We will be having some Italian friends over to the villa we're renting outside of Lucca. This will be the first time we are entertaining in Italy and would appreciate any advice we can get.

The gathering will be on a Sunday and we have not yet set the time. One couple has just had una bambina (Cecilia) on 4 maggio and we will have gifts for her. Of course, we are all lovers of Italian wines and Matteo has promised to bring a treat - a Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve '01.

They live about 50 km away, a little over an hour's drive.

In the US we would probably start in the early afternoon with a dip in the pool, wine and light snacks. Such a schedule would seem to conflict with pranzo as the main meal. Should we be Italian or American? Pranzo o antipasti?

I have to admit something - one of the guests is a chef and perhaps we are a little intimidated and, thus, reluctant to attempt a meal... ;-)

Steve - I do not think there is a fix answer to your question - It depends - If this are your friends can't you just ask them what they would like to do ? In any case if he is bringing wine that might be some sort of lunch or dinner suggestion - Also ask him directly since he is a cook if he would like to cook or take a rest - After all he might just prefere to take a break from the kitchen

Paolo - you are making this too easy. Asking them what they want to do? Why didn't I think of that! Probably just pride - trying to appear to be the international traveler, knowledgeable about many cultures. So, OK, I'll ask. Maybe I'll check with mio moglie, Jennifer, first. No use in getting in trouble with her by volunteering her as cook. ;-)

Grazie, Paolo

Ciao Steve,

Come on do it yourself. You have one of the best grocery stores in the world. Start off with a nice Prosecco. Do a light antipasto, roast some veggies,get some zucchini blossoms and fry them. maybe some cheeses etc. Maybe some mushrooms. You know whats good. make a fresh tomato sauce light and tasty,basil, parsley. Maybe a little garlic a dash of hot pepper. fresh bread mmm. If I was there Steve I would do it for you ! lol

Ciao Buona Fortuna

Ed

Eduardo,

Please, join us! I can use all the help I can get. I really like the menu you described... now I have some ideas!

I will be there in the fall. Maybe then. I love Lucca. It was one of the first towns we stayed in. I do wish I was there now. The weather must be nice.

Si diverta!

Ed

Ciao Eduardo,

This has been a very wet spring and may pose problems for this vintage. Matteo tells me that the weather is fine but the forecasts continue to show rain every day.

Lucca is an island of rationality among the tourist clogged cities of Firenze, Pisa and even Siena (one of my favorites). Il centro is pretty much a zona pedonale, with a few biciclette thrown in. Jennifer loves the shopping on Via Filunga and I hang out at the bar on Piazza San Michele, at the corner of Via San Paolino.

If I can get Jennifer to leave me behind when she returns to the US I'll meet you there and we can enjoy some espressi!

Ciao,

Stefano

Make it American-style: barbecue some marinated chicken parts, burgers with lettuce, tomato on rosetto bread, green salad, potato salad, grilled veggies. I'm sure your Italian guests will appreciate it. Make some ice cream with hot chocolate cream sauce for desert. voila. easy does it. -romano da san francisco

Romano - I like that menu as well. I have to go think about this!!!

Ciao ciao!

Comincia con vino e tutto andra bene.

One barrel of wine can work more miracles than a church full of saints.

Fan the sinking flame of hilarity with the wing of friendship; and pass the rosy WINE.

In vino veritas.