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Hey, R.J.!
You keep doing that and Santa'll turn his sleigh right around.
Why do you smell like my cologne?
It's frankincense.
Goof ball.
That's Mary and that's baby Jesus.
But where's Jesus's dad?
He's taking the picture, of course.
Nonno!
It's Christmas Eve, why aren't you kids looking for the pickle?
Come on!
Donata!
Can you see anything?
Hey.
The wise men are on the porch now.
They probably smelled your sugo.
Oh.
Your sauce is that good, but it's probably
just the neighborhood kids playing around.
Ok, what can I help with?
You can start the pasta.
Hm.
Oh!
Try it.
So?
Tastes like home.
The moment I first sampled your sugo,
I knew you were the one.
And the moment I first heard you say "yes, dear"
I knew you were the one.
Yes, dear!
Ok, the paste.
You know, I wish just one of the them
would show some interest in cooking.
Even if they did, you'd still do everything yourself.
Oh, no, I wouldn't.
Yes, you would.
More salt.
Hey, more dancing.
Ok, back to the sauce.
Oh, you need a little help here?
Yes.
Oh, let me help you. Come on.
Ah!
My mother aways said, family's where you act the worst
but are loved the best.
She was only joking, somewhat.
But, remember, family is not just the most important thing,
it's everything!
So Buon Natale!
Buon Natale!
And I found the pickle!
Good job. A year of luck to you.
Oh, what a feast. Look at this.
Who wants to start with the pasta?
Hello?
You're still asleep?
I overslept.
I just got in from LA last night.
I'm jet-lagged.
Ok, but Mom's called me like a million times
asking if you're on your way yet.
She wants us all to have dinner before she leaves.
I know, and I'll be there.
I just have to figure out what box my winter clothes are in.
Anna, it's time to unpack.
You've lived there for six months.
Yeah, and I've been away for five of them.
So, no uh, Christmas decorating for your apartment?
I meant to, but the decorations are in a box
with my winter clothes, which I think I just found.
Oh, no, just a box of miniature hotel toiletries.
Ok, just get in the car. I will lend you clothes.
Said like a true big sister. But wait, I'm the big sister.
Oh, you are. Then act like it.
Ok, Papa, a list of your prescriptions
and what to take when
and a list of all your appointments with times, addresses.
I have copies for Anna too.
Madeline, relax. I'll be ok while you're gone.
Maybe I shouldn't go. The kids are all here.
Which is exactly why you can go.
This trip is a Christmas gift from your kids,
not a punishment.
Maui in December.
Sun, surf, open bar, tiki drinks.
You can have that Tropical Itch you like.
Oh, you're terrible.
Hello!
Oh, here they are!
Hi!
Hey, Mom.
Hello.
How's my great grandchild?
It's good to see you.
Oh, he's comfortable, don't worry about him.
Me, on the other hand.
Well, take a seat.
Where's Anna?
Oh, uh...
Oh!
There she is!
Mom.
Sweetie.
The prodigal daughter returns.
Look at you! You're glowing.
No, I'm sweating, but thank you.
Oh, my Anna.
Nonno.
I missed you so much. How long's it been?
Like a year, what?
No, Papa, Anna was just here in October for your birthday.
Oh. Yeah. Of course.
I saw the wise men are on the move again.
Oh, these neighborhood kids.
All these years later,
we're sticking to the neighborhood kid theory?
Well what can you say? The kids are committed.
Are you excited to be roommates for a week?
Oh, overjoyed.
Now, will you fill me in on all your work adventures?
Did you just get in from Cairo?
Um, no, Cairo was two years ago, Nonno.
I've been at UCLA lately.
Yeah.
Guess who's here?
Well the house just got substantially louder,
so it must be R.J.
R.J!
I come bearing gifts.
Frankincense and myrrh?
Better. Orange chicken and fried rice.
The modern magi.
Well, I got dinner, so who's setting the table?
Oh, I have to move the wise men back.
Well then, I'm off the clock.
I have to grab more Christmas decorations.
What she said.
It would be my pleasure.
What's with the labels?
So he knows where everything is.
He's starting to forget more. The labels minimize confusion.
It's a lot of work for you.
It's the definition of family.
Hey, forget about setting the table.
How bout we eat in the living room
so I can at least finish decorating the tree with everyone before I go.
Sure.
La Befana. Nonna's Christmas Witch.
She loved this ornament.
This is making me not want to go.
It's just a week.
You've been wanting to take this trip forever.
And it's high season for whale watching.
Plus, you'll be back for Christmas Eve.
Speaking of, where are we getting Christmas Eve dinner
from this year?
Uh, we could do Forbeeces.
Nah, their pasta's overcooked. Sauce is too sweet.
Pasta.
Wait, isn't there a big Italian fish dinner on Christmas Eve?
I'm allergic to seafood.
Feast of the seven fishes.
Used to scare poor Donata half to death
when Madeline was a kid.
And that's how sugo became our own special family tradition.
Oh, what I wouldn't give
for one more spoonful of Donata's sugo.
Mm. Oh.
It always, it always tasted like, uh...
Like, um...
Like home.
Si si, like home.
You know, I just realized we haven't had
a home-cooked Christmas Eve dinner since Nonna passed.
That's ten years of take out. That's a little sad.
Maybe this year we can cook?
Ok, I could whip something up.
- No! - No, no.
No, you'll be exhausted. R.J can make something.
Thank you for volunteering me. But yes, I can cook.
And we can help you.
I love this idea. And look what I just found.
Remember no looking for it before Christmas Eve.
You know where Papa's prescriptions and schedules are
and there's a backup on the fridge.
Oh, and uh, Papa's medications
are in the advent calendar for each day.
