A Royal Toast to King Francesco I of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

King Francesco I of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

Yesterday evening, a small circle of dear friends gathered in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, for a warm Duosiciliano celebration in honor of the birthday of His Royal Majesty King Francesco I of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1777–1830). Around the table, we shared a Sicilian repast fit for a king—golden arancini, bubbling anelletti al forno, and generous conversation.

Convivial and heartfelt, the evening was my “last hurrah” before entering the austere discipline of St. Michael’s Lent, fasting from August 15th until September 29th—a fitting farewell to indulgence before the season of penance begins.

Viva ‘o Rre! Long live the King!

Arancini

Panino con provolone, pomodori e cipolle

Anelletti al forno

Fico d'India

Iris al forno