What better way to ring in the New Year than amongst great friends, delicious drinks, tasty treats and in a restaurant in Stuttgart, Germany aptly named, Basta! with my good friends Michael and Dieter.
Basta in Italian means "enough" and is a shortened version of the word: abbastanza.
The 5 course 'Sylvester' menu for New Year's Eve was incredible. We started out with a delectable hot goat cheese salad drizzled with lavender honey and sliced black truffles. The second course was a scallop concoction, next followed a quaint quail plate, then a succulent veal with gratin dauphinois and finally a chocolate mousse and poached pear dessert....incredible!
All was enjoyed in a festive bistro ambiance and paired with a fresh Riesling!
According to German tradition "the night of the Holy Sylvester, the last night of the year, has always been the night of fools and a funny good time." I am so glad to have been able to share this funny foolish and delicious night with good friends!
The year 2010 was certainly not one of my favorites although it was memorable for medical issues, family drama, higher bills and lowered income....all that is about to change in 2011 because I have had it with the "old", in with the new so BASTA to all things bad, bring in the good! I'm ready and receptive! Happy New Year to you all!
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What a great tribute, Gretch! Needless to say your essay is mouth-watering. To anyone reading this: the combination of truffle, goat's cheese and honey is what heaven quite possibly may taste like. Unbelievable. I love those eateries like "Basta" that can only be described as "deluxe bistros"; a bit posh, a bit boheme, very atmospheric, and not at all pretentious. The perfect setting for a special evening with special people!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Michael
PS: I thought my first commented got posted, but I think the page crashed on me. Anyway, this 2nd post is better than the first! :-)
Hi Gretchen
ReplyDelete'Batsa' is right!!! I'm done with 2010 also.. we must be living parallel lives as 2010 was medical issues, family drama, higher bills and lowered income for me also!!!
May 2011 be our year!! The year for fabulous windfalls.. good health and great friends!!! Sounds like you had a wonderful NYE... I'm sure Michael would have kept you entertained.. I bet he has a great sense of humour!!
Have fun.. and best wishes to you for 2011. ciao xxx Julie