Festive meets type A. I like it.
Oh, it's like no one in this family
appreciates me over-thinking for them.
You better go, you car's here.
I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't go.
No, Mom, you're going.
You take care of Nonno. You take care of everyone.
Just go, have fun.
All your worries will still be here when you return.
Well thanks for that.
Ah.
Thank you, honey.
I love you.
I love you too.
Ok.
- Bye. - Bye.
Call me when you get there.
Yeah, I will.
Who wants to play a game of gin?
Sorry, my Anna, I'm tired.
Night, Nonno.
Goodnight, Nonno.
I am pregnant.
I don't want to.
Well I'm down.
Should I make some eggnog?
Like you had to ask.
So, I heard you have a girlfriend.
I mean, kind of, I guess.
When am I gonna meet her?
She's coming to decorate the farm with us.
Perfect.
So, before that, tell me everything.
Well, her name's Monica.
Her dad's the chef and owner where I work.
I was delivering produce for Ella and I walked in
and saw Monica and yeah, that was it for me.
And then we were chatting and she said her dad
was looking for help and so I asked for an application.
You would have jumped at any job
that aloud you to see more of her.
Definitely.
Of course, I didn't know at the time that she was just
home for the year while she studies for her LSATs.
She sounds amazing.
She is.
So I have no idea what she's doing with me.
I mean, she thinks I'm a chef and not a college drop out
or a failed business owner or any of my other quirks.
R.J, you're the best.
So what about you? Where're you teaching next?
I'm waiting on a call from Tafts
And then I don't know.
The adjunct professor life is a lot of not knowing what's next.
Isn't it hard, always being a stranger?
Never feeling home. Or maybe that's easier for you.
Gin.
You got lucky.
Double or nothing?
You're on.
Well. What do we have here?
Well, Chef schooled me the other day,
so I was just practicing.
Whipped up the dish poulet Francais
with parmesan risotto and rainbow carrots.
Thought maybe you'd taste test.
I'm not really hungry.
Said by me never. Come on.
Thank you.
Mmmhm.
That is incredible.
Thank you. But the risotto is a little...
Distracting my wait staff again?
Uh yeah, but Dad, it's worth it.
You've gotta come try this.
No. It's really not ready.
Hm.
Mm. Mm.
Chicken is strong. The risotto is overdone.
Yeah, I thought so.
He's tough, but the dish is good.
You are good.
You really don't have to be here with me.
Sorry, Mom said I did. Marching orders.
Yeah, but I feel like a kid.
Well, then I'll get you a lollipop at the end.
If you're good.
Make it a red one, please.
Vincent, good to see you again.
Hey, Doc.
And whom do we have with you today?
Uh, this is my granddaughter, Anna.
Oh, the sociologist.
You're grandfather brags about you all the time.
Said you were teaching in Cairo?
I was teaching in Cairo, two years ago.
Lucky you. I loved it there.
I visited years ago to see the pyramids at first light
before the crowds got in.
Ah, the pyramids.
There's no words. It's just this feeling.
Like you're somehow living
in the past and the present at the same time.
Exactly.
Who's getting examined here?
You are. Right, thank you for reminding me.
Alrighty.
Alright, senior Colluccia.
I'm gonna ask you a few of the questions
I asked last time you visited.
Do you remember when that was?
Hard to remember. Seems like I'm always here.
Well, do you know what year it is?
Well, I'm partying like it's 1999.
But in fact it is 2022.
Very good. And when's your birthday?
October 18th, 1944.
Day after, which God, having witnesses perfection, rested.
How many nickels are in 60 cents.
Oh. Uh...
That's ok.
It's pretty early in the morning for math.
And last time you were here, I asked you to remember
a sentence and repeat it back to me the next time you came in.
Oh.
Can you remember what it was?
That's alright. Don't worry about it.
Alright, do you mind if I take your blood pressure quickly?
Ah, yeah.
Ellen, can you please schedule
Mr. Colluccia's next appointment?
Of course. Right this way, Mr. Colluccia.
I'll be right there.
You looked surprised in there.
I was.
I didn't realize it was this bad.
My mom said it's early stage Alzheimers.
It was, but based on what I've been seeing
for the past two months,
I'm sorry to say he's moving into middle stage.
So what can we do?
What you're already doing.
Make sure he takes his meds, try to keep his mind engaged.
But, is there a way to slow it down?
No. I'm sorry.
There's an inevitability to his condition.
Look, I'm not gonna mince words,
this is hard for everyone, but it's especially hard for him.
It's like what you said about the pyramids.
That's how he feels,
like he's living in the past and the present at the same time.
Is there a timeline?
No. Everyone's different.
But, like I told your mother,
your family should start
discussing care plans for Vincent.
What do you mean?
Well, he's gonna need full-time care either at home
or at a facility that specializes in the care
for people with Alzheimers.
I'm sorry, I know it's a lot.
If you or anyone in your family needs someone to talk to,
I'm here.
I appreciate that. Thank you.
- Hey. - Hey.
Thank you.
Don't worry, I'm fine.
I mean, Dr. Graham wants me to remember a sentence
he told me a month ago.
Who can do that?
I can't even remember what I had for breakfast this morning.
You had three biscotti, eaten standing over the sink.
See? I still got it.
Come on, I want to show you something.
It's beautiful, Nonno.
The most beautiful parking lot ever.
This isn't just any parking lot,
this is where Donata and I had our first apartment.
Really?
Yeah, used to be a big brick building here.
Apartment wasn't much, walls were so thin
you could hear the neighbors fart.
Nonno!
I mean cough, sorry. Oh, but we were so happy.
I can still remember Donata here.
