Although I have no idea when this photo was taken, I can vouch for it being perfectly emblematic of my Nonno (seated in the dark clothing). I imagine that he has just feasted on a whole banquet of dishes expertly cooked by his nephew Eugenio's (that's him on the left) wife Valeria in Rome. Maybe her famous "macaroni al forno" was on the menu. That vies for the single greatest childhood memory meal in my book. Whatever the menu, he embodies in this photo the simple pleasures I love so dearly: family, good friends, food and a nice cigar. He was the greatest grandfather a boy could have. And now, some 40 years later, his memory burns brighter than ever before. How I wish I could serve you up a plate of food, pour you some wine or beer in a simple glass and sit on the porch and smoke a cigar with you, Nonno... Your Pal "Scooter" loves you.
A Trip of a Lifetime - Italy 2003
- Synchronicity. It was just the right place to go, the right time in our lives, the right combination of every element involved. What a blessing to have the chance to spend 10 days with your father - as an adult - to speak of all kinds of things, to visit your roots, re-trace the steps of your grandfather (and his father) and encounter magic and wonder at every turn...
Another Trip of a Lifetime - Italy 2006
- Twice in a lifetime seems too much, but it was just as good the second time as the first. In many aspects, it was even better; closer with family than ever before. And flying back First Class because of an airline error wasn't bad either...
Butterfly World 07
- A Saturday morning trip to Butterfly World in Coral Springs, FL ends up surpassing our expectations in every way. It was like walking into a dream.
Butterfly World - Again!
- When Grandpa and Grandma came down to Florida at Christmastime 2007, we just had to show them how cool Butterfly World was.
Cape Cod 03
- Our first father/daughter trip together. We travelled up to Cape Cod to see grandparents and find Blueberries!!! And some seafood and ice cream and beach time and... unforgettable memories!
Cape Cod 06
- The second father/daughter trip to the place of my roots. Magical and peaceful memories for a lifetime.
Fishing Pictures
- When Andy's Diner opens one day, these will be some of the pictures on the wall...
Guest Chefs @ Andy's
- When the challengers come to Kitchen Stadium! One in particular keeps the pictures and the gastric juices FLOWING. Go Auntie! Go Auntie!
A Malbec Quest
- Two friends strive to sample every Malbec they can find. Their opinions are those of amateur vinophiles, but their thoroughness is the stuff of legend!
Andy's Humidor
- It's my favorite way to end a great meal... out in the Florida Room, watching a ballgame or just relaxing!
La Luna Cigars
- A boutique brand on Calle Ocho in Miami's Little Havana. Known by locals and "Luna-tics" the planet over.
Padron Cigars
- Their tag line says "...quality is a matter of family honor" and they couldn't have written anything more appropriate. My Saturday morning visit produced a deep respect for the Padron family, a heightened appreciation of their quality products and the happy expectation of many a Saturday morning to come visiting some new friends.
Tabacalera Perdomo
- It is hard to miss the determination and commitment of this cigar company. With over a dozen different brands, culminating in the legendary "Edicion de Silvio", the Perdomo family is dedicated to carrying on the legacy of their patriarch Silvio and the values he came to embody.
Deeply Delightful "Hondo"
- If you are a Cigar Aficionado and will be visiting Buenos Aires in the near future, then you MUST visit "Hondo" in the city's sparkling new Puerto Madero area. Hondo means "deep" in Spanish and my evening there was DEEPLY DELIGHTFUL!
Fairchild Tropical Garden
- Lucky enough to live very close to this jewel of a spot in Miami.
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