Desert Harmony Trio entertaining guests at the Lemmo Aperitivo
Melissa D’Onofrio
On April 21, three PebbleCreek Italian American Club (PCIAC) couples hosted Aperitivi at their homes during early sunset hours on a beautiful, crystal clear, cool evening. The Aperitivo was born in Italy at the end of the 18th Century and quickly became a social phenomenon as a way to end the work day with drinks and light food before dinner. It is similar to our American cocktail hour, but traditionally more calm and intimate than the American “happy hour.” The PCIAC’s version of the Aperitivo is to host small groups in members’ homes, with participants bringing appetizers to share and their beverage of choice. However, hosts are free to deviate from the norm and provide entertainment, games, or other variations. Our April hosts were Sheryl and Tom Dobbin, Meg and Ed Chrisman, and Peggy and Frank Lemmo.
Sheryl and Tom surprised their guests with a fully stocked open bar, and prepared a tasty variation on ravioli called Toasted Ravioli (T-Rav), a cheese- or meat-filled ravioli deep fried to create a crunchy exterior. It is then dusted with Parmesan cheese and served with a side of tomato sauce for dipping. The T-Rav originated in “The Hill” neighborhood in St. Louis, which is a long-established Italian American neighborhood filled with family owned restaurants and shops. After filling their plates with the delicious appetizers, guests enjoyed the Dobbin’s beautifully decorated outdoor space in the perfect weather.
At Meg and Ed’s beautiful home, Gary Luders was convinced by the attendees to sing “Oh Boy” by Buddy Holly, a song he recently performed in PebbleCreek’s Showtime production of “We’ll Sing in the Sunshine.”
The Lemmos decorated their backyard with flowers and Italian flags, and arranged for the Desert Harmony Trio to entertain their guests with popular 1960s and 1970s songs from artists such as the Eagles and the Beatles. The Desert Harmony Trio is a new musical group and is comprised of PC residents Howard Brodbeck, Greg Goss, and Leslie Henson. Guests enjoyed themselves immensely, as evidenced by the Aperitivo continuing on for an extra two hours!
Guests at all three events reported that they thoroughly enjoyed the special food options and socializing with other members, but especially appreciated the chance to experience a cocktail hour with a bit of an Italian twist.
Many, many thanks to our gracious hosts Peggy and Frank Lemmo, Sheryl and Tom Dobbin, Meg and Ed Chrisman, and to Mary Flynn for organizing and planning this year’s event!