Dancing with me, pregnant with your mother.
Always laughing, always fixing something.
Always cooking.
Her sugo.
Oh, every Sunday and Christmas Eve.
See Anna, I'm not losing it. I can still remember so much.
I'm ok. See?
Yeah, I see.
I see.
Uh, they got a mind of their own.
Do they?
I'm going for my walk. Gotta get my steps in.
It's Dr. Greg.
It's Anna Colluccia calling.
Hi, Anna.
I guess I do have a few more questions.
Yeah, of course. I'm glad you reached out.
So, what can I help you with?
Um, I was thinking about what you said about engaging
my grandfather's mind.
What exactly did you mean by that?
Well, I mean, keep him involved in the things he loves.
What brings him joy.
Well, not to be too clichéd Italian, but, food.
Well I'm not Italian and I feel the same.
Um, but food, that's good.
Smell is the closest sense linked to memory.
Taste not too far behind,
so maybe he could have a cooking project?
Some recipe he loves.
That's a great idea. Thank you, this was so helpful.
Of course.
And please, feel free to call me whenever.
Really.
Thank you, Dr. Greg.
How about just Greg?
Ok, just Greg.
Take care.
Bye.
What are you doing?
Oh, just plumbing the annals of Colluccia history.
Working through Nonna's stuff.
Hoping there was a recipe notebook or something in here.
Well, I can help. What have you found so far?
I've got boxes labeled Donata one, two and three of four,
but I can't find the fourth.
Oh, wow. Look what I found?
Oh. All the hideous jewelry we made her as children.
She was always so proud of them.
She was either a perfect saint or a great liar.
Or both.
I'm gonna call Mom.
Hi, honey. How's it going?
Good, I'm just here with R.J.
Hi, Mom!
Hi, honey!
How's your trip?
Oh, just lounging by the pool.
Drinking a pineapple mango smoothie, so it's amazing.
That sounds nice.
Quick question for you,
do you happen to know Nonna's sugo recipe?
Sadly I don't.
Did she write it down anywhere, do you know?
I'm not sure.
I know there were a few recipes she did write down,
but most recipes were just memorized.
I've never been a good cook.
She warned me, "when I'm gone, the ziti will be gone with me."
Why, what's up?
I was just considering a cooking project for Nonno,
but I'll figure it out.
Anna, I gotta run. I have a massage soon.
Wow, Mama.
Yeah, I'm never coming home.
Have fun. Bye.
Hey.
How was your walk?
Got my 10,000 steps in. What are you two up to?
Going through Nonna's stuff.
But we should probably get to the farm.
Monica's already on her way.
Oh, Monica?
Please, get it out of your system before you see her.
I'll try. But you know, I am getting forgetful.
We did this to ourselves. Oh my gosh.
Look who's already here!
There she is.
- Hi. - Hi.
Hi, Mr. Colluccia.
Oh, Vincent, please.
And Monica, this is Anna.
So nice to meet you.
Ella and Natalie were telling me all about
your big Christmas party that you have here.
Oh, yep, every year since we bought the place in 1954.
Wow.
Uh, 74', Nonno.
Hm?
But, uh, yeah.
Every year we throw a big party for the town
and invite everyone.
Good food, good drinks, good company.
- What more could you ask for? - Mmhm.
And it's been 48 years of it.
And here's to 48 more, right?
Ah!
Um, we'll just go grab the snacks.
Oh, it's not a Colluccia gathering without food.
Alright.
Honey, you have to tell them.
I know, I just, I think I should wait
until after the holidays.
At first it was Labor Day, and then it was Thanksgiving,
and now it's Christmas.
You know pushing this off isn't gonna make it any easier.
I know.
And your mom already gave you her blessing.
I know, it's just the farm means so much to my family
and selling it is gonna be a blow.
Well, I'm not pushing you. It's your choice.
It's whatever you wanna do.
I just wanna make sure you aren't living your life
trying to please your family.
Nat, you're a really great therapist,
but I just need you to be my wife.
My wife was sad she couldn't get the tomatoes
they have in Italy so I just said, then we'll grow 'em!
And that's why we bought this farm.
That's amazing.
So, I guess R.J gets that from you.
When he decides to do something, he just does it.
Like, he was washing dishes at my dad's restaurant
and decided to teach himself how to cook.
Soon enough, he'll be Chef de Cuisine.
Or at least a sous chef.
He made this pan seared chicken with a parmesan risotto.
It was nothing.
It was not nothing. It was delicious.
You guys should come by the restaurant.
See him in action.
We'd love that.
Sounds good. I'm gonna check on the lights.
Uh, Monica, can I show you something?
Yeah.
Ella, the place looks incredible.
It's so special, you carrying this tradition on.
Forty-eight years.
Yeah, yeah, 48 years.
So, I wanted to pitch you guys something.
Dr. Greg said that we should engage Nonno's mind
and I was thinking, you know, how much he misses Nonna
and how much he misses her sugo.
So, maybe he could make it for our Christmas Eve dinner.
It would be a great little project for him.
You know, keep his mind active?
Anna, I know that you like to solve problems,
but pasta sauce isn't gonna cure Nonno.
I know that,
but he's progressing faster than I thought.
Faster than Mom let on and I realized that this might be
the last Christmas that he remembers,
so we should make it a Christmas to remember.
The lights are ready!
Alright, Nonno! Do the honors.
Here we go.
Count it down.
Three, two, one!
Bella! Molto bella!
Nonno?
Buongiorno!
Oh, while you slept late I got my morning walk in.
Oh, I noticed you brought these in.
Look at this.
Our plane tickets back to Italy for our honeymoon.
She kept everything.
