Sunday 11 December 2011

11 years ago yesterday...

had exactly the same weather. Cloudy but not cold, with intermittent bits of rain, and intermittent bits of sunshine. I remember the weather 11 years ago so well because it was our wedding day. Such a hugely happy day and the day that started this family. If you have never read about our wedding day or want to see some pictures- have a look here.

We spent the day quietly yesterday, me keeping the kids busy and Hunter doing errands, but on Friday night, when Lucy could babysit, he took me out to dinner. More romantic is hardly possible. He took met to the little restaurant where we ate most of our date night dinners before we got married - Piero's Tutti Pasta. Where we spent the evening before the day we got engaged and where we spent the Friday night before we got married. Piero and Moira sat down with us the Friday night after our engagement, when things were quiet and just a few of the late tables were left. They told us their story and I will never forget how Piero told Hunter to tell me that he loves me, every single day. Something he has clearly remembered because no day goes by without those words in some form - my voice, by text , by email....

The last time we were there was when we were pregnant with the twins - more than 4 years ago. But boy, was it great - so nostalgic.We walked in after all this time with Piero rushing down the ramp and exclaiming -" Mr and Mrs G! It's been too long!" It definitely has been too long. I was rather stunned that he remembered us. Still the same arbitrary decor, still the same hand written wine list on the wall. Still the same Italian opera music with Piero filling in with his great tenor voice every now and again. Still the same seasonal fare on the menu. And still the same wonderful food - Italian with his own twist. Italian like you will find nowhere else but maybe in Italy. We shared fresh artichoke in a tomato and basil sauce and his signature snails with polenta in a napoleotana sauce for starters - with his fresh garlic on the side. I had my ever so favorite fillet in mustard sauce with pasta on the side and Hunter, initially sad not to see his favorite ravioli on the menu, indulging in it after all, as Piero made the "off-menu" item for him.  We ended with Piero's copyright registered Pepperato gelati (black pepper ice cream) with a dark chocolate sauce. My, it was so good. And the best thing is, you can still bring your own wine and not pay corkage! We are seriously debating getting a babysitter again and going this week before he closes for Christmas as I am craving his fish bobotie - his own twist on the South African tracitional dish and as we know (and Hunter keep saying) the artichoke season is almost done.

Happy happy Anniversary my love. With you, life is always one great adventure. Thanks for this trip back in memory lane - it might just become a more regular one.

BTW - what do you think of my new blog header? I just love it!

23 comments:

  1. I loveeeeeee this post!

    Happy anniversary - I can't WAIT to meet H next year?

    Glad you had a fab time - love all the food descriptions. I do love people who love food LOL

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  2. You new header is fantastic! Love it.

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  3. Happy Anniversary!! Your date sounds amazing - what a special treat to return to such a nostalgic place filled with so many memories! The food sounds amazing and I truly hope you are able to return again soon!!! 4 years is too long!

    And gosh - I said it yesterday but I'll say it again - I LOVE that photo on your new header!!

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  4. Love your new header! and Happy Anniversary:-)

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  5. Happy Anniversary!
    Your evening out on Friday sounds so romantic and so nostalgic.

    BTW I do love your new header too :)

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  6. Aw, sounds like the perfect anniversary dinner.

    Congratulations!

    And yes, LOVE the new look - stunning. Was this pic from the shoot you were not holding too much luck in? I think its gorgeous. and I LOVE your dress xx

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  7. Congrats on your Anniversary! It is a beautiful post!
    Love your new header!

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  8. Happy Anniversary and I just love your new bloggy look.

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  9. What an awesome trip down memory lane for your anniversary. I'm googling the restaurant now :)

    I love your new header.

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  10. HAPPY HAPPY Anniversary!!!
    LOVE the new header!

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  11. Oh wow, I love your wedding photos, you looked so beautiful. Congratulations on your anniversary

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  12. Happy Anniversary. 11 years is really good going!

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  13. Oh and I love the new image... and also that restaurant sounds fantastic!

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  14. I love the new header!

    And congrats!!!

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  15. Happy Anniversary and congrats on striking the 11 year mark with someone you so dearly love.

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  16. Oh that's so cool that he remembered you :)
    Love the new header!

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  17. Too beautiful, I'm such a romantic and this is truly food for my soul!
    Love the new header, love the new tag line.

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  18. You were an absolutely stunning bride. What a lovely way to celebrate! Congrats again.

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  19. Love the header...loved reading about your dinner. Thanks for sharing...

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  20. Love the header-beautiful family!!! Thanks for sharing your evening with us...the food sounded delish

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  21. Happy Anniversary you two! What a wonderful night! I am envious truth be told.

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  22. Your writing is so beautiful:)
    Sounds like a lovely anniversary.

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  23. Sounds like an AH-MAZING place. Love your new header. You guys look like child wranglers! How appropriate!!

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