Polenta in the Village - Ceri, December 3, 2011

The Lazio Regional Center's Greetings Luncheon was characterized by British weather, but with very mild temperatures, typically Mediterranean due to the sirocco wind. Intermittent rain, forecasted for days by weather forecasts, on the one hand enhanced the flavor of a polenta dish that would not have tasted the same on a bright sunny day. On the other hand, it convinced many members, who evidently experience rain-fearing anticipation on the eve of their gatherings, to use comfortable sedans to reach the banquet venue.

Is it simply a question of laziness or a demonstration of boundless love for one's English cars which, despite their origins, as they age begin to suffer some discomfort due to the no longer perfect sealing of the gaskets and hoods and to show some timid signs of dulling of the bodywork and the darkening of the once-shiny chrome?
Then there were those who, despite giving up the uncomfortable charm of an MG convertible, with its sporty and sleek lines but prodigal of drafts and drips of water, took advantage of the rain to rack up a few kilometers in decidedly more comfortable and absolutely prestigious coupés, among which stood out an Alfa Romeo 2500 6C Touring Aerlux Superleggera and a Ferrari Testarossa, two very welcome returns that captured the attention and aroused the admiration of enthusiasts and simply curious onlookers, who were very few in number, given the weather that certainly did not encourage a stroll under an umbrella.
Most of the attendees, however, weren't too intimidated, especially since the day had promised to be fairly clear, albeit with a few clouds on the horizon, enough to encourage the bravest ones to begin their journey with the top down.
In fact, the weather was on the group's side, as the lines gradually swelled with cars and participants as they approached the finish line, until they finally arrived, treated to long stretches of sunshine. The procession of vehicles along Via di Ceri was particularly evocative, leading from Via Aurelia to the picturesque medieval village, framed by oak and chestnut woods that framed a scene dominated by, in addition to the bright colors of the cars, all the hues and shades of green, yellow, and red.
In Ceri we ended up meeting with over forty Friends, including a small representation of the MG F/TF Italian Friends, who for some time have gotten into the good habit of participating, with genuine enthusiasm, in our outings.
The cars were parked at the foot of the fortress, built in 1200 by the inhabitants of the ancient city of Ceri (Caere Vetus, now Cerveteri), who abandoned it to seek a position that, due to its natural conformation, was more easily defended from enemy incursions, primarily those of pirates arriving from the sea. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, Ceri (known as Caere Novum) was ruled by the Normans, later becoming a fiefdom of some of Rome's most important noble families: the Anguillara, the Cesi, the Borromeo, the Odescalchi, and finally the Torlonia, who still own much of the village today. Once they climbed the fortress, the guests were welcomed by Don Riccardo, the young parish priest of the church of the Madonna di Ceri, which for twenty-five years has been elevated to the rank of sanctuary, built in the 13th century on the site where the cult of the goddess Vesta was anciently venerated. Our exceptional guide gave us extensive information on the history of the church and the city, showing us the splendid Cosmatesque mosaics that still form the floor today, and the beautiful Roman-style frescoes dating back to the 1300s, which were uncovered a few decades ago following restoration work on the walls. The atmosphere, already enchanting due to the sacred nature of the place, became even more magical when visitors, exiting the church portal, were greeted by a spectacular rainbow that stood out clearly against the blue sky. The respite lasted only a few minutes, just long enough for a tour of the small village and a visit to the food shops where our heroes stocked up on organic produce (primarily wine, honey, and olive oil) and cured meats. Afterward, they took refuge in the comfortable Sora Lella restaurant, on a glass-enclosed veranda overlooking a breathtaking view of the valley below the rocky spur on which Ceri stands. An excellent host, Mr. Mario, the friendly and cheerful owner of the establishment, which has been run by the same family with unwavering success for over fifty years.
The menu was tasty and balanced, all centered on the use of local products, among which the polenta (in the versions with sausage and wild boar sauce) triumphed. The menu was also appreciated for the quality of all the courses offered, from appetizers to dessert, and for the excellent pure Chardonnay and Syrah that abundantly washed down the guests' libations.
The warm atmosphere, pervaded by a feeling of sincere friendship, as befits circumstances such as these, allowed the Regional Director to draw a serene conclusion to the year now drawing to a close. After providing all Lazio members with numerous and valuable opportunities for recreation and sharing a shared passion, he also outlined the program of activities for next year, confident that they will involve an ever-growing number of old and new Friends.

Claudio Nacca