What are you doing with these?
I was hoping to find some of Nonna's recipes.
Hm.
Specifically her sugo recipe.
Mmhm.
I was thinking that you could make it on Christmas Eve.
Me? Cook Donata's sugo?
Come on, it'll be fun. I can be your sous chef.
Do you have the recipe?
Not yet, but we'll find it.
So, what's on the schedule for today?
Today I play cards at the senior centre.
You should see me wipe the floor with the boys.
I might be losing my mind but I'm still winning at cards.
Ok, well, I'll be back in an hour.
Have fun.
- Hey. - Hey.
I almost didn't recognize you
without the white coat and the halo.
I think my patients think I live at the office.
I definitely did think that, yeah.
So, did I ruin the mystique?
No, the mystique is still alive.
I just picked something up from the gift shop.
What are you up to?
I was gonna go shopping
while my Grandpa finishes his card game.
Well, I was just about to go grab an eggnog,
you want to join?
Yeah.
- Here you are. - Thank you.
You're welcome.
So, you grew up here, right?
Yeah. I went to high school just down the street.
And Vincent says you've taught at universities
all over the world.
Yeah, I'm a sociology adjunct, so I go where I'm needed.
Sometimes abroad.
Sounds like you like change.
Yeah, I guess I do.
I don't know, maybe growing up here
gave me the stability to be ok with change.
Or maybe I'm just running away from my family.
Well, you wouldn't be the first.
I am slightly guilty of that.
Yeah? Where did you grow up?
Chicago and then I went to college in Cambridge.
But then after med school I got a residency in a small town
and I liked that life and I found my way here.
And what do you think?
I love it.
It was pitched to me as a great place to raise a family.
Which I'm sure it is, but it's just me right now.
Great. I'm sure Nonno is done with his game by now.
This was fun.
Yeah, it was. Thank you.
Maybe you've heard, my family has a farm outside of town?
We have a party every year.
Hot cider, cannoli.
It's Thursday if you want to come.
You're probably heading out of town for the holidays by then.
Oh, no, no, I'm actually covering for the other doctors,
so, I'm here.
Both my parents remarried,
so it's easier for me to just sit out the holiday season.
So I'd love to come.
Great.
Hello Rocco, hey guys.
Hi!
Donata!
It's Anna.
What did I say?
Don't worry about it.
Anna, it is so good to have you home!
And just in time.
Gin.
And the butcher strikes again.
Wait, you were Nonna's butcher, right?
Yeah.
Donata put my babies through college
with all the meat she bought from me.
Especially for her sugo, every Sunday.
Straight from church to me.
Do you happen to remember the order?
Of course I do.
One pound beef ribs, cut two inches.
One second.
Ok.
Two pounds of ground beef. One pound ground pork.
Every Sunday the same thing.
Your Nonna was a creature of habit.
A creature of habit.
Maybe if we can't find the recipe
we can figure it out instead.
See you boys next week. Rocco's on a roll.
Bye, guys.
- I think we picked a good one. - Yeah, it looks good.
Hey, is that what I think it is?
A ceppo! We haven't done a ceppo since...
Since Nonna passed, yeah.
But we thought this was the year to bring it back.
Absolutely.
So this is like the Italian version of a Yule log?
Or more like the Italian elf on the shelf.
No, Natalie, this is a special age-old tradition
the ceppo is the tree of light.
It symbolizes our many gifts in life and uh, Donata loved it so.
There is, uh, something I wanted to tell you guys.
I've decided to sell the farm.
And, there's a buyer that's already interested.
You know the Hooper family? Mimi and Travis.
They always said if we wanted to sell, they would buy it.
They meant it.
Well, Ella, you know you have my blessing.
Thank you, Nonno.
Hm.
Now look, we really love this place,
but with the baby coming, we just, we need something smaller.
But shouldn't this be a family decision?
I mean, this is a family property.
It belongs to all of us.
Well, actually it belongs to Nonno.
Even if it did belong to all of us,
why am I the only one taking care of it
for the last five years?
Ella...
No, I'm awake at 4:00AM every day to devote my life
to this place while you've been who knows where,
doing what you want to do.
Ok, that's fair.
But I still don't think that we should sell.
Well, if you don't want us to sell it,
maybe you should take it over.
I can't believe you knew already.
Why didn't you tell me?
Ella's been on the fence.
She asked me to keep it a secret while she decided.
Since when has anyone in this family been able
to actually keep a secret?
Honey, I know it's a big change and you're upset,
but understand, this was a hard decision for Ella.
But it's not just her decision. It should be all of ours.
Well, what was Nonno's reaction?
He was supportive.
Nonno just wants the best for each of you.
We'll get through this, together.
Very Mom, putting medicine in the advent calendar.
Two espressos, coming up.
There you go.
Thank you. For you.
Thank you.
Nonno?
Hm?
I want to talk to you about Ella selling the farm.
Oh.
You have no idea the work that goes into that land.
The farm is like me, it requires constant upkeep, constant worry.
But still, it's bound to fall apart.
Nonno.
No, just kidding, kind of.
But, Ella and your mom, they're tired.
They need a break.
So Ella has my blessing.
And when I become too much to take care of for your mother,
she'll have my blessing too.
You know, I've been thinking about the sugo.
It's a good idea.
- Really? - Yeah!
Ok, great.
I see they're on the move again.
Still looking for the fourth box?
Yeah. No luck.
But we did find all of Donata's cookbooks.
Maybe there's something there.
Let's go.
These have ten sugo recipes each.
How are we supposed to know which one it is?
Well, sugo is regional
and Nonna probably learned it from her mom.
Where was Nonna's mom from?
Well, that's hard to say.
