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.