Roman Feast & Family (October 1, 2025)
When Esmeralda Cullhaj invited Elena, Violet and I to dinner, I thought it would be the four of us, so I was delighted when we had the pleasure of meeting Esmeralda’s family including her husband Leo and daughter Chira. This was a positively delightful experience.
Elena, Esmeralda, Bill, Leo, Chira & Violet for a full Roman feast
What can I say about Roman cuisine other than I haven’t had a bad meal in Rome. Esmeralda ordered some appetizers for the table that included one I had only had once previously when we were with Stefano Pardi (see related blog post). This was the one with an anchovy, mozzarella cheese and eggplant (and deep fried in extra virgin olive oil which originally began to prevent any disease when cooking).
Violet enjoyed the pasta carbonara while Elena and I mixed it up with a combination of pizza, grilled vegetables and salad. There was so much pizza left over that we took some home for the following day’s train ride to Naples. During our dinner, I noticed that Chira wasn’t saying much (as she was feeling shy), but she was actively drawing in her book.
I asked her if she would like Violet to draw in her book. She shook her head yes and so Violet selected one of the characters from her favorite book and animation series called “Re:Zero” and you can see what Violet drew as Chira holds it up:
Chira displays what Violet drew in her book
It was great to find another way to connect. Sometimes verbal isn’t the way to go and drawing is a much easier way to connect. Violet did such a great job with her drawing that she made a positive impression on Chira without forcing an awkward conversation in a non-native language (even though Chira is quite fluent in English when she’s not feeling shy with new people she just met).
Leo, Chira and Violet around Violet’s drawing
This was such a wonderful way to complete our last night in Rome together. Two families breaking bread and getting to know each other better in real life. Kids sharing their love of drawing together and connecting without needing to say a single word to each other.
And then, dessert. Sugar is yet another universal language of love and connection. Be it gelato, tiramisu, or something the pastry chef pulled together because it was specifically requested, sharing dessert is another connection point between two families — a delicious one.
And, of course, I couldn’t leave Rome without …
Gratuitous Rome Banana Hat Pix between Esmeralda Cullhaj & Bill
NOW we can complete our time in Rome and continue our journey to Naples. Thank you, Esmeralda, Leo and Chira, for a wonderful send off and for a beautiful way to complete our visit to Rome. Elena, Violet and I are each truly grateful for your hospitality.
