello while the waiter sang Happy Birthday to me, partially in English and the rest in Italian. It was a beautiful evening, the food and service was excellent and I can't complain about another birthday celebration. There is a saying: "Never look a gift horse in the mouth," meaning never refuse something good that is being offered to you. Of course the real gift is family, especially the little ones. Thank you Michelle and Kyle.
