We'll be staying in the Midwest this Christmas season, which means no long wintry car ride to Johnny C's family in New York. While we won't miss that 18+ hour drive in a small van, and REALLY won't miss driving through Gary, Indiana, there are most definitely things we will miss.
Mostly we'll miss noi famiglia - our cousins, Uncle Tony & Aunt Gina, Grandma Angie, etc.
We'll miss seeing these guys on Arthur Avenue - the Little Italy of the Bronx. I think his name was Vinnie.
We'll miss hopping the Metro North train at the Crestwood station for our annual trip into Manhattan.
We'll miss stocking up on stinky aged provolone
We'll miss the most amazing bread from this place. And Johnny C. will miss his sfogliatelle (pronounced schvoi-a-TEL), a lovely Italian pastry.
I'll miss Italian deli treats like these. Who needs pastry?????
Johnny C. and Tony will greatly miss their annual hand-rolled cigars from these guys. It's their gumba/paisano New Year's Eve tradition.
We'll REALLY miss loading up the suitcase with sopresseta, prosciutto and other dried Italian sausage for the trip home.
We'll miss Nona Angie's cooking the most! My mother-in-law is the most amazing cook. Out of thin air she creates mouth-watering food without a mess or a spot on her apron.
Instead we'll be going out for spring break, which will mean we won't fight Holiday crowds in Manhattan. If you're from the Midwest, don't ever go to Manhattan around the Holidays, because as Garrison Keillor says "we Midwesterners need to stand at least 28" apart or we get headaches". You'll be tempted to tell each and every person to just GET A MOVE ON ALREADY! And you'll die laughing at the New Yorkers in their minks, scarves, mittens, etc when it's 50 degrees and sunny.
So Buon Natale New York! See you in March!
So Buon Natale New York! See you in March!
