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Celebrating Nearly Three Decades of Friendship at Il Grillo

Often I find myself writing about great food and good wine. But I sometimes neglect to highlight another element to a wonderful meal: great friends.


In this case, a small crew from York School's Class of '91 descended on Il Grillo Carmel to celebrate our 25th high school reunion. Most of us in attendance are local, but Keren drove down from the Bay Area, Jesus traveled from Maryland, and Binzee wins the longest trip award for visiting from Japan!

Jay and his team spoiled us with a five course dinner that was truly spectacular. I was laughing and chatting so much, I neglected to take many photos of the food. Whoops...

I.
Tuna Crudo, Polpo Carpaccio (octopus), and Heirloom Tomato Salad


II. 
Ricotta Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and Truffle Oil, Pappardelle with Wild Boar, Tagliatelle with Rabbit, and Gluten-Free Pasta with Bolognese

III. 
Whole Roasted Branzino and Grilled Steak

IV. 
Contorni (an assortment of seasonal vegetable side dishes)

V. 
Flourless Chocolate Cake + Gelato

Tonight's adventures included some stories that I had never heard and many stories of the same events from a different person's point of view. What fun! I am grateful to have had these people in my life for nearly three decades...and grateful for my Love to get to meet friends from my teenage years.

 

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