12/21 to 12/26/26 West Palm Beach, FL- Part Two

 West Palm Beach

 & Family - Part Two

December 21 to December 26, 2026

Merry Christmas from our house to yours.

After a very long, long day and a trip from Milan to Newark, a 4-hour layover before flying on to West Palm Beach, the Italian contingent of our wonderful family arrived. Silvia's mother, Germana, sister and husband, Adriana and Giorgio will once again enjoy the holiday here in West Palm Beach. Grandson, Aaron arrived the night before. For those who like to reminisce or have forgotten how special their last visit was, go back to Christmas 2023 HERE.

Our 2025 Edition: L. to R. Silvia, Chuck, Aaron, Germana, Adriana, Giorgio

For me, this time spent with son, Chuck and Silvia here in West Palm Beach is relaxing and special. My once-a-year visit gives me the opportunity to reconnect, to enjoy perfect weather, good food and a way of life that I no longer experience; that is, balancing work responsibilities with personal life. Both Chuck and Silvia can work from home which gives flexibility to their lives. In addition, this year, as mentioned, I have the special treat of seeing Silvia's family which includes my perpetual desire to learn Italian. Fortunately, translators are in abundance.

For my blog, this post highlights the season and food. Yes, it's all about food. As you know or maybe don't, calories don’t count if you’re happy while eating. And keep in mind, I eat for joy, not for approval.

Lunch outdoors, always comfortable and relaxing.

One lunch time, we were observed by an unfazed but curious green iguana lurking high among the electrical/phone/cable lines running between properties in the backyard. Known to bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature, this perch gave protection, warmth and a great vantage point. 

Cheese tortellini drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped with fresh grated parmesan cheese.

Wine taster's notes: a full-bodied red wine with ripe raspberry and plum, supported by spiced raisin and fresh-brewed coffee notes. The palate offers sumptuous red and black fruit flavors, mingling with spicy oak and vanilla. Long, smooth finish.

As part of the family tradition, Giorgio prepared his famous Torte Salata: mushrooms, artichoke hearts and freshly grated provolone (thank you, Carlo) for the base and topped with fresh parmesan cheese baked on phyllo dough.

Stuffed peppers

Fusilli with apple turkey sausage 

Silvia always delivers the best salads.

Dinner with guest, Fr. Mike from a parish about 30-minutes north, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens.

Thanks to my sister, Judy's Christmas gift to Chuck and Silvia, we enjoyed perfectly seasoned and grilled filets done to perfection with sides of...

...roast asparagus sprinkled with parmesan and ...

... risotto. I drizzled mine with white truffle oil.

Spinach stuffed pastries.

Taster's notes: Medium-full bodied and savory. Tart red cherry and cranberry lead, followed by dried fig, anise, and subtle cocoa. The tannins are firm but resolved, giving structure without harshness. Bright, well-integrated acidity keeps it lively. My take? This wine means business. Lively enough to keep you awake, classy enough to pretend you know wine. 

Other lunches included penne with eggplant

Delicious Burrata Mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, well seasoned.

Christmas

On our way to St. Ann's for the Christmas Vigil mass which included the first grader's presentation of the Christmas Story.

Afterwards, as always, it's a group effort preparing all meals. Tonight, not seven but one fish for...

...Christmas Eve. Seasoned salmon prepared by grandson, Aaron

Granddaughter, Sara, up from Miami joined us for dinner and games.

From Chuck's aunt, Alayne, a beautiful and tasty 21-ingredient Boarderie Artisan Cheese and Charcuterie Tray.

Kaleb, dressed for the occasion, accompanied Sara for the evening...

...and was quite content just vegging out at my feet when he wasn't enjoying his own bed.

The cast of characters for tonight's (Thanksgiving-like) presentation, from the left: ham with a brown sugar glaze, cranberry sauce, stuffing, chicken breast, homemade apple sauce, baked and seasoned sweet potatoes. The 'cast' didn't disappoint, the ending was delicious.

