September is upon us. For me September is my new year. It’s my birthday month and I always feel like September is my new beginning. While the weather is still warm, I’m going to take the opportunity to enjoy a few meals outside, to dine al fresco.
Your action item for this week: dine al fresco.
In Italian the phrase al fresco means “cool” or “in the fresh air.” The phrase in English is used to refer to dining outdoors. Italians would actually use the phrase all’aperto instead. It means outdoors.
Whether you prefer to say al fresco or all’aperto, make the time special.
If you are lucky enough to have a backyard, set the mood with a pretty table cover and use your real plates, glasses and utensils. Add a centerpiece of flowers or candles. Invite over some friends and family and make the evening special.
If you don’t have a yard, venture out to a restaurant or cafe that has outdoor seating. Enjoy the fresh air and the people watching. Let someone else clean up for you.
It doesn’t have to be dinner. We have some lovely local wineries in southern New Jersey. I enjoy sitting out on their covered patio with a bottle of wine and an antipasto plate, usually consisting of cured meats, a cheese selection, some olives, and roasted red peppers. Mediterranean eating at its best.
If you dine al fresco, take a picture and share it on my Facebook page. I’d love to see your view. Use hashtag #dolcevita so I’m sure to see it.
Cheers.
Here on Long Island right now it’s too hot to eat at all, let alone outside. My husband and I love to eat on our back porch as the weather cools down. The porch is screened in and we don’t have to worry about flying bugs annoying us. We take out tea out to the front porch after dinner, so we can be sociable and chat with neighbors who walk by.
That sounds lovely. I can’t wait until the weather changes. After living in California for so long, I’m looking forward to a NJ fall.
Donna,
I started going on walks after dinner to get exercise in and pick up groceries on a daily basis. We have a deck though so I’m motivated to eat outdoors too.
I love buying my groceries daily. I know some people like to shop in advance, but I love cooking what I bought that day.
Harvest time, one of my favorite times of the year. Your food looks yummy.
I can’t wait for fall in to kick in. It’s my favorite season. The food was yummy. I love Mediterranean plates like that.