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Italian Gestures
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To understand a culture is to appreciate it.
But to speak its language is to become a part of it.
In the case of Italy, that includes a language of the hands.
Now performing these gestures won't make you a Paisano overnight.
After all, the Roman penchant for speaking with a flourish has evolved since Ancient Times.
But by mimicking a few of these signs you'll surely feel more of the passion and the celebration that is at the heart of all things Italian.
Especially the food. At the very least, you'll be able to tell your waiter that you are hungry, let Chef Cristian Bianchetta know that you are heartily satisfied, and - be careful here - insist to all that you'll be picking up the check - without uttering a single word.
Wouldn't you agree
that those of us who enjoy good food
in pleasant surroundings
have, at one time or another, dreamed of having our own restaurant?
Well that's just what Giselle Cerio Usher wanted, but she had an advantage
over most of us; each summer during her pre-adolescent years she lived in
the Torre Saracena, the Cerio family villa on the Isle of Capri.
Frequently, Giselle helped Margherita, the family cook,
collect, prepare and cook the island's special dishes.
When in 1970 her family settled in Santa Barbara,
there was period of moderate stability and less frequent visits to Italy which
allowed Giselle to finish her education and gain some business experiences.
By now a budding artist, the lure of Capri revived
and she returned to live there, painting and selling
her work internationally- an artist by day
and a cook or waitress by night.
She also traveled the Mediterranean and other regions of Italy-- the only
way to learn the cultural differences and the reason why the same tomato tastes
different on Capri than it does on Crete.
The urge to create
her own restaurant brought Giselle back to Santa Barbara after living
in Italy for 15 years.
She painted the walls, built the pizza oven, tiled tables, hung some of
her paintings and random graphics,
and created an ambiance very much "her" idea of what
it feels like to be in Italy....
She knew the
menu by heart and began to teach others how to make the special round
Capri Ravioli.
Eight years
later, Gisella has a thriving restaurant in historic downtown Santa Barbara,
and her dream of sharing that food with appreciative friends and patrons.
Gisella
still returns to the family Villa in Capri several times each year...
all rights reserved 2001
