So the theme was Italian, in celebration of recent holiday, and I selected some dishes I have done before, and some easy to prepare early.
So here's how the night went:
Aperitivo was first up. A Martini (it may be American in origin, but was most likely invented by an Italian - Wikipedia lists the possible inventors).
Next up was Bruschetta. I prefer the pure version of a rub of garlic, olive oil and a tiny dash of salt. But here I provided some tomatoes and basil as a side, so my guest (me!) could have it both ways.
Wine for the above course was a crisp Verdicchio from the coast opposite where we stayed in Tuscany, but it was recommended by the nice person at Regional, so who was I to argue. It was just perfect for the next dish, fish. Actually Stemperata. I do this one a bit, but hit a high with it tonight.
Pasta next, with Mama Agata's tomato sauce (never fails to please). Switch to red now, a Chianti Rufina which was full-bodied and took me back to the Sangiovese dominant wines we tasted in Tuscany (so often!).
Main meat dish was Saltimbocca, but I'm afraid I was disappointed in how it worked out. I've tried it once before, but haven't got it right yet. I used beef instead of veal (because I had it in the freezer) and it was a bit tough.
Now for something I prepared earlier - and the first time I have ever done one. Tiramisu! I must say I was very pleased with my first production. Photo shows dolce, caffè, and digestivo which was grappa tonight.
Went to bed while they were still blathering-on on RNZ, they should have wrapped it up at midnight. There really wasn't anything more to say.
But let me leave you with this choice quote from none-other than the Observer (got to be careful not to spell that Opserver).
"The future of New Zealand's new government has been put in the hands of Winston Peters, a cantankerous, anti-immigration politician who prefers fishing to politics," The Observer said.