Easter was always (and still is) my favorite time of year.
The mysteries aside, it's Spring; a time of miracles witnessed through the renewal of life. Flowers galore, breaking there way excitedly up and out towards the sun in colorful display.
It also happens to be the season of my birth-day.
My Nana, Vincenza aka ‘Vinny’ was Sicilian. She would make these Easter bread baskets with a hard boiled colored egg baked into the center. No one ever dared to eat the egg, but underneath the egg, where the dough was still ‘doughy’, was the most delightful, ever so sweetened Italian savory pastry crust you could imagine. I have somehow replicated this memory into a dough that I would love to share with you for this Easter holiday.
Our March at La Saison Menu will be a selection of Savory Pies reminding me of my childhood. Click on the links above or below to pre-order.
My Mom, born Cathy, adopted the name ‘Cici’ when she became a Grandmother. She has a deep rooted affinity with the kitchen- it's in her blood after all. Roseland was the bakery her grandparents owned off of 9W on the Hudson River in Rockland County, New York. My mom has always had a soul level kind of love for food- she even makes sounds when she's eating- and she takes her time! Gosh, I admire so much about her…
From the image above, I would imagine that you now see where I get my sparkly eyes and big smile; A dynamic duo these two to say the least.
All of my childhood memories start here, from their hands. Always nourishing me with pure excitement and anticipation for what was to come from the mesmerizing aromas that poured out from their kitchens. What a gift; the power of food memories from the souls of women who not only loved to cook but shared their love through the senses.
And as with all relationships, it wasn't always easy. The quote at the top aptly could be applied to this image (which is truly worth a thousand words) and the time that for me, is my current reality.
Since my diagnosis in January, I have spoken to 5 doctors.
My home base has always been The Queen of the Valley Hospital, a Providence Medical group based in Napa. Smith was born here. We spent his first 18 nights of life at The Queen, held in her arms by the kindest humans on Earth while Smith was in the NICU. I do all of my check ups, annuals, testing here. And yet, when they told me the news of Cancer, I looked elsewhere and I am so glad I did! I talked to the best of the best in NYC, went to UCSF and had consultations with the most highly recommended doctors and at the end of the day, felt somewhat drained and overall sad until I came back to Napa and met with Dr. Cunningham, a New Yorker. She felt like home; a reflection of beauty, nourishment and warmth.
And so, one month before my 41st spin around the Sun, I will be in the hands of The Queen once again and am so grateful.
I am sure by now you have heard of the Chinese New Year and 2024 being the year of the Dragon. Dragon symbology is all about soaring high above the grey clouds of doubt and fear and into the fiery flames of passion and self determination.
I was born with my Moon in Aries and the Moon will be passing through the sign of Aries the week of my surgery. I don't believe in coincidences, rather the mystery of miracles at work every day.
As my cousin Nicole says in the south, it's time to ‘Let Go and Let God’.
My plan is to open our shop and greet each of you gently, on March 29th for this month's pop up. This is my motivation for recovery! And so I March on, into the arms of doctors and liminal space of the unknown with faith, gratitude and knowing that I am held with wildflowers galore waiting for me on the other side. Spring'ing forward, I am!
