Culinary Adventures with Camilla

When I made reservations at our absolutely favorite restaurant - La Balena Carmel - for our capodanno dinner, I had no idea what we would order. Truth be told, it doesn't matter what you order there, everything is always delicious and unique. So, the menus came, the boys perused, I didn't even blink when they made their choices. Riley: I want to try the bone marrow dish. Dylan: Which one is that? Camilla : Okay, Riley. Dyn, it is osseo puttanesca . What else should we get? Riley: Can I get the tripe, too? Camilla: Sure. Are you going to share? Riley : Do I have to? Dylan: Yes, you have to share. Oh, Mom, I want the octopus tentacles. Camilla: What else do we want? What do you want for your main dishes? Dylan: I want the wild boar. Whatever they have that's wild boar. Camilla: They have pappardelle with wild boar. It's a wide noodle. Is that fine? Dylan: Yep. Riley: I'll get the gnocchi. Camilla: With the gorgonzola sauce? Riley: No! I w...

When my dad said that he wanted to go out for an Easter lunch, I didn't even skip a beat in suggesting, " La Balena !" Why? The food, the owners, the chef, their philosophy, their quality, the atmosphere, and - oh, did I already mention?!? - the food. To me, holiday meals are about family. I want to linger. I want to chat. I want to spend time with the people that I love. So, we usually don't go out to eat on holidays. But I have to say, lunching at La Balena today was perfect...and a culinary adventure to boot. Emmanuele brought out a plate of Tripa Toscana for us to try share. Tripa ? Tripe?! I know lots of people eat it. I am not one of them. Usually. But, it was worth it. I actually had seconds...and so did Riley. So tender it melted in my mouth. And the flavors were complex. I'm not sure what was in there, but it was delicious. Just like Brian admits to now eat beets - but only at my house. I will say that I eat tripe - but only at La Balena . ...