Her family was Italian, but living in France.
During World War I became refugees in Italy
and then settled in Sardinia.
So maybe we're looking for a Sardinian inspired sugo.
Although that feels like a wild goose chase.
Well, we are getting somewhere.
We know the exact amount and cuts of meat she used.
We know the tomatoes.
Oh, San Marzano from our greenhouse.
But what about the rest of the ingredients?
Where did she shop?
Rightmans Grocery on the outskirts of town.
Is that grocery store still there?
Last I heard, the original owner, William,
had passed away but his son Daniel took over.
Then let's go.
Unfortunately, I'm gonna have to sit this expedition out.
I can't be late for work.
Chef.
R.J. Sweetie.
I wanted to review the specials for the rest of the week.
We are making a change to Friday.
Poulet Francais with parmesan risotto and rainbow carrots.
Mhmm.
This is my dish.
And you're gonna be responsible for it from prep to the table.
Got it?
Yes, Chef.
And we have a full house on Friday.
So absolutely no pressure. Got it.
And thank you, Chef.
You're welcome.
I'm so proud of you!
I don't know.
Do you think he's just doing this because we're dating?
Oh, absolutely not. If anything, it is the opposite.
Then why is he doing this?
Because he believes in you.
So do I.
I'm recalling vague memories of Nonna bringing us here.
She always said they had the best produce.
Actually, she first said that about Ortello's Market
then they raised the price of olive oil
and she never went back.
Nonna had opinions.
Oh, her opinions had opinions.
Oh, excuse me?
Are you finding everything alright?
Mr. Colluccia!
Daniel! I almost didn't recognize you.
How's your mother doing?
Oh, healthy, happy, retired in Florida.
Wow. It's great to have you back in.
Well, actually my granddaughter is on a bit of a mission.
I'm wondering if my grandma had any standing orders
with you back when she shopped here.
Wow, that would be some time.
Unfortunately, we purged all our inactive orders
when we went digital.
Can I ask why?
We're trying to recreate her sugo
by figuring out the ingredients.
Oh, well I won't be much help there.
Actually, there is one thing I remember.
There was an ingredient my dad used to stock only for her
and when they discontinued it,
he looked everywhere for a replacement.
Uh... Cultured Alice? Something like that.
I know it came in an ornate glass bottle.
It was an amber liquid.
I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
No, that was very helpful, thank you.
Cultured Alice?
Culture of Alice? Alice's culture?
No, no, no. Uh, colatura de...
Wait. Colatura di alici! Anchovy oil.
Of course, she put anchovy oil in the sugo.
She put anchovy oil in the sugo?
Gross.
No, it was delicious! It gave it an extra layer.
It was meaty, rich, complex.
Ok, see? We're getting somewhere.
We're like the Sherlock Holmes and Watson of pasta sauce.
Where are you going?
To the car.
Oh, but the car's down there.
No, I parked around the corner.
No, I specifically remember
parking in front of the dry cleaners.
Nonno, the dry cleaner isn't there anymore.
Of course it is.
I remember parking right in front of it.
I know cause I curbed my wheel.
Nonno, I drove.
No, I drove.
And I know where I parked. I'm not stupid.
Nonno.
Where is it? Where's the car?
I...
I... I'm sorry. I...
It's ok.
I know, I...
It's ok.
I forget where I parked all the time.
Yeah. I, uh... Well...
ay ]
No walk this morning?
Already done! I woke up early.
Now, I'm working on operation sugo.
I called the butcher for the meat
and I'm ordering the colatura di alici.
It'll be here Friday.
Great!
I'm gonna figure this out.
I have no doubt.
Don't forget, we have the Christmas party this afternoon.
I won't forget.
That never stops being funny.
I'm gonna go to the garage
to see if I can find Nonna's fourth box.
Great.
Hm.
Look what I just found.
Oh, my goodness.
It still smells like her. And a little bit like garage,
Ah.
Who's this woman?
She's in a lot of pictures with Nonna.
Yeah, that's uh, that's Diana Rose.
She was Donata's best friend.
Weird, I don't remember her.
Well you were just a little girl.
Those two were inseparable.
Walks every Monday, lunch every Wednesday.
But then, uh, Diana broke her heart.
She did this thing every time they ate out.
Every lunch, right before the check would come,
Diana would excuse herself from the table.
Then the check would come, it would sit there,
then the waiter would come by once, twice, three times.
Donata was getting so embarrassed
that she would finally just pay.
Oh, it annoyed Donata so much
so I encouraged her to bring it up and uh, finally, she did.
Then what happened?
Ah.
Diana never talked to her again.
Really? Over a lunch bill?
Well, more over pride. And shame.
No one wants to be told what they should or shouldn't do.
Those are the things that get in the way.
So don't let them.
You mean with Ella?
Yeah.
Oh, my gosh.
What a rager.
Yeah, yeah, thanks. It's a good one.
Why does this feel awkward, Ell?
I love you.
Whatever decision you make, I'll respect it.
I'm glad to hear that.
So, what else has been going on?
How do you feel about becoming a mom so soon?
Oh, wow.
You're coming in hard with the big questions.
Um, I'm excited. I'm nervous.
Everything just feels out of control but in the best way.
Sometimes I'm just, I am so scared.
Like a few weeks ago I had to rush Natalie to the hospital.
We were worried that she might have preeclampsia,
which, thankfully, she didn't.
I'm so sorry. I didn't know.
Why didn't you call me?
I did call you.
You didn't answer, and you didn't call me back,
but, you never call me back.
I do get the odd text or two though.
I'm sorry.
We should go say hello to Monica.
Hey, here you go! Curtesy of my dad.
