It felt like I was back in my university days in Italy except that the food and wine were a lot better.

From discussions of Noam Chomsky and Pier Paolo Pasolini to Balkan rock songs strummed late into the night on a nylon-string guitar, I had the most amazing time last night in Udine with my friend of many years Marco Fantinel, his SO Sonia, and their friends.

After I rolled into the Spilimbergo area late yesterday afternoon, Marco and I tasted at the winery (Ribolla Gialla and Refosco were highlights among many other great wines).

We then headed out to meet the gang at the newish restaurant Zago by Grado chef Luigi Zago in Laipacco hamlet (Tricesimo township, Udine province). Fantastic seafood destination and wine bar. I highly recommend it. We did fritto misto, crudo (above), and whole fish (turbot).

Marco, what a great night! Thank you, dude. It was awesome to connect like that. Sonia has the most amazing voice!

Posting in a hurry this morning from a very muggy Udine as I head out to my next appointment. Thanks for being here. More to come…