If your like me and hear the phrase Chances Are, you break out singing the familiar tune by Johnny Mathis. His voice so distinctive and a demeanor of kindness make up this truly gifted man. We had the pleasure of seeing him the other night in concert and left with such happiness in our hearts. 
       To be in a beautiful Theater, watching  his performance along with a full orchestra  was truly a treat!  At 79, he still delivers an extraordinary performance. The quality and tone of his voice haven't changed much at all. He still hits those high notes and with his impeccable style is captivating. I was singing along at times (although not to loud to annoy the people around me Ha Ha) and with each introduction by the orchestra reflected back to when I heard them in the past. 
         Truly he is a man that enjoys his passion for singing and for me it was an opportunity to engage in the great feeling of a live performance.  Many times a song can bring you back to a memorable time and your body sends  a signal you know like a song comes out of the heart!!!  One that comes to mind right now was when the Beatles had just come out in the States and I remember going to Roosevelt Field Shopping Center to buy the album. I can remember Sam Goody's record store, the weather that day and the excitement.  My Dad had driven me and the day was so much fun. A simple time yet remembering it vividly today, makes today special as well!  Listening to great music with sincere words for me is like a meditation where the only objective is to enjoy that moment! 
         We had the opportunity to meet Johnny after the Show and once again was touched by his sincerity.  Look at us enjoying the Red Carpet with him!
         Thanks again Johnny for a wonderful evening of Music and making hearts like mine continue to sing!        
             
              

As we approached the Restaurant that evening we were so excited for our Culinary experience to begin. Leonardo was there to meet us and brought us up to the front of the restaurant so he could keep an eye on us, as we enjoyed each course. He started us out with a delicious Antipasto atop a Carving Board with Prosciutto, Salami, Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Bruschetta and Pecorino Romano Cheese with Honey to dip the cheese in. They were served individually as seen in the opening picture.

 We then moved on to an Eggplant Tart which was like our eggplant parmigiana  but in stacks as opposed to a tray where they cut in portions. This presentation looked great. The skin was left on the eggplant and had the consistency of a crispy baked potato and it was delicious!

Next was a Trio of Pasta. On the left was Ravioli with A Bolognese Sauce with Pasta Neapolitan in the middle and Rissotto Porcini Mushrooms with shaved Parm on the right.  On a separate dish was Lasagna with homemade Pasta sheets and Sauce. At this point after tasting the homemade bread and several glasses of delicious wine we were content and wanted to leave room for Dessert. Leonardo had been coming over and was ready to go on to a meat course and we had to tell him we could sample that on another visit. Throughout the meal he had visited and we shared stories of our Families and traditions  One favorite was that of my Mother-in Law hanging Fresh Sausage on a Wire Hanger in the Kitchen Window to dry out for Soppressata.  Whether you live in Italy, London or Brooklyn (where my Husband grew up) Italian Families like Leonardo's carry on the tradition of making food and conversation the focal part of family life. 

We looked forward to our sweets for Dessert and certainly were not disappointed. Once again tastefully presented came a board with Cheesecake, Ciambellone (a cake made by his Mother in Law) Gelato and cookies and of course Cafe Macchiato.  

I made a Toast to Leonardo to a new Friendship and that "the meal was only exceeded by the charm of our Host". To describe Leonardo's personality, would be to equate his soul is Food. The evening for us will always be remembered and hopefully we will return and make this Special Connection again.
                           
                                     Grazie Leonardo per una splendida serata!

Sending New Year Wishes To All My Family and Friends for 2015 to bring Health, Happiness and New Adventures to Remember!  May Smiles, Winks and Laughter be a Part of Each Day! 
                                                                                                         Denise