Last evening we went over a friend's house for dinner. These friends are originally from Italy and they go back there 1 - 2 months out of the year, every year, to be with their families who still live there. So even thought they have lived in America for so many years, they have held on to their Italian traditions and still even speak fluent Italian and when speaking American, do so with an accent.

At one time they owned an Italian foccaceria / restaurant in Matawah New Jersey that was just fantastic. Unfortunately the shopping center where they had the foccaceria was sold and the new owner wouldn't renew any of the leases.

Anyway last night they started us out with all the Italian treats such as fresh buffalo mozzerella, suprasatta, home made caponata, assorted italian cheeses, fresh Italian olive bread, wines, etc.

Then when we sat down to dinner she made my favorite, home made Spaghetti Carbonara. Simply delicious. After that she served chicken marsala, veal franchese, and a pork roast made in a garlic and lemon sauce. On the table she also had a bowl of Insalata Frutti Di Mare, a fresh mozzarella and tomato/basil salad, as well as sauteed spinach in garlic and oil an a plate of sauteed string beans.

For dessert they served cheesecake, home made rum cake, Terrone, and fresh Cappuccinos and Espressos, made in an industrial Espresso maker that they once used in their foccaceria/restaurant.

Of course the wine was flowing all night long. EVERYTHING was out of this world. A fantastic evening with some really great friends.


She is just an incredible cook and they both are wonderful hosts.

Needless to say, when the night was over, we all ROLLED out of there!