After the afternoon's sessions, some of the conference goers took a ride over to Jamestown, which is also a separate island in the bay. The reason for this is the conference planners had set up an opportunity to eat at Trattoria Simpatico, a wonderful Italian restaurant there. The restaurant was providing a tasting of recipes from the book by Pino and Mark, our luncheon speakers on Thursday.

Here is the restaurant:


My boss was a little disappointed that Ray did not come down to join us for dinner. Ray had to work so it was a little too late of an evening for him. It would have been cool, though, because Ray has never met my boss' partner Dana.

Dinner started off with drinks and a nice antipasti bar on the patio. This allowed all of us to mingle and enjoy some music while they were setting up for us. We ended up going in a little late, but it was worth it. The food was excellent. I have included the menu here:

Tasting Menu Dishes Specially Chosen from "Two Meatballs In The Italian Kitchen"

First Course
Acquacotta alla Maremmana
(Mushroom Soup for Maremma)
Rich Procini Soup of Soutwest Tuscany

Second Course
Insalata Romana
(Chopped Roman Salad)
Raddicchio, Endive, and Arugula Salad with Artichoke Hearts, Mushrooms, Green Beans, Peppers, and Red Wine and Anchovy Vinaigrette

Third Course
Polpettine Con Spaghetti
(Meatballs with Spaghetti Coca Pazzo

Fourth Course
Linguine con Zucchine e Pangrattato
(Linguine with Garlic, Black Olives, and Toasted Bread Crumbs

Fifth Course
Vongole Gratinate
(Baked Clams Coco Pazzo)
Roasted Littlenecks with Pancetta, Garlic, Fresh Herbs, and Bread Crumbs
-OR-
Arrosto di Maiale All Arancia
(Pork Loin with Orange Sauce)
Roast Loin with Rosemary and Fresh Orange Sauce

Dessert Course
Panna Cootta al Campari
(Panna Cotta, which is an eggless custard made with milk, with Orange and Campari Sauce)

As you can guess from the menu, I was quite sated for dinner. It ran a little later than expected, but I had a really great time. I headed back to Newport and checked into my hotel, The Best Western Mainstay,

which is located right across the street from Newport Grand, one of our local gaming parlors.



Don't worry. I didn't go gambling. Besides the fact that I was too tired after the day, I also have terrible luck gambling.

The next day was a little more of the same with the conference. On a bright note, I won a collection of non-fiction books for children that I can give to the Children's Room at work at the drawing at the end of the day.

I was really pooped after the whole thing, but I really had a blast. Thanks for all your well wishes! I have a feeling it helped!