Date Night … At Home


Craving an Italian-inspired evening? We’ve got the recipe for the perfect Italian dinner, with two menu options to choose from. 


BY VICKI MARTINEZ

 
 

When your partner asks where you got your inspiration, just tell them: “Questo è quello che faccio per il mio amore!" (This is what I do for my love)

 

setting the mood

Setting the Mood

Whether you're the type who likes to go all out or you prefer a simpler approach, you can enjoy a memorable cenetta with a few adjustments to your dining area ambiance.

Decor

  • Use the classic gingham-patterned table cover or accent a crisp white tablecloth with a red and white checkered runner down the middle
  • Tapered candles in wine or chianti bottles; pillar candles in mason jars
  • Cutlery or napkins tied in green, white and red ribbon (the colors of Italy's flag)
  • A mazzo di fiori of uncooked spaghetti interspersed with a few flowers for a whimsical inexpensive centerpiece

decor

setting the mood

Setting the Mood

Whether you're the type who likes to go all out or you prefer a simpler approach, you can enjoy a memorable cenetta with a few adjustments to your dining area ambiance.

decor

Decor

  • Use the classic gingham-patterned table cover or accent a crisp white tablecloth with a red and white checkered runner down the middle
  • Tapered candles in wine or chianti bottles; pillar candles in mason jars
  • Cutlery or napkins tied in green, white and red ribbon (the colors of Italy's flag)
  • A mazzo di fiori of uncooked spaghetti interspersed with a few flowers for a whimsical inexpensive centerpiece
 
 

tip

Skip the breadbasket. In Italy, bread is not served before the meal. It’s used to mop up any sauce left from the pasta course. In Italy, using bread to savor the last bits of sauce is called fare la scarpetta.

 
 

Music

Besides good wine, nothing goes better with Italian food than good music. Italy is a mecca for music, so you won't have trouble finding choices.

 

If you prefer classic Italian:

If you want to sing along:

If you prefer classic Italian:

If you want to sing along:

 

Menu #1: The Multi-Course Meal


Not every date night at home needs to be an exercise in opulence. When a more budget-friendly dinner is called for tutto è possibile.

To embrace l’arte della cucina, follow a traditional menu structure. A classic Italian meal often includes four or more separate courses.

  • Antipasti: Bite-sized appetizer served hot or cold.
  • Primi piatti: Typically, a vegetable-based dish accompanied by small portions of pasta.
  • Secondi piatti: In Italy, the main course is always a protein (meat, poultry or fish).
  • Dolce: Pair dessert with caffe to keep with Italian tradition.

This multi-course meal was created by Executive Chef Lorenzo Boni.

Buon appetito!

 

Eggplant Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Antipasti

Eggplant Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Pair With: Pinot Noir

Bucatini with Creamy Prosciutto di Parma, Arugula and Cherry Tomato Sauce

PRIMI PIATTI

Bucatini Prosciutto, Arugula & Tomato Sauce

Pair With: Chardonnay

Chicken alla Cacciatore

SECONDI PIATTI

Chicken alla
Cacciatore

Pair With: Chianti

Panna Cotta alla Vaniglia

DOLCE

Panna Cotta

Eggplant Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Antipasti

Eggplant Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Pair With: Pinot Noir

Bucatini with Creamy Prosciutto di Parma, Arugula and Cherry Tomato Sauce

PRIMI PIATTI

Bucatini Prosciutto, Arugula & Tomato Sauce

Pair With: Chardonnay

Chicken alla Cacciatore

SECONDI PIATTI

Chicken alla
Cacciatore

Pair With: Cabernet

Panna Cotta alla Vaniglia

DOLCE

Panna Cotta

 

Menu #2: Simple, Yet Succulent


Not every date night at home needs to be an exercise in opulence. When a more budget-friendly dinner is called for tutto è possibile.
 
This simple one-course meal pairs perfectly with your favorite Cabernet.

 
 

FEATURED RECIPE

Affordable pasta dinner

affordable pasta dinner

FEATURED RECIPE

Affordable pasta dinner

 

 

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