Remembering Recipes

My recollections of the first time I entered the spacious bustling kitchen of Villa Joe's restaurant brings me back a long stretch of years. I was twenty years old when I stepped into the dynamic heart of the restaurant. I was simply dazzled by the abundance of food cooked and uncooked in escalating stages of preparation all being assembled concocted confected into forms creatively visual and delectable. As a promising fashion designer I was enthralled by the scene so artistic in my eyes. I saw a palette of colors the modeling of textures and contours as if designed and draped at a couturier's studio. I had a sixth sense I would like to be a part of this activity.</p><p>My husband Frank's mother was busy at the antipasto table sorting salad greens chicory and arugula. Frank introduced me to her. I said Hello may I help you?</p><p>You may find yourself matching recipes with the lighthearted fables in my husband's memoir <I>A Remembrance of a Restaurant; A Decameron of Dining</I> or his other works <I>Under Blue Skies of Naples</I> <I>Chez Dogs</I> and <I>Naples of Salvatore DiGiacomo</I> which might grant a realized recipe added piquancy. For your convenience I have charted correspondences on the last page.</p>