Seven hungry – and beautiful – women. Six varieties of pasta. Five bottles of wine: 2 red, 3 white. Four Italian speakers. Three tasty desserts. Two handsome men. One fabulous dinner.

Trofie with mushrooms. Irresistible.

Pappardelle with ragu of braised beef short ribs.

Garganelli with fish, tomatoes, herbs and olives.

Orecchiette special, with verdura e pepperoncino.

These were tube-shaped 'gnocchetti di pane e spinaci', that is, pasta made with spinach and milk-soaked bread, served in burro e salvia. Must learn more.

 

Fish stew.

I fear that the tumbling economy will close my favorite Italian restaurant. Where will I go, then, for inspiration? I love what Osteria’s now doing with special events, but could neither afford to spend $85-$130 a pop for an entertaining evening nor convince a friend to dish out so much cash for some fun. Hmmm.