Italian Style
Glasses clinking, laughter, and great food. Entertaining the Italian way. Salute!
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AL FRESCO FEASTING >>
Paciugo owners Ugo and Cristiana Ginatto, who introduced Dallas to gelato four years ago, spend most summer evenings dining on their sun-dappled porch in Bluffview. Passersby often hear from their house the pleasing strains of glasses clinking, passionate conversation, and laughter. “Dining with our friends is the best way to relax. We Italians love our food,” says Cristiana. Summer meals in Dallas are cucina fresca, freshly prepared food that often is served at room temperature. “We prefer light food that we can eat, enjoy, and feel good after. Nothing heavy.” Using produce from the Farmer’s Market, Cristiana counters the late summer heat with cool pastas and rice salads “to keep my guests refreshed.” Cristiana’s Insalata di Pasta Siciliana is simple and delicious: Combine fusili or penne pasta cooked al dente with chopped fresh, raw tomatoes, cut basil leaves, and shredded scamorza affumicata cheese. Drizzle with good olive oil and mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Delicioso!
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<< SALUTE!
Anywhere in Italy, you can mosey up to a bar and order a Prosecco, an Italian-style sparkling wine served in tiny flutes at about 75 cents a pop. Central Market has Prosecco from no fewer than 10 producers; it’s wonderful as an apéritif or served at a big bash with a salty or cheese-based cana. Prosecco available at: Central Market. 5750 E. Lovers Ln. 214-234-7000; 320 Coit Rd., Plano. 469-241-8300.
