A Romantic Dinner for Two in Florence
Things to Do
 
Here is a checklist of things to do and things to buy at the store in order to host this party:

Dinner in Florence - Element of Fun2

2-3 weeks prior: 2-3 weeks prior: set the date


call merchants for hard-to-find ingredients: frozen porcini mushrooms can be purchased through Earthy Delights, Dewitt, MI  1-800-367-4700;


consult with your specialty wine store about Italian wines to complement the menu if our suggestions are not available


sketch out how you would like your table to look – use the tabletop checklist in the general tips section to help you decide what elements you would like to included


order CDs if needed


1-2 weeks prior: Order floral arrangements and shop for or borrow table accessories such as:

 Element of Fun: Create notes to share with chocolate.

 Table linens (runners, cocktail napkins, coasters) and decorative items (votive holders, candles, vases, chargers, bowl for chocolates)

 

 

 

Barilla_grocery_woman

2 days prior: Get the table ready
 set the table, glassware, candles

1-2 Days Prior: Grocery Shop
 
■ Produce
 1 head Tuscan cauliflower (may substitute white cauliflower)
 1 bulb garlic
 5 sprigs fresh rosemary
 2 leaves fresh sage
 1 white onion
 4 fresh plum tomatoes

■ Dairy
 1 small wedge Tuscan Pecorino cheese

■  Grocery
 1 bottle Tuscan olive oil
 1 lb. beef tenderloin
 4 ounces ground beef
 4 ounces ground pork
 6 scampi (may substitute large, peeled and de-veined shrimp)
 1 can beef broth
 1 can (9 ounces) chick peas
 1 can (9 ounces) cannelloni beans
 1 loaf French bread
 1 box Barilla Mostaccioli

■  Possible pantry/fridge items
 coarse salt
 pepper

■   Specialty/Gourmet store
 1 bottle dry red wine
 1 bottle prosecco
 1/2 lb.  porcini mushrooms, frozen (may substitute dried)
 chocolates

Dinner in Florence - Primi

Same Day: We recommend preparing all the food the day of for the best tasting, freshest experience. Plate food onto dinner plates and serve.

3 Hours Prior: Chill prosecco.


½ Hour Prior:
Light Candles
Open wine
Place chocolates and notes in dish