The Fisherman & The Mermaid-Chap. 5-7
CHAPTER 5 We dressed around 5:30 and I led Marta in to her first “Mama Meal.” I’d had probably hundreds and I always gained at least two pounds by the time she let me leave the table. We began with a hot antipasto. I selected several dishes for Marta including some broiled shrimp, calamari rings, baked clams, and my favorite–crab-stuffed mushrooms. When Marta leaned over to tell me how good it was I reminded her it was only the first course. “Uh…how many will there be?” Everyone laughed. “Four.” “Five.” Someone even suggested seven. Oh God, seven courses? I’d burst! After the antipasto we enjoyed a delicious Italian salad or “insalata” as Mama called it. I’m sure Marta was feeling a bit full when Mama brought out the pasta—spaghetti with homemade meatballs and hot and …