In case you have forgotten…
In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
He had three ships and left from Spain;
He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.
He sailed by night; he sailed by day;
He used the stars to find his way.
Ninety sailors were on board;
Some men worked while others snored.
Day after day they looked for land;
They dreamed of trees and rocks and sand.
October 12 their dreams came true,
You never saw a happier crew!
Yes, Cristoforo Colombo, born in Genoa, Italy in 1451, made four voyages of discovery to what we now call the New World. Financed by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, he left to reach Asia by sailing west with three ships – the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. The first voyage lasted 70 days before land was spotted. Although Colombo never admitted it, he had not found Asia but had instead landed somewhere in what we know as the Bahamas.
Whether you believe Christopher Columbus was a hero for venturing into the unknown to try to prove a scientific theory, or a villain for the effects of his voyages on the people already living in the New World, we can all agree that it’s great to have a three-day weekend and a reason to dine on some delicious Italian specialties.
In the year two thousand and fifteen
Toscano’s will try to fulfill your dream:
An appetizer fit for Cristoforo Colombo –
Genoa salami with formaggio mascarpon(o). (mascarpone cheese)
Two specials will top our list of entrées,
Here’s what is planned for the next three days:
Osso Bucco to be served with risotto
-or-
Cioppino (seafood stew) that would please any sailo(r).
For dessert, a choice of sorbets by don Joe,
Or choose from a v’riety of our gelato.
In addition to being the birthplace of Columbus and the birthplace of John’s grandfather and Joe’s great-grandfather, Genoa, Italy today is the site of a biennial event – the International Pesto Festival! In honor of this event and of Genoa itself, Toscano’s will be offering a speciale da Genova this weekend. For $14.92 you will be able to enjoy grilled chicken with pesto pasta.
All of these specials surely would have delighted Columbus and his crew who no doubt tired of their rations in far less than 70 days. Make your own voyage of discovery, and come in to Toscano’s this weekend!
For those of you who like a little more predictability in your life, we have a few reminders:
Wednesday October 14 is National Dessert Day. Bring a copy of this email (paper or on your phone) and receive a free dessert with your meal.
The second Gnocchi Gnight of this season will be held on the Third Thursday, which happens to be next week, October 15.
The Joe Bruno- Kelsey Daugherty wedding is just two weeks away! We’ll bet they are almost as excited as William, who was recently fitted for his special attire. A reminder that Toscano’s will be closed on the 24th so that John can celebrate with the rest of the family.
Even though Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, John has decided to close Toscano’s for that night so that he – and all who are young at heart – can enjoy being with the little ones who loooove this holiday. Be sure to ask John what costume he will be wearing to trick-or-treat with Anna, William, and Caroline. There are so many possibilities!