Bella Notte! August 24th, 2007

I am a little behind in getting this post placed, but wanted to post the first ever "Taste of Tuscany" Dinner held at Rolling Meadows. The dinner was purchased by the Hoenigs and 3 other couples at the LHS Dinner Auction last March. The date was finally set for Aug.24th. The candles were lit and Italian music was playing in the background, as my best friend, Carol Gaunt, and Gretchen put their phenomenal chef skills to work and created a dinner that will long go down as the most sumptious ever served in our little dining room!

It all began with Antipasti and Bruschetta starters with a wine tasting and walk in the vineyard as the sun set low in the west. Next came salad... a pear and bleu cheese with light balsmaic/vinagrette dressing, then a dash of sherbet and champagne to prep the palate for the next course. The main course included fire-grilled Tuscan vegetables, Italian Saliccia roasted and served on cheesy bread, and Spinach and Cheese Cannelloni. All served with the diner's choice of wine. Finally, dessert was a parfait of chocolate brownies, vanilla icecream, and raspberries, layered with homemade hot fudge! OH MY it was good!


The Rohlfings, the Schmidts, the Boyers, and the Hoenigs arrive for their "Taste of Tuscany!"


A pretty table awaited the guests.


First comes the antipasti!


Gretchen and Carol were in their element assembling this dinner!


Ed took the diners on a tour of RMV wines.