Our home was the site of a special dinner Last Friday night.
Francesco Milano, The Singing Chef, prepared the most wonderful Italian meal and sang Italian love songs on a perfect evening set amid ancient oak trees, a tidewater creek meandering from the Intracoastal Waterway and a prevailing southeasterly breeze.
The dinner, purchased at an auction benefitting Communities In Schools of Nassau County, was hosted by Clara Miller (Aunt Vern), Chuck Comeau and Mary Ruark. Dave and I opened our home for the event.
Francesco Milana is a dream to work with. After an earlier in the week visit to check out my kitchen have and have nots, he and Karen arrived at 3:30 ready to prep, chop, slice, and stir sauces.
As our guests arrived, we gathered on the deck to enjoy cocktails, a delightful breeze and views of the marsh and Intracoastal Waterway.
Bruschetta cups and Prosciutto wrapped asparagus.
Francesco welcomes his wife Susan and now the Singing can begin.
Francesco’s forte is singing Italian arias between each course.
Be sure to click on the above you tube video to totally appreciate Francesco Milana!
Sheldon, our new Mini Whoodle puppy was the second biggest hit of the party (behind Francesco).
A mini Whoodle is a mix between a Wheaton Terrier and a Miniature Poodle.
We progressed to the dinner tables ready for our Italian experience.
Menu
Bruschetta in Pastry Cup
Asparagus wrapped with Prosciutto
Baby Romaine and Endive with Mustard Vinaigrette, Infused with shallots
Homemade Fettuccine with Ragu Bolognese
Baked Salmon with Lemon Juice and Basil Cream Sauce over Puree of Cauliflower With Baby Carrots
Tiramisu
The salad…
Baby Romaine and Endive with Dates, Pecans, Crumbled Goat Cheese with a Shallot Infused Mustard Vinaigrette
Homemade Fettuccini with Ragu Bolognese
Baked Salmon with Lemon Juice and Basil Cream Sauce over Puree of Cauliflower With Baby Carrots
And The Piece de Resistance…Tiramisu
Voila! Ecco!
Thank you Francesco for a memorable evening. Please visit his website by clicking here.
Thank you Clara, Chuck and Mary for supporting Communities In Schools.
For those of you who know me well, you know my passion for family, friends, food and setting a great table. I have painted many a tablescape. Think I may have some inspiration from this party.
Did you notice the orange tablecloth? This was a gift from great friends and it is not a tablecloth. It is a shawl, a serape that I love and decided to use on my table. Don’t worry it cleans up well!
And with my usual sign off…
Watch for upcoming stories from my summer travels.
I welcome your comments, recipes and any inside information on your favorite tailgating spots.
Come celebrate with me. I’ll save you a seat at the table.
10 Comments
A Night to Remember!!! I hope we can have a repeat performance next year.
Oh what a night! Think we should do it again.
Oh dear Clara…you can have a repeat performance every month if you’d like!
That sounds like a plan!
Kathy,
Sounds like a fun evening; you were a brave woman to wear all white to an Italian meal. I would have had sauce all over myself. Ha.
I did wear white as you can see and somehow I did not spill a thing on me. Only you would pick up on that. Too funny. Did you notice my signature orange and white earrings?
Looks like a wonderful night…and you had the BEST weather!
Thank you Karen. It was a beautiful night. High tide and a cooling southeasterly breeze. Doesn’t get much better than that.
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Will be back to tailgating in August!