Want to create a memorable evening? Bring the glitz and glamour of the
silver screen into your own home by hosting an elegant, Italian-themed
dinner-and-a-movie party, complete with great food, fine wines and a
stirring film.
Start with a favorite classic Italian film and use that as a
springboard for the rest of your night. Add in thoughtfully chosen
food, wine and decor for the full red-carpet treatment.
The recipes featured here are simple, but sophisticated. Grilled
Polenta with Triple Mushroom Sauce features crisp, seared polenta
wedges with a zesty tomato-mushroom topping. (And, best of all, it can
be made ahead and finished on the grill at the last minute for an easy
appetizer or side dish.) Tuscan Chicken With Garlic and Capers takes
thinly-pounded chicken breasts, tosses them lightly in flour and
seasonings and lightly sautes them. A savory sauce of white wine,
garlic, capers, anchovies and a premium prepared pasta sauce, such as
Classico, comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Want to guarantee an award-winning performance at your motion picture soiree?
Follow these simple planning tips:
• Pick a mood movie: Italian classidcs run the gamut from thrilling to
romantic to comedic to dramatic, "Roman Holiday," "The Big Night,"
"Moonstruck," "Cinema Paradiso" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"
are just a few options.
• Invite friends and family: Nothing says Italian like a big family
meal. Fill the house with your favorite people and use the movie as a
springboard for lively conversation.
• Select favorite recipes to complement the movie: Pick a family
favorite, or try a recipe you've always wanted to make. With so many
choices of delicious Italian foods, you can't go wrong.
• Offer wine: Italians wouldn't think of having a meal without a glass
of wine. Consider having at least one red and one white wine available
to guests. Here are some food-friendly wine choices:
Castello di Gabbiano Pinot Grigio
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva
Castello di Gabbiano Alleanza
With a little planning and preparation, you'll only have one thing left
to do on movie night: Sit back, relax and let the accolades roll in.
But, be prepared your guests will likely ask for an encore.
Make your entire evening an alfresco experience by watching your
Italian movie outside. Set a television up on the deck or rent a
projection screen for the back yard so you can dine with the stars-
under the stars!
If you want to go even more casual, set up a projector and hang a sheet
up between trees or from a fence. Set out blankets or table cloths on
the lawn and enjoy an Italian dinner picnic style.
