I still cannot remember how to pronounce this correctly, but they are like leeks, a bit less thick, and roasted on a barbecue. As much fun as the eating was, the gathering of about 40 neighbors topped everything.
We began outside, where a long table had been set up on sawhorses. Some wonderful sauce was distributed in small cups, bibs were tied around our necks, and bundles of newspaper wrapped calçots were laid out. Rumors of Kira’s fame in getting dirty eating these preceded my experience, and people quickly made sure my face was smeared with charcoal!
After stripping the charcoaled-outer leaves of the onions, we dipped the tender internal part in the sauce, tipped back our heads, and lowered this tasty treat into our mouths.
More difficult was the trick or drinking wine from a spouted carafe. Everyone but me was quite accomplished with their aim, but many were foiled by others flicking their fingers through the stream of wine as it poured. Getting really messy was the first order.
As people became satiated with calçots, they migrated to two large, wood-fired grills where thin slices of a pig were cooking and huge slices of bread were grilling. Meanwhile, the tables were dismantled and passed inside. After stacks of meat and bread disappeared up the stairs and through the door, I moved inside and found the table set for 40 or more, with carafes and bottles of wine, piles of tomatoes, bowls of olives, and jars of olive oil. Need I say more?!
We ate and drank and told jokes for the next couple hours, until finally the smoke drove me out for a walk in the hills. A day to remember forever, full of camaraderie that was a privilege to be invited to share.
No comments:
Post a Comment