The wine notes for my wine tonight: Duckhorn Chardonnay offers aromas of ripe pear, citrus zest, and lemongrass, with hints of ginger, crème brûlée, and vanilla oak, leading to a silky, medium-full palate of white peach, bright acidity, subtle minerality, and a long, balanced, refreshing finish.

Grateful thanks on this special occasion, as a loving family comes together once more during a blessed season.

With six days left of my stay in West Palm Beach, I'm ending this segment with our Christmas dinner to keep the post short. My next entry will take us for a visit to Miami and New Years Eve. Till then, I hope everyone had a joyful, fulfilling Christmas holiday and have endured the 4-6" of snow predicted. Stay safe. 

Christmas traditions are blessings passed down, rooted in faith and strengthened by love. They are the quiet magic that turns ordinary moments into lifelong family memories.

12/14 to 12/20 West Palm Beach, FL- Part One

 West Palm Beach

 & Family - Part One

December 14 to December 20

Even though I have no use for Florida drivers, the ride was uneventful with two stops for brunch and fuel. The view that Florida drivers are all New York transplants holds no water, sorry, they're the worst.

Winnie's temporary campsite. Electrical service available; no sewer hookups but water was available if needed. The amenities like the heated pool and dining privileges are terrific. The staff and personnel I've encountered were welcoming, polite and just all around terrific; the weather, perfect when the sun decided to shine and the humidity dropped. The owners gave me a senior discount for my stay which I thought was above and beyond. Later in the week we were visited by a family from Milan which I will write about in Part Two of my blog here in West Palm Beach.

Home cooked meals, prepared by Chuck and Silvia, be they lunch or dinner were outstanding. Such a welcomed and nice change from "eating on the road" with my frozen prepared meals.  They were from scratch, healthy and plentiful. Thank you.

One afternoon, Chuck and I walked a block to Celis Juice Bar. A health oriented juice, coffee and sandwich cafe.

Celis Juice Bar is "a casual eatery where comfort meets culinary creativity, offering a diverse menu that satisfies all appetites." Their motto: Fresh Is Best

Check out their diverse menu HERE.

I chose the Avocado Melt: Smashed avocado, pesto and mozzarella on a toasted Everything bagel.

In this part of Florida, I try to get together with long time friends, Jim and Missy who live in Boynton Beach. Jim is a fellow Blue Mountain Middle School retiree who taught Social Studies. Chuck, Silvia and I met them at Thaikyo Asian Cuisine in  Manalapan, FL, about ten miles south. For my sushi loving friends, check out their selections HERE. 

L. to R: Silvia, Chuck, Jim, Charlie, Missy.

Thank you to our server, Jennifer, for taking the photos.

Bangkok Shrimp Roll: Cooked; shrimp tempura, cucumber and cream cheese, topped with avocado, rock shrimp with pineapple, spicy mayo, togarashi and sweet chili sauce

Father Mark

Friday night before Christmas, we attended St. Ann's "Christmas Around the World" concert that featured an impressive array of talented performers from the parish including family friend and parish priest, Father Mark Gustinelli (he's French). He sang  a traditional French Carol and brought awareness to the parishioners of the many carols we have that have their history originating in France and have been translated from the French such as: "O Come All Ye Faithful," "O Holy Night," "O Come Emmanuel, "Angels We Have Heard on High," and O Come Devine Messiah." 

Other carols representing the USA, Italy, Russia, Germany, Ireland and Spain/Latin America as well as violin and piano solos added to the performance. Refreshments afterwards in a breezy courtyard was the end of a delightful evening.

This will conclude Part One of my West Palm Beach Blog. Next comes Christmas Week and the arrival of Silvia's family from Milan. Their visit is always something I look forward to. See you at the end of that wonderful week.

As I continue to add the miles be they in the winter or during the sunny, warm season, I'm sending warmest Christmas greetings to each and every one of you. May your holidays be filled with joy, safe travels, good company and all the magic this season brings. here's to peace, love, and adventure ahead.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!