15 February 2016

Gnocchi at the Theatre!


Once a year the local arts festival, the BALDOfestival, moves in and transforms my home into a theatre - and a michelin spangled kitchen. It's marvellous! All I have to say is "I do", when they ask if I like the idea of hosting one of their Home Theatre dates; and then THEY come in and "DO" everything else. 
This is the fifth year I've had the pleasure of hosting a "Teatro in Villa" evening. It always feels great to have the house full and vibrant with interesting guests.
The evening begins with a theatrical performance. Last night two professional actors and teachers of drama, Sabrina Modenini and Andrea De Manincor staged "Il Giallo dell'Amore" (The Thriller of Love). Well, at least the "love" bit was in theme with Saint Valentine's Day! 
While the performance was being played to an audience of fifty, in the salone upstairs ....




The team of volunteers who help organise the festival events had taken over the kitchen and they were preparing dinner, which would be served after the performance. And, it wasn't any old pasta dish they were whipping up either. They were making potato gnocchi, FROM SCRATCH! Enough for 60 people!!!



There were trays of prepared gnocchi, waiting to be cooked, occupying every surface in the kitchen - even in the fireplace. Umberto was grateful to find a corner to park himself and his iPad. He'd already done his bit as Chief Carrot Peeler and Preparer of Crudités. 


The audience began to arrive ...


And take their seats ...


And while the performance was in progress ...






This amazing team of people worked together like a well-oiled precision machine, to transform 30kg of potatoes and 10kg of flour into the most exquisite gnocchi. 


It was another wonderful evening. We're very lucky in this rural area to be able to benefit from the arts and cultural events organised by the Baldofestival.


Umberto took the invasion of his space pretty much in his stride; but when things became a little too chaotic he was grateful to be able to retire into the predictable "tranquility" of his favourite cartoons. 

This Blog is pro-autism.
Thank you, Sallyx

12 comments:

  1. Wow, you just do not stop............great how Umbi handled the whole event.....looks like it was a raving success! Well done !

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  2. Thanks Steve, it really was a success thanks to that amazing team of people. My role in the event was simple; to eat their gnocchi and have a very nice time "Thank you". But, I do think the comment you left on FB about not everyone being comfortable with a similar "invasion" of their home is valid. It's just that I always have a strong sensation that this house is happiest when it's shared and enjoyed fully.
    Love and baci, Sx

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  3. What an absolutely wonderful idea, we have nothing to compare with it here Sally.

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    1. Yes, I wonder Kass! Maybe the closest I've ever come to this in Norfolk was Am Dram one Christmas in Saxlingham-Nethergate church, with mince pies and sherry afterwards. I remember loved that ... but it wasn't GNOCCHI! :)
      Love Sxx

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  4. That is so wonderful that a group can come together and work in harmony like that to create a wonderful meal to share.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. There'll always be some Italians who are good at this, because there'll ALWAYS be other Italians who want to be fed.
      baci Sxx

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  5. What a wonderful community event Sally. It looks like great fun to have a bit of culture and great food laid on in your own (spacious) home. Your role as hostess must be lovely to welcome friends who all have a common interest. Such an unusual evening for us here to read about, but it did look amazing x
    Anna
    Anna's Island Style
    Anna

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    1. Hi Anna, yes I really appreciate that I can just say "It'all yours", and know that, on that occasion I can just enjoy it and not worry about a thing.
      Baci Sxx

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  6. What an amazing experience!

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    1. Hiya Jenny. Good theatre. Great food. And nobody expecting you to lift a finger! That's amazing indeed :D
      Love Salxx

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  7. Looks great- and now I neeeeed some gnocchi!

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  8. Me too! There was a lot of kneading gnocchi going on around here that night, I can tell you!
    Baci Sxx

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I'm so glad you visited today - please stop and say a quick "Hello". Sx