I have to admit that I would not have truly learned how to value time with family and friends if it weren’t for my experiences in Europe - mainly in Eastern Europe. How does one try to explain this without a trip over the pond?

I too spent the early nineties in and out of eastern Europe. Each return to the states found me agitated by the move ‘em in and move ‘em out restaurant service. In the states both then and now service is too often equated with speed.

These days we retreat to rural northern and central Italy to find that relaxed “enjoy life” atmosphere and far better food than I recall the former Soviet cities offering.

In our attempt to recreate at least a portion of that life style, my wife and I threw out television some eight years ago and instead use that time to cook, eat out, visit with friends, read, and best of all enjoy each other’s company.

Surprisingly, our grown children and their young families have, of their own choice, adopted the same lifestyle.

We do frequent Harmoni in Longwood and find that relaxed approach to dining. Thanks for providing a little of Europe here in Central Florida.