I finally put the menus for my annual Italian summer lunches in Menus. Apologies

oh wow Shaun. 4 different menus. I'm showing "A Month By the Lake" for my bookclub and I want to

serve a lunch type menu just like these for the ladies. I think the setting is Lake Como, or a nearby lake. This is a wonderful resource for me. I had the tuna stuffed peppers recipe saved from a long time ago and they are on my "short list".

 
Wow! Whoa! Whew! These are fantastic. No apologies necessary, as long as you keep the menus coming.

 
Nothing too special. Wine only. I'll put out a couple of bottles of whatever Chianti is

my current favourite for people as they arrive, to have with their nibbles. (And guests know to bring Italian, so there's always plenty.) I prefer a tannic wine to begin (Castello della Paneretta Chianti Classico has traditionally started off the lunch, though I'm down to my last bottle), and something smoother later, like a soft Sangiovese or the Farnese Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that Bonnie of Holland recommended a few months back (a steal at the price), or even Valpolicella. For white, usually Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, because it's eminently drinkable and pairs with most of what I serve (and because I don't know my whites very well).

One year I must remember to start with Prosecco. Don't know why I always forget--maybe I'm afraid people will get too blotto before lunch!

And of course bottled water, sparkling and still (Acqua Panna, from Tuscany, is in character).

Some time after dessert, I'll bring out something special. Last year it was a nocino (aka nocello), a walnut digestivo that was made by a friend who lives in Chianti, and this year it was her mandarino, a sweet mandarin-infused wine. Then it's time to bring out leftovers and more of the red and white ...

 
I'll have some Valpolicella, since it's mentioned several times in the book. Also the pinot grigio.

and I picked up a bottle of Mad Dogs and Englishmen Red---just for fun. the Italian Lemonade from Costco for the non-drinkers and some plain sparkling water too. thanks so much. this has been a real help to me.

 
have you seen this movie? It's with Vanessa Redgrave and Uma Thurman. superb.

It will make your heart ache to be there. It was filmed over there. I keep looking for George Clooney though. Maybe that's why I watch it over and over.

 
OMG, I could so easily become a stalker---this was too funny. thanks.

I'm sending the link to all my bookclub ladies. they will chuckle----or cry.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top