Italian Festival

Finally, after having heard countless stories and numerous retellings of exquisite dishes and amazing flavors, I've made it to my first Italian festival that our dear friend Chris Ballestrino hosts each summer with his wife Jenna and Dick and Anna Armstrong; a tradition that has been going on for the past 6 years (?).

And the evening lived up to all that I've imagined! He's not joking when he says 'come hungry.'

Here is the unbelievable menu

Antipasti (Appetizers):
Pomodori al Tonno (Tomatoes filled with tuna)
Frittata alla Erbe (Frittata with herbs)
Insalata di Olive (Marinated olive salad with fennel)
Cavolfiore al Proscuitto e Olive (Cauliflower with proscuitto and olives)
Caponata do Melanzane (Eggplant and bell pepper stew)
Gamberoni alla Toscana (Grilled shrimp with beans and mint oil)

Primi (First Course):
Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa (Pasta with turnip greens)
Polenta con Funchi (Black olive polenta with shiitake mushrooms)

Secondi (Second Course):
Arista alla Porchetta (Pork loin in style of Porchetta)
Funghi Marinati (Marinated and grilled mushrooms with summer vegetables)

Dolci (Dessert):
Peshe alla Liquore di Limoni (Peaches in a Lemonchella and vanilla bean reduction sauce)
Biscotti ai Limoni (Lemon biscotti with hazelnuts)

Incredibly sounding, right?? Now, keep in mind that Chris is the head cook and has help from only 4 others in preparing this outstanding feast.... and also, this dinner was for 60 guests!! UNBELIEVABLE!

Leif and I unanimously agreed that the dessert was our favorite dish. In fact, I think I can safely say that it was proudly the best dessert that has ever crossed my lips!! The polenta was out of this world as well.

The entire evening was filled with great people, GREAT Food and alot - ALOT of great wine!!
(thankfully our children slept in until 9:00am this morning!!)
We are already looking forward to next year!!