Every year the European buffets, one of the three component parts of Christmas in Europe, are gastronomic gatherings that are both unmissable and eclectic. They provide an opportunity for the European delegations to shine through their skills in preparing the dishes specific to their countries in accordance with the appropriate culinary traditions.
The evenings of December 6th and 7th were no exception to this tradition, and in the restaurant on the third floor of the School the nine delegations allocated to the first evening (Fatima, Yerevan, Verona, Maribor, Lisbon, Lund, Barcelona, Bjelovar and San Benedetto) as well as the eight delegations performing on the second evening ( Antwerp, Riga, Podebrady, Orebro, Ponta Delgada, Bled, Senigallia, Diekirch) – they had all put on a good spread and offered their guests a real gastronomic tour of Europe.
All of this required a lot of careful preparation in advance to arrange for the sharing of the kitchens and for the organisation of help from the local students and chefs. The atmosphere was as friendly as could be. And to round it off, there was a session of ‘big hugs’ among the participants.
Relaxed but feverish atmosphere in the kitchens 
Silvia Ulpiani’s team was responsible for the musical entertainment 
Christiane Keller – Christmas Chris – invites the guests to ‘look first with your eyes before making your choice’ 
What shall we choose?? 
What shall we choose?? 
School Director Manuela Germani and Christiane Keller, founder of Christmas in Europe
THE BUFFET HELD ON THE PREMISES OF THE SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION
On Wednesday December 7th lunch had been planned on the premises of the San Benedetto del Tronto Fishermen’s Association, not far from the School. It was an almost rustic setting for this venerable association, located close to the quayside. The lunch, in the form of a buffet, had been prepared, as always, by the good offices of the School’s teams, and the guests for a while took over the gardens and the outside tables, thanks to the sunshine, although there was a chill in the air.
Pasquale Pignatti, the association’s president, expressed his pleasure at hosting such an event, and wished everyone an excellent stay in San Benedetto del Tronto
Pasquale Pignatti, president of the association
Be patient, the buffet isn’t open yet! 
The headquarters of the venerable association
THE BUFFET IN THE FORMER MONASTERY WHICH HAS BEEN TURNED INTO THE VINEA WINE CELLAR
On Thursday December 8th, during the sight-seeing excursion for all participants to Offida, lunch was served in this little town’s former monastery, which has been turned into the head office of the well-known wine-cellar, VINEA. Here again it was the School team which had been hard at work to prepare a large cold buffet.
In one of the venerable halls of the former monastery, a large cold buffet awaited the guests. 
And to round off the meal, a modest shot of a local speciality, a fisherman’s liqueur. Chris Keller and AEHT Vice-President Remco Koerts seem to appreciate the beverage …
