Candid shot of young girl totally absorbed looking at the fish swimming in the pond at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Japanese Garden.  

 Pappardelle pasta with peas, potatoes and carrots with a soffritto of leeks for a milder taste, It's an original recipe and a delicious one. Good for the palate and the stomach.

Today, in Castellammare del Golfo the main event of the annual feast to honor la Madonna del Soccorso the patron saint of the town. A huge procession takes place with the simulacrum of la Bedda Matri, la Bella Madre, culminates  with a spectacular display of fireworks once the statue return to church. This is la festa du vintunu d'austu or la festa del 21 d'agosto that actually starts on the 19th of August with a procession of boats in the gulf. The Statue is placed on a large decorated vessel and is followed by boats. A very moving experience.
 

 The Manhattan bridge from seen DUMBO in Brooklyn. 

 Another example of Italian comfort food. Escarole with dry fava beans. Just delightful.

Carmine Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan where every August, Our Lady of Pompeii Church celebrates Festa Italiana.
 

Dry fava beans with curly escarole. Healthful and delicious. Real comfort food.