tanti auguri
Source: Eataly
I’m not one to make a big scene on my birthday. I’ve never loved being the center of attention.
I was fortunate enough to celebrate my 20th birthday in Italy while studying abroad in the charming, medieval city of Siena, situated in the heart of Tuscany. Siena is classic, traditional Italy, encapsulated by tall, brick city walls. Hardly anyone speaks English, so quickly learning Italian was a must. The romantic cobblestone streets twist and turn around Siena’s main square, Piazza del Campo, where its iconic landmark, Il Torre del Mangia (translates literally to the Tower of Eats), sits at the base.
I had the pleasure of staying with the most welcoming Italian host family - the Carignanis. From day one, their warmth and generous nature was palpable, and my host mother, Monica, treated me like I was one of her own. Every morning, Monica set out an array of breakfast options for me as the rest of the family left before I did: pastries, cereal, toast with peanut butter (bought especially for me since no one else in the house was a fan), and polenta cake that she had prepared the night before.
The morning of my birthday started just like any other. I hadn’t outright told my host family that my birthday was coming up, but I think my study abroad program had. I remember seeing it on their calendar. As I walked into the kitchen, in addition to the daily breakfast spread, Monica had left a sweet handwritten birthday card. “Tanti Auguri!” it read (Happy Birthday). It made me feel at home.
I walked to school that morning, grateful to be in Siena and to have been paired with the Carignanis. As the school day wrapped up, I spontaneously invited a few friends to celebrate with me at Meetlife Cafe, a popular aperitivo spot. Their aperitivo included free range to an extensive spread, constantly replenished by the staff, set up on a hutch in the corner of the cramped little cafe. We indulged in Tuscan pane (bread), focaccia, vegetables, various types of hummus, pesto, the most exquisite prosciutto, and an amazing assortment of cheese. I was always partial to the Pecorino.
Slightly tipsy and stuffed from the endless buffet, I left my friends and walked back home. As I opened the door, to my surprise Monica was preparing a feast. Bread was already on the table, (we had bread with every meal), potatoes were roasting in the oven, and she was standing at the stove preparing the infamous bistecca alla fiorentina. I was speechless.
Bistecca alla fiorentina - the Florentine steak - is Tuscany’s most renowned dish, enjoyed only on special occasions. It is an enormous T-bone cut of Chianina, a breed of cow native to the Tuscan region, large enough to easily feed a family of 4. The high quality cut of meat is expensive; I know for a fact because every time I saw it on the menu, the cost swayed me from ordering it.
As Monica finished cooking, Elena, my host sister set the table, called the rest of the family, and we all sat down to eat together, as we did every night. The steak was flavored and cooked to perfection, a hearty seared crust held the perfect pink interior, sumptuous juices running as I cut into the tender meat with ease. I didn’t grow up on red meat, so I am no connoisseur, but this dish had luxury written all over it. The tart, cherry notes of the house Chianti Classico we drank paired perfectly with the steak.
We finished the night with homemade tiramisu Elena had made earlier. No visual masterpiece, (she was only 11), but perfect nonetheless. As I reflected on the day, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed and overcome with appreciation. Knowing all this delicious food had been prepared with love, unbeknownst to me, in celebration of me, by my host family, people who had only been strangers a few weeks ago, made it all the more special.