He wishes he could be here
but he had to stay at the restaurant.
It looks delicious!
Thank you.
So, did R.J tell you the big news?
My dad is putting one of the dishes that R.J created
on the Friday special menu.
- Oh! - What? R.J!
Get it, boy.
Well done, son.
It's really not a big deal.
Oh no, but it kind of is.
It's gonna be R.J's big night to shine.
Well then we have to be there.
Oh, yeah.
Really, you don't.
I think we're actually fully booked.
I can probably squeeze you in. Possibly.
- Awesome - Good stuff.
So, your family does this every year?
Just for the last 48.
Oh, just. Barely a record.
It's really great. It seems like a lot of work.
Yeah, I've barely contributed the last couple years
but it is a lot of work.
And a lot of family time, a lot of drama.
Ah, the messy beauty of family.
It's something, isn't it?
I mean, my family's my everything
yet I've always tried to live far away from them.
Why do you think that it?
I don't know.
Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe around them.
You know?
But more often I feel like I can't breathe without them.
I get that.
I was raised by two parents, two step parents,
a million aunties, a million uncles.
So, I had community up the wazoo.
But, what I wanted was privacy.
But, now that I live alone,
getting taken care of doesn't sound so bad.
And you?
I don't know.
My dad left when I was really young
and I helped raise my siblings.
Sometimes I think that that's enough for me.
Or maybe I'm just an alone person, you know?
Someone who's better off alone.
There's nothing wrong with being alone.
Oh, these are the cannoli, the Christmas cannoli.
They are the best dessert on the planet.
Sorry, no, that would be
my mother's Ukrainian snowball cookies.
I'm actually making them for the bake sale
at the children's parade tomorrow.
Oh! Nonno and I were gonna go to that.
We'll come by your booth,
sample these magical cookies of yours.
Or, if you like, you could help me bake them.
I've got the day off tomorrow.
But you, oh, you're probably working. Yeah.
No, I'm off. Winter hiatus.
Perks of being a professor.
So, you want to bake?
Fair warning though,
my kitchen is kind of sad in a bachelor way.
Well you should just come to Nonno's.
We have all the culinary toys.
That sounds great.
Can I have everyone's attention?
First of all, Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Thank you all for being here.
As many of you know,
our family has been throwing this party for 48 years.
Which is why it is so hard to, uh, to say
that this is the last year the Colluccia's will be hosting.
But, not to worry, we will make sure that the new owners
have the same love and appreciation
that our grandparents did for this community
when they started this farm all those years ago.
So, from my family to yours.
Buon Natale!
Good morning.
What's on the schedule for today?
Cards again with Rocco and the gang.
Want to join? We could be a team.
Card sharking your friends with you sounds very fun
but I am actually helping Dr. Greg with his bake sale today.
Oh, his bake sale, huh?
You can drop the quotation marks, thank you very much.
Anna, I might be old and slightly deaf
and increasingly senile but I know one when I see one.
You and the good doctor are having a little thing.
We're not having a thing.
Oh, no, it's good. I like him.
I support it.
And he did eat four cannoli last night.
You counted how many cannoli he ate?
Also, is love of cannoli a virtue?
No. No, not a virtue, more a sign of character.
I mean, you can't trust someone that doesn't eat.
True, true.
Wow. You're already here.
Gotta practice my dish,
especially now that my family's coming.
It's tricky to pan sear the right texture...
Babe, don't stress.
You are a great chef and they're your family.
I know, I just... I want to make them proud.
I want to make your dad proud.
These seem like pretty standard snowball cookies.
Except with a Ukrainian flair. It's the pecans.
Oh.
So, I've been meaning to ask you.
What made you pick neurology?
Well, I've always been fascinated by people,
by behavior, by connection.
And neurology is a lot of connection
in the physiological sense, of course.
But, also the emotional,
my patients connection to their loved ones.
Their past. Their futures.
That's a really interesting way of looking at it.
And why'd you pick sociology?
Actually for somewhat similar reasons.
I've always been fascinated by humans, behaviors,
interaction, connections.
You know, what makes people tick?
But from a bird's eye view.
Yeah, without all the messy trappings of human emotion.
Yeah.
I'm excited to try these cookies.
You gonna give me some for helping?
Oh, if you want these cookies,
you're gonna have to work for them.
- How are you doing? - One box, right?
Nice.
Ladies and gentleman!
Would you like to try the most delicious cookie in the world?
They're amazing.
A cookie a day keeps the doctor away.
Diana?
Diana!
Diana.
Vinnie Colluccia.
Diana Rose, as I live and breath.
It's so strange, but my granddaughter, Anna, and I
were just talking about you the other day.
Well, I'll assume not good things, but I'll be hopeful.
No, very good things.
I just found a photo album of you and my Nonna.
She was my best friend.
An absolute riot and hands down the best cook I ever met.
Oh.
Her sugo.
Oh, oh.
One taste, never try pasta sauce again.
She tried to teach me.
Wait, my Nonna taught you her sugo recipe?
No, she tried.
It was complicated,
but I do remember her secret was her soffritto.
Holy trinity of carrot and onion and celery.
You leave it to cook until it caramelizes.
You didn't, by any chance, write the recipe down, did you?
No. I wish I did.
Big regret. I have other regrets too.
I wish that I had seen her before she passed
and I wish that I had told her how much I loved her,
but I was embarrassed.
She never stopped loving you.
I'll grab us a couple hot chocolates
and I'll see you back at the booth.
Ok.
Hey, what was that?
My grandpa just ran into an old friend.
Oh, nice.
Well, this has been going really well.
We've raised more than $1,000 so, thank you.
This has been a lot of fun.
Yeah. It was a really great day.
