Day 5 of 25 DAYS OF HUGGING:
Christina and her friends at First Chicago often walked across the plaza to the Italian Village after work. It was the “First Chicago” spot for a drink. One of Christina’s coworkers spent months telling Christina how he had to introduce her to his “Italian Fraternity Brother.”
She really wasn’t that interested in meeting Greg’s friend, as she often took pains to mention to her children. But on St. Patrick’s Day in 1993, Greg O’Leary connived (and lied!) to both of them, getting Christina and Matt to the Italian Village for his big match-making scheme.
And we all know how that ended: the two Italians meet at the Italian Village on St Patrick’s Day and of course get married.
The Italian Village holds a very special place in our lives. The Capitanini family has built a true tradition in this beautiful space, now spanning generations; it was made for a spirit like Christina. Many a birthday or anniversary in our family have been celebrated there, and often times just a quiet but always great Italian meal. It was so popular with our children that Donna often chose it for dinner to celebrate HER birthday, and she always made Christina tell the story of meeting Dad there. That never ended well for Matt, but everyone had a great laugh.
The upstairs dining room, “The Village,” transports you away from our world, and in that special place was laughter, love and hugs for a couple hours every time we were there. John, Donna and I still make it back occasionally, and hopefully we can resume that tradition when this pandemic ends.
Donna’s 13th Birthday, of course at the Village
If you need a quick escape from this world, make a reservation at the Village and enjoy the great food and the old world atmosphere that is the Capitanini family’s trademark, and see if you too feel transported to old Tuscany even for just a short escape.
Please consider a donation to CCCF: www.celebratingchristina.org/donate
One day, one goal, one big hug.
