Land to Table
Hello Italy!
Well, not a direct hello as in my own personal feet are on the ground in a foreign land, but I am putting my first born on a plane for Italy later today. He'll say hello for me.
Michael has been working at That'll Do Farm since he graduated from college earlier this summer.
He's our goat wrangler, garden guru, fence guy and all-round Mike-of-all-trades.
His true interest is in producing organic produce and the whole "Land to Table" movement -- the idea that there is a connection between the farmer and the food preparer, between the land and the kitchen table, between fresh as can be food and the local community.
So when an opportunity to visit a country where the land to table concept is simply the way it's done, he jumped on the boat. (or in this case, the plane.)
A local chef, Carmella Fragassi, owner of LaCampagna restaurant in Westlake, Ohio, is leading a land to table culinary tour of Pulgia, the region of her grandparents.
Carmella is like family to my family. Her grandmother and mine were best buds. Both were Italian immigrants brought to a new country by their husbands. And I'm sure both would get a huge kick out of their granddaughter and great-grandson going back to the country of their birth to learn about growing and preparing food -- food they took for granted. 
The group will be touring and staying with Peppe Zullo.
From what I understand, Peppe is a real character (in a good way).
Wait -- maybe I should re-think this entire Italian trip: A 22-year-old in Italy with a real character. Can you see trouble coming???
I just hope Mike doesn't come back from Italy and expect white tablecloths and candles on the picnic table for dinner every evening!