Hey, here.
Ah, thank you.
Dr. Greg, I was just thinking, if you don't have plans
for Christmas Eve, maybe you'd like to join us?
We're having sugo, hopefully.
You should come. We would love it.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Ok. Sure. That sounds great.
Yeah.
He's a good man. And a doctor.
Nonno, stop.
I won't be here forever
and I'd like to know that you're loved.
I am loved.
No, you know what I mean. Life is short.
Love is a gift.
Come on.
What are you guys doing?
Mom's Christmas gift came early.
Go put it on.
If we have to wear it, Anna, you have to wear it.
Well where's Nonno's?
Oh, luckily your mother knows better than to give me one.
Plus, I helped her pick them out.
You kids have fun.
Good night.
Night.
This is ridiculous.
But it brings mom so much joy!
Mom's not even here.
But it brings us so much joy. Don't pretend it doesn't.
Put it on!
Put it on! Put it on!
You ok, Nonno?
Don't worry, I dropped something.
So, how's he been doing?
I think he's really enjoying our hunt
for the great sugo recipe.
Yeah. He seems like he is.
Do you think that's helpful?
What do you mean?
I mean, do you think it's a good idea for him
to be spending so much time focusing on the past?
It might be more helpful for him
to be doing something practical.
Like what?
Like making all the decisions he needs to make
before he can't anymore.
Well, I think it's good for him to have fun and have hope.
For all of us to have hope.
Right, but its also good for us to be realistic.
Um, maybe we should call it a night.
It's getting kind of late and I have my big night tomorrow.
Yeah, we're excited to be there
Please make extra. I'm eating for two.
You ok here?
- Yeah, I'll clean up. - Ok.
- Night. - Night.
Ok, thank you, R.J, two more of your specials.
Yes, Chef!
Let's plate this, R.J, let's plate this. Let's go!
Yes, Chef!
How we doing, R.J?
We're almost there.
Thank you. Beautiful.
Thank you.
Behind! Alright.
Let's move these specials!
They look great.
Thank you, everybody. Good work.
We want two Bolognese.
Yes, Chef!
Oh!
Best seats in the house.
How is R.J doing?
Crushing it.
We are going to sell out of the special.
I'm just so proud of him.
Us too.
I'll be back with some water.
But, uh, what about Donata?
What, Nonno?
Well, there's no chair for Donata, where's she gonna sit?
Nonno. Nonna's not here.
Oh yeah. Yeah, of course.
R.J, your family's here. Fire up four more specials.
Heard, thanks.
Get out of your head, R.J.
Nonno, I think that we need to have a conversation.
Ella, I don't think tonight's the time
to have that conversation.
Well when is the right time, Anna?
After you leave?
Mom should be here if we're gonna talk about this.
Maybe we could just try to enjoy being together tonight.
Or we can stop sweeping this under the rug
and have a real conversation
that allows us to make plans for the future.
Move on, R.J. Start again.
Ow!
Come here. Keep going.
No, I can't do this.
No, you've got it, R.J.
No, I'm just messing it up.
I can't do it.
Wait, what happened?
I choked.
It's ok. It happens to everyone.
Not like me.
Why are you so angry with me?
I'm not angry with you.
You know what, it's ironic that you study people
and yet you understand them so little.
Or, actually, it makes a lot of sense.
Stop fighting!
Bravo, Chef! Bravo!
- It looks delicious. - Yeah, great job.
Thanks, but I, uh, I didn't cook your food.
I'm actually heading home early.
Hey.
Morning.
How're you doing?
Uh, you know.
Just confirmation of what I already knew.
R.J.
You're great. You don't have to prove yourself.
It wasn't only about proving myself.
It was that cooking is the first thing
that I've ever really loved.
First thing that felt right, that felt like it could be mine.
And you're great at it.
You can't expect to be perfect straight out of the gate.
Well, we can't all be you, right?
What does that mean?
It's always been hard to be your little brother.
To stand in your shadow.
You were always so smart and everything came easy
and you got a full ride to college and meanwhile,
I just had every teacher
asking why I wasn't more like you.
Why didn't you ever tell me that?
I don't know.
And I know you have all your stuff too.
That you're not always living the dream,
but have trouble admitting it.
Right. A lot of the time I feel lost.
Lost to you guys, lost to myself.
I think that's why I'm so preoccupied with Nonno
because part of me understands what he's going through.
That feeling of slipping away from yourself.
Or slipping away from the people you love.
I don't think it's random, you becoming a chef.
I think it's destiny.
You inherited Nonna's gift and meeting Monica
just helped you realize that.
I think you're right.
Nonno's usually back by now.
Maybe he went for a longer walk?
Yeah, maybe.
Or maybe he's at Ella's.
Yeah, I'll call her.
Hello?
Hey, is Nonno there?
No, why would he be?
I don't know.
Um, he is usually back from his walk by now.
Maybe he's playing cards?
Yeah, he usually goes there later.
I'll check.
Ok, just let me know.
Bye.
He might be at the senior centre.
I'm gonna go look for him there.
Ok, I'll stay here in case he comes back.
Ok.
Rocco, hey.
Anna.
Have you seen my grandpa?
Today? No, I haven't seen him.
Ok thanks.
Hi, has Vincent Colluccia been in here this morning?
I don't think so, but let me double check.
Thank you.
Hey.
Hey. We don't have an appointment today, do we?
No, I'm looking for my grandpa.
He went for his walk this morning, or, I assume he did.
He's usually gone before I get up, but he hasn't come back yet.
How late is he?
An hour, an hour and a half.
It's not much, but his schedule is usually like clockwork.
I said I'm worried
but I don't know if I'm worried about nothing.
