*Tours of the Hill*

Buon giorno, Good Day!

For all of you folks that do not live in St. Louis, Missouri, let me give a little explanation of what we call "The Italian Hill".  This is a small Italian community located in Southwest part of St. Louis. At the turn of the century, Italian immigrants settled there. They came mostly from northern Italy as young couples with their children and babies, many of them leaving family members back in Italy.  This section of the city is actually set apart with big flags marked "The Hill" mounted on tall lamp lights, so you know exactly when and where as you enter the place.  A beautiful section of quaint but dated small homes, line the streets with manicured yards and nice landscaping. People come from all over the world come to spend a day or two picking up their treasured Italian commodities. 

 

"The Hill" boasts of Italian bakeries like Amighetti's. Many restaurants, such as   Rigazzi's, Charlie Gitto's, and Cunnetto's are very popular.  Grocery Stores are plentiful with imported oils, pastas and spices, not to mention the wonderful daily baked bread.   Just a few of these stores are Urzi's, DiGregorio's and Viviano's.    There are two bocci gardens well maintained and beautiful. The monumental St. Ambrose Catholic Church is a tourist attraction where many have their picture taken with the historical bronze statue of Italian immigrants, with the lady holding her baby, in front of the church.

 

Truly, a must-see place called "The Hill", will give you all-day entertainment, plus a wonderful place to eat at the end of the day.

 

So this brings me to my real topic, "Tours Of The Hill" with Jennie. This is a group of ladies and gentlemen who get on their "Hill Bus" and tour around the state of Missouri.

And last Wednesday, August 8^th, they all (12) decided to come to 'Rosalie's Kitchen' for an authentic Italian Feast.  Of course, I had no other thing to do but to accommodate them.

 

My husband spray-painted the driveway with white, green, and red huge strips, put big 'Rosalie's Hill' signs at the beginning of the road to our house, and welcomed each guest with green, red and white balloons.  The leader was Jennie Garegnani, the bus driver, and 10 other ladies guests.  When they came through the door, the first thing they did was kiss me on the cheek and hug me.  I knew right then, all Italians are related somehow.  They took notice of my beautiful summer-theme table settings and clapped hands with glee.  After all the introductions and more kisses and hugs, the meal was underway.

 

I started them off with the hot Italian Bread and Salad.  Next, I made the Pasta with the Fresh Basil and Tomatoes right in front of them; it is so fast and fun to watch.  They each got a big bowl, topped with the fresh ground Romano Cheese.  They were well into that when I brought out the big platter of Italian Breaded Pork Chops.  The bus driver took the biggest chop and with a broad smile on his face, said "I make no regrets". Next came the summer Italian Vegetable Stir-fry with fresh tomatoes and garlic.  After about an hour of eating, they were asking for carry-out plates.  I promised them anything they wanted to carry home, as long as they had their dessert.  They all moaned, but gladly took a generous piece of the Italian Pineapple Cake.

 

The day was not complete until I had personally signed 9 of my cookbooks for them. 

So, holding their books, they took their token of a flower napkin holder, their food and memories.  Out in the big yard by the flower garden, my husband, Bill, took several group pictures with me and our guests, and of course the big white tour bus with the green and red lettering "Tours of The Hill".

 

This is another chapter in the life of Rosalie Serving Italian.

 

Love,

Rosalie