Viva Italia!!

Alison's Italian evening was a spectacular feast for the eye, tastebuds and stomach... most of us are thankfully accustomed to the over-production of food on these evenings, but there were those that didn't heed warnings and ended up needing gaviscon...

The beautifully-laid table, starting off with some pink aperitivo (prosecco & pink stuff)

Antipasto: (Alison) A promising start with varied bruschetta & grissini.

Nicky's Lemon, Caper & Eggplant Salad: Tangy & Light

Nicky's Marinated Mint Zucchini: Mint never fails to suprise- with succulently grilled zucchini, it was refreshing.

Alison's Insalata Caprese: A classic combination for good reason

Colleen's Watermelon & Bean Salad: A never-thought-of combination: zingy, fresh and sparkly. The watermelon pairs with the balsamic vinegar in a unconventional but very compatible marriage.

Primo #1: Alison's Sundried Tomato & peccorino pasta: Lovely- simple, tasty and good textures

Primo #2 Guest Chef Achim's Angel Hair pasta in white wine sauce & snow peas: Achim wooed a few ladies a the table with this one....

Secondo: Osso Bucco & Saffran Risotto Milanese with Gremolata (Kelly): Decadent- marrow stirred through the risotto, slow oven-baked till the sofrito melted into gravy. The gremolata cut through the richness, leaving a garlic aftertaste the morning after....


Dolce #1 Gelato (Colleen) Vanilla...always room in the pudding pocket!

Dolce #2 Tiramisu (Kelly)