the fire was built high and roaring under the black medieval mantel , and the candles flickered and smoked down the length of the table , amid platters of roast lamb fragrant with garlic and rosemary , glazed duckling , steaming broccoli , italian squash , heaps of unpeeled potatoes , artichoke hearts tossed with oil , and roasted onions , freshly sliced bananas and melon , and hot freshly baked bread .