An Italian Thing

The husband and I just returned from two amazing weeks in Tuscany. Eating the local cuisine and drinking the region’s wines was a centerpiece of our vacation, and I’m already jonesing for those wonderful leisurely meals. We ate cheeses, fresh baked breads, incredible cured meats, a different kind of pasta every day and always added a pitcher or bottle of some regional red. I never got tired of any of it. We also sampled some extraordinary top tier wines during visits to three wineries, Argiano, Il Molino di Grace, and Rocca di Frassinello. Big thanks to Flour chef and owner Paul Minnillo; Rudy Basille of Vias Imports, which specializes in Italian wines; and Bill Barefoot with Grand Cru Wine Company for help in setting up these memorable tours and tastings.

photo of our first lunch by Barney Taxel, Taxel Image Group

Imagine how happy I was to hear that Barefoot will be pouring some VIAS wines at A Taste of Little Italy, the 14th annual fundraiser for Holy Rosary Montessori School, on Sunday, Sept. 18. Might be a chance for me to recapture some of my Tuscan joy. He’ll be in good company: A number of distributors will be showcasing their Italian and Italian-style California wines; restaurants from the neighborhood and beyond, will serve appetizers and signature dishes; and bakers are providing traditional breads and sweets. It all happens from 3-7 p.m. in the schoolyard behind the church on Mayfield Road.

There’s live music, silent and live auctions, and a raffle for a trip to Italy that includes airfare. Given what we spent to get there, this is a very big deal. $10 gets you a chance to win, and it’s a good investment in so many ways. Purchase online now, along with entry tickets that give you access to all the food and drink ($70 per person in advance, $75 at the “door”), or call 216-421-0700. Pony up: the school, the kids and your taste buds will say "grazie mille!"