Born & Raised Sicilian

New Year’s Eve was so very special. We ate at the "Ponte Vecchio Restaurant." Reportedly, this restaurant was first class in everything you look for: Ambiance, Beautiful and attentive Servers, Food prepared by a "Gourmet Chef", and, of course, respectable portions. This high-priced luxury is for very special occasions and you can expect dinners to cost as much as $100 per person. The seating is arranged to provide privacy in conversation and a peaceful setting, allowing for proper and friendly exchange between those seated at the table. Wine is served with the dinner and all prices are represented in 6 point font on the menu. Most of the patrons are very affluent and consider it improper to check out or remark about the price of menu items. Casino regulars are usually given a "Meal Voucher" in the amount of $150 for two and that is only to cover the fundamentals. Alcohol, gratuity and taxes are not usually provided for in these "Perks."
Our server was a stunningly beautiful Greek woman with eyes that appeared to be the size of quarters. Her bright eyed Sicilian look was the personification of the music I played as a soloist in high school: "Dark Eyes." Each male server was the equivalent of an "Adonis" from Greek Mythology. The fare was varied and exotic, allowing for very rare items like "Sea Bass," Bison," Sicilian Salad and Artesian Bread for starters because we already had appetizers and soup at the "Deli." "Bon Anno" was the greeting from all ~ meaning Happy New Year.
We were told that the servings were generous in portion, but that was not the case and ordinarily is not the case in "Top of the line" restaurants. The salad was served in a dish almost a foot in diameter and the salad was in the center in what appeared to be the size of a poached egg serving glass. The "Sicilian Salad" consisted of four slices of tomato with a white cheese and basil sprouts finely chopped. Our reservation was for 5 p.m. and there were no patrons waiting in front of us. The doors open in these high class restaurants at that time only.

As a young high school student I served at the "300 Club" just east of Main Street in Buffalo and was aware of the refinement of wearing a tuxedo and delivering a pack of cigarettes on a plate. We also delivered such things as candied apples, black and green olives, and an assortment of finger foods on large silver plated round trays that kept the patrons nibbling before the meal. This gave the chef (the real boss) time to prepare a gourmet dinner. Finger bowls were delivered after the meal. Seating was suitable to royalty and pure white table cloths were usually accompanied by burgundy or white serviettes.
Disappointment was expressed by all at our table at "Ponte Vecchio". The portions were skimpy at best but described and priced to impress the patrons of the status of the eatery.
We had asked an Immigration Inspector if the Whirlpool Bridge would have extended hours for New Year’s Eve. Fireworks were displayed by the Niagara Parks Commission and the people were 12 abreast going down Clifton Hill to witness the special event at the Rainbow Bridge which would be a three-hour wait for Americans looking to return home afterwards. We left the Fallsview Casino at 10 p.m., wishing our friends "Arrivederci" and "Cao" with a last wish for "Bon Annu" (Happy New Year).
At the Whirlpool Bridge, we were surprised to hear the Immigration officer criticize a sitting Senator Schumer for his wish to provide an open border between Canada and the U.S. The officer informed us that the bridges were all owned by private entities and neither government had any control over the operations of the bridge or lack of supervisory traffic control. I have notified the Department of Homeland Security and Senator Schumer’s office of the necessity of "Eminent Domain" for the purpose of providing the "Trusted Traveler" with a safe and regulated port of entry: Whirlpool, Rainbow, Lewiston and the Peace Bridge.
We bid farewell knowing we had planned the best route to avoid congestive traffic. Julie and I are old hands at traveling, having visited the width and breadth of this great and beautiful America. The evening consisted of reminescence of a great day ending with tea and crumpets. Conversation of the wonderful time we had lasted until almost 3 a.m.

Always, the first to rise on Holidays, I prepared a "Real Sicilian Breakfast" for my Jewel. It consisted of scrambled eggs, toast with hot sauce, Sicilian and Greek stuffed olives with Feta cheese, perfectly ripened tomatoes, large chunks of cantaloupe, crescent-shaped California Navel Oranges, with a serving of specially prepared pitted prunes in natural juices. There was also coffee to jump start the lungs and nervous system (one cup only).
This breakfast would have to cost at minimum $40, if compared to the menu items at the restaurant.

"Mangia," my loving Grandmother would say to me and continuing, "You’ll feel better." She had so much wisdom, and I was blessed to be born from the womb of her Sicilian daughter. My father chose the finest family and married the best of nine girls. Those memories sustain me and keep me happy in this third stage of my life. "Live Well, Love Much, and Laugh Often." Longevity is forever evident in those who live such a life. My 93-year-old Godmother had the greatest smile and chuckled with such a love for life and all those around her. I can’t remember an angry moment in all the years I was privileged to be with her. She was the Matriarch of her family~many of whom joined in marriage to men of Greek ancestry. Within the past year I was informed by a very wise Greek, that the Island of Sicily is Greek in ethnicity, culture and eating habits. Twenty thousand Greeks remaining loyal to the traditional Greek foods were found to be the void of any serious disease or health problems
In one day we lived the title of my book, "Make Eating A Lifestyle Change." The acronym being, "M.E.A.L. change. The courage and determination of a Polish father and a Sicilian mother originated in their brave journey to a new continent. They dreamed hopes of finding the land of milk and honey, with streets paved in gold, and a land of opportunities, unlimited for those who would do their very best.

In my prayers, I always include them, my chosen family, and those who have passed on, leaving me this wonderful heritage. I was blessed to be the resulting Hybrid of this genetic blend of two great cultures.

Thank you Lord, for all the people and experiences of this lifetime allowing me to better serve you, and especially all the dear hearts and gentle people all over the world. May we join hands in a determined effort to bring peace, love and understanding to people of all ethnic groups in an ecumenical friendship involving all nations. Desiderata is the manual I read many times each day. Like "Amazing Grace," the wisdom is in the poetry and music of people often considered to be God Spirits. "Imagine" by John Lennon of "The Beatles" is my ideal and "Shangrala" is the mystical place of my soul. Bon Annu to you and the ones you love.