RALLY 2006 OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION AND DINNER
From Pico, Azores Islands, 8 October

The restaurant was small yet delightful, built out over a cliff with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Our group of five had just arrived after visiting typical rock wall enclosed vinyards and a small family cheese production operation.

A marvelous buffet had been set out, which included a lettuce and tomato salad, grilled sea bass, a wonderful fish stew, as well as other grilled and baked fishes, braised beef, and of course linguica, the famed sausage, plus boiled white potatoes, steamed rice, vegetables, and more all to make up a traditional island Portuguese feast. Dessert was a choice between a very rich chocolate pudding or fresh fruit bowl.

There was a fine choice of Portuguese table wines. The Azores are ahead of the game in the new Europe, and this is certainly amply reflected in its wine. With its unrivaled treasury of native grape varieties and its sultry climate tempered by the restraining hand of the Atlantic, all of Portugal has what it needs to rise to the top of the 21st Century. The luncheon choice was Biscoitos, from the island of Terceira, a light, dry white.

The Thursday evening 26 October dinner is almost guaranteed to be something very special. It will not be a Portuguese dinner, rather Italian, and dinner will be served at 7:00pm at Strata Pasta and Grille, 3427 Orange Grove Avenue, North Highlands–adjacent to the Days Inn. The evening starts with a 6:00pm no host full bar with vino specialle.

Dinner can only be described as a family style Northern Italian meal, with a menu that goes on forever. However, what has been selected includes antipasti, fresh rolls and breads, zuppa e Insalata, oven-baked lasagna, pollo fettucine alfredo, American coffee and spumoni gelato. Espresso, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are extra.

After dinner, a presentation will be made by Col. Chris Giaimo, USAF (Ret), director of MOAA Council and Chapter Affairs.

Portuguese or Italian cuisine, either way, dinner is likely to be a pleasant experience.

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