The Abruzzo region is so diverse – from its shoreline on the Adriatic coast, to its small quaint towns on the hilltops, to the majestic peaks of the Maiella Mountains, Abruzzo, has it all.

Castello dei Semivicoli – Casacanditella (Chieti)

Two years ago, my wife and I spent a few days in a Casacanditella, a small hamlet perched on an enchanted hill, to admire the Maiella Mountains and the surrounding landscape.  Gabrielle d’Annunzio referred to this location as “Il terrazzo d’Abruzzo”.

The only place one can overnight is at the  Castello dei Semivicoli, a Baronial house with only 10 rooms, built by il Barone Pernicone between the 17^th and 18^th century.

In the early 1980’s Mr Gianni Masciarelli took over the property and started producing selected wines from Montepulciano grapes and turned the home into a Castle for guests to enjoy the wonderful surroundings and great wine.

A few words on the Masciarelli family: Gianni became a great wine producer, but part of the Masciarelli family immigrated to the USA from San Martino sulla Marrucina at the turn of the last century.

In the USA, Anthony Masciarelli, an industrial film producer, changed his last name to Marshall after he arrived in the Bronx.  In 1934 and in 1943 Gary Marshall and Penny Marshall were born and went on to conquer Hollywood.

Whether its wine in Abruzzo or great films in America the Masciarelli family became great producers.

Many restaurants in Italy charge a small fee called “il coperto” to cover the cost of a table set-up such as the tablecloth, napkins, silver ware, bread etc.  However, the origin of this practice started for a different and humble reason that dates back to the Middle Ages.

During this period, many faithful individuals flocked to Rome, from England and France, on a pilgrimage seeking redemption. The easy way to get to Rome was by taking Via Francigena which crossed many towns and finally ended in Rome.

Once the pilgrims crossed the Alps, the villages and towns folks, along the way, offered a safe area under “il portico” to allow the faithful to rest-up and have some food before continuing on their long journey.  The locals, who were very supportive of the pilgrims, would make a collection of food and clothes and bring it to “il portico” as a charitable and honorable act.

Maybe tomorrow’s restaurateurs could collect “il coperto” to fund organizations that want to feed the poor of the world and not use the money to defray their costs.  A new idea from an old custom is still a great action. Meals-on-Wheels is not a bad idea after all isn’t it?