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)
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.
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!
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.
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