3rd and final night........

Well hanging out with Alessandro has been a huge inspiration for me and my cooking.So we figured what a better way to end my time here in Italy than by cooking a nice meal!So we begin planning,deciding how many courses,poultry or fish,etc.Finally we plan it out and have decided on a four course meal consisting of,snapper,mussels,calamari,octopus,and tuna.I have to say i haven't had this much seafood in such a long time.All through Italy the seafood has been great from the southern tip of Sicily to right here in Rome.I mean even the grocery stores here have huge choices of shellfish,various types of fish of the finest quality.After a few errands to the store we have everything we need to prepare our feast.Back at the house we setup the photo area in the kitchen put on some blues and begin chopping away.Plates were picked,table set,we first prepare the "Tartare di tonna" (tuna tartare) with two vinaigrettes,that came out very nice,next was the "Ensalata di polpo" (octopus salad),which was fresh,crunchy from the carrots and celery and a nice zing from the balsamic,third course was "Fiori di zucca intempura" (tempura fried stuffed zuchini flowers) came out perfect with a stuffing of snapper, mozzarella and a couple other ingredients with a light tempura batter was nice finish.And the last course was "Cozze in saute" (mussels sauteed in a spicy marinara) which was the perfect ending to a great dinner.He decides a my visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to his family owned farm.So the next morning we head out to the farm with miles of olive trees and lush greens painting the land.During the drive we talk food,history of his family's farm Alessandro being the 3rd generation enjoys his work and has plans for his business.We arrive and there's endless olive trees,hazelnut trees,chestnut trees etc.Right they export olive oil,hazelnuts,chestnuts,primarily.They also harvest and sell zucchini,lettuce,beans,tomatoes,fennel,eggs and the list goes on.After meeting a couple family members he gives me a tour of the farm.Chickens running freely,100% organic fruit and vegetables no pesticides.This was great for me because i've never really spent any time on a farm.They even offered me to come visit or work on there farm whenever i want.I'm going to have to take them up on that.My man Alessandro thank you for inspiring me to take my cooking to another level and looking forward to meeting up with you in Seattle for a bbq eating tour!