photograph by manfredi bellati
Levada: Ca Marcello – The Calieron Confraternity’s
Christmas Party. The Calieron’s Christmas party took place at the
confraternities “headquarters” at Villa Marcello in the heart of the Veneto
region. Ca Marcello is a beautiful
example of a Palladian style villa, and since the sixteenth century is still
lived in by descendants of the noble Marcello family. Surrounded by a
harmonious eighteenth century park, the gardens and the villa are open to the
public upon request and are also available for vacation rentals.
The Confraternity Calieron’s Christmas Party. Members of the Calieron
Confraternity congregate in the kitchen for a group photo. Over the chimney the
Marcello family crest. The culinary noble gentlemen’s private club meets
periodically, and twice a year hosts a dinner party for family and friends
where each member is allowed to invite a chosen number of guests. Their
“uniform”, dark or pinstriped suits underneath which an apron with the
confraternity’s embroidered crest and a golden lapel pin, bear the exclusive’s
club insignia. Red Chef’s hats contribute to the festive spirit.
photograph by manfredi bellati
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In the kitchen the gentlemen carve the bollito misto or mixed boiled meats
ready for the waiters to serve.
Alvise Alvera accepts a special gourmet chestnut mostarda from a guest.
Giorgio Montesi tastes the pheasant broth.
Family soup tureens await the hand-made in Parma anolini and the pheasant’s
broth.
A lot of muscle is needed to whisk the perfect mashed potato.
The decorations on the Christmas tree also bear the insignia of the
Calieron Fraternity. The word caileron in Veneto dialect is a big copper pot in which you cook
polenta and Calieron is also the trophy, which is “up for grabs” each year
among the confraternity members in the challenge between the stoves.
Meanwhile…in the dinning room waiters in crisp
white livery uniforms put the finishing touches to the tables. Gloves will be
worn later for serving the meal.
photograph by manfredi bellati
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Seasonal and elegant table centerpieces were
created with Magnolia leaves, radicchio from Treviso and cauliflower florets.
Dodo Franchin and Riniera Montesi with their
beautiful creation.
photograph by manfredi bellati
The dinning room was set up on the ground floor.
Calieron president, Gianfranco Sgaravatti
gave many speeches though out the evening.
photo by giorgio montesi
Calieron president Gianfranco Sgaravatti and
host Vettor Marcello head the confraternity members bringing the chafing dishes
with the bollito misto to the dinning room.
Waiters follow with vegetable…
photograph by manfredi bellati
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The food arrives at the table…. and, wait for
it…
With a spectacular gesture…all together… the
gentlemen lift the lids off the chafing dishes …. to a great hand of applause
by the guests….
photo by giorgio montesi
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The dinner party was also held in honor of host
Vettor Marcello’s seventieth birthday with a cake specially cooked by Giorgio
Montesi.
photograph by manfredi bellati
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“bunny
girls” in lace dresses and the birthday “boy” pose with the cake for photos…
photograph by manfredi bellati
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A special treat, Count Vettor Marcello conducts a
private visit to the piano nobile after dinner. The main floor is enriched by a
whole cycle of frescoes by Giambattista
Crosato, the most important fresco-painter of the XVIII century together
with Tiepolo.
photograph by manfredi bellati
A detail of the ceiling of the piano nobile and one of
its Murano chandeliers.
photo by giorgio montesi
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year