It might be nothing, but we should call the police.
I really hope he's ok.
I just checked in with the police again.
Nothing yet.
What if something happened to him?
He's ok, I know it.
He could be anywhere.
He could be, he could be lost in the woods.
He could be hurt.
You were supposed to be watching him.
He likes to go walking by himself.
Mom said that that was ok.
I'm not saying it's your fault,
I'm just saying that
maybe you should have spend a little more time on Nonno
and a little less time on a pasta sauce.
It's not about the sauce, Ella!
Then what is it about?
It's about us! Our family.
Our history.
How to hold onto that,
how to record that because once it's gone, it's gone!
Nonno?
Mom?
Aloha!
Mom, what are you... I was supposed to come get you.
I took an earlier flight. I wanted to surprise you.
What's happened? What is it?
Nonno went for his walk this morning and he didn't come home.
That... He could be lost.
He might not find his way home.
What if he thinks he is already home?
What?
I think I know where he is.
Wait, I'm coming with you.
I'll hold the fort down.
Ok.
Nonno! Are you alright?
Oh, si, si, I'm alright.
What happened?
I don't know.
I, I went for my morning walk and then...
I can't remember.
It's like a page is ripped out of the book.
And I, I couldn't find my phone. I didn't have my wallet.
I didn't, I didn't know how to get home.
It's alright, Nonno. We've got you.
- Ok. - Yeah.
Let's get you out of the cold, ok?
Ok.
You want to tell me why you didn't call me back?
I'm sorry.
There was an incident with Nonno yesterday.
He's ok, but it was scary.
And also, I didn't call you back
because I didn't know what to say.
I failed and it was embarrassing.
Listen, I apologized to your dad and I also want to say,
I really like you.
Of course I do. You're amazing.
And the problem is?
Problem is, honestly, you're too good for me.
I think you think I'm someone I'm not.
But really, I'm just, I don't know.
I'm me.
But I don't think that you're somebody that you're not.
I know you're you.
And I love you, for you.
You love me?
Of course.
Wow. Ok. I mean...
...ditto.
R.J! You cannot ditto that.
I love you too.
R.J.
I want to discuss the New Years menu with you.
I want another special from ya.
Yes, Chef.
Oh, you're back.
Where were you off to so early this morning?
Last minute Christmas gift idea.
Oh.
I was suddenly inspired.
Nice.
Thank you so much for taking care of Papa.
Well, you're off duty now. I've got him from here.
But I don't want to be off duty.
I don't want to leave all of this on your shoulders.
It's ok, love. It's not a burden.
It's family.
And family means sharing the burden.
How you feeling?
Oh, I'm fine, really. You don't need to dote on me.
We're not doting. We love you and we were worried.
Oh yeah? Me too.
Merry Christmas!
Oh! There they are!
Hi, hi.
Merry Christmas.
How are you?
Merry Christmas.
Hey, Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas.
Hey.
- Hi. - Hi.
So, what's the plan for Christmas dinner?
Are we still making sugo?
No, I haven't figured out the recipe.
Well that's ok. We'll do, we'll do Chinese?
Actually, could I give you all your Christmas presents now?
Did you know about this, Mom?
I know nothing.
Nonno?
What is this?
Who's is who's?
- They're all the same. - Ok.
Then I want the red one.
- Thank you. - Thanks.
Go on, open them.
Oh!
Oh my, Anna. The recipe!
How, how did you...
Where did you find it?
In the pocket of her cardigan.
And I have all the ingredients right there.
Ah.
So I guess my only question is,
why are we still sitting here?
Sure I can't help?
No!
Maybe you can set the table?
Ok.
How's it going there, Nonno?
Oh, you know.
No matter how hard we try, it's not gonna be the same.
Doesn't have to be the same.
All that matters is that it's done together.
Okie dokie, artichoke-ie.
Oh, I forgot something.
Can you take over for me?
Of course.
I'm sorry that I left.
It's not that you left. I wanted you to leave.
Or, I wanted you to live your life.
It's ok that you left, I just, I felt like you left me.
And I needed you. I still need you.
You're my big sister.
I'm gonna act like it.
Ok, no crying in the food. It's salty enough.
Looks like Dr. Greg just pulled up.
Best behavior, everyone.
Mmhmm.
No promises!
Hi.
- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
I made pierogis.
In Ukrainian we call them varenyky.
I grew up on 'em.
I can't wait to try them.
Nonno?
Oh. Got me.
It was you all along.
Our little secret.
Oh! Wow. Table looks beautiful.
Momma did it. I guess we all have our talents.
I got that for you.
- Thank you. - Mmhm.
Can I get you a drink?
Yeah, sure. Thanks.
I've been thinking and I realized
that I'm actually not an alone person.
I was never an alone person.
Anna! Back in the kitchen!
I'll be right back.
♪ Whoa yeah ♪
♪ We've hung the ornaments with care ♪
♪ It's Christmas time, my dear ♪
♪ You can feel it in the air ♪
It looks pretty good!
♪ We put our cookies for St. Nick. ♪
♪ The snow is falling down ♪
Hey!
Nonno, do you mind if I go first?
Please.
Someone wise once told me that life is short
and love is a gift.
That someone wise was me.
It's true.
And I don't want a life without you all.
So, I've decided to move home.
I've already reached out to the local university
about a teaching position.
Now is the time.
My mother once said that family is uh,
when you act the worst but are loved the best.
She was joking, somewhat.
But remember, that family
is not just the most important thing,
it's everything!
So Buon Natale!
Buon Natale!
Go ahead, Nonno.
How does it taste?
It tastes like home!
Wait! We forgot something.
The pickle!
Found it!