Dinner with Francesco, The Singing Chef, benefitting Communities In Schools


Our home was the site of a special dinner Last Friday night.

Francesco Milano, The Singing Chef, prepared the most wonderful Italian meal and sang Italian love songs on a perfect evening set amid ancient oak trees, a tidewater creek meandering from the Intracoastal Waterway and a prevailing southeasterly breeze.

The dinner, purchased at an auction benefitting Communities In Schools of  Nassau County, was hosted by Clara Miller (Aunt Vern),  Chuck Comeau and Mary Ruark.  Dave and I opened our home for the event.

Table set for dinner at Kathy and Dave's with Francesco the Singing Chef photo by Kathy Miller

Green napkin on orange tablecloth photo by Kathy Miller

Orange napkin on Green and orange floral tablecloth

Green crystal goblet on orange shawl photo by Kathy Miller

 Francesco Milana is a dream to work with.  After an earlier in the week visit to check out my kitchen have and have nots, he and Karen arrived at 3:30 ready to prep, chop, slice, and stir sauces.

Karen fills the bruschetta cups photo by Kathy Miller

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears photo by Kathy Miller

Stove top with pots, pans and sauces photo by Kathy Miller

Francesco prepares photo by Kathy Miller

As our guests arrived, we gathered on the deck to enjoy cocktails, a delightful breeze and views of the marsh and Intracoastal Waterway.  

Dave, Cathy and Charlie on the marsh with  Intracoastal Waterway views photo by Kathy Miller

Joe and Mary under the big oak trees photo by Kathy Miller

Chuck enjoying the deck photo by Kathy Miller

Karen serves the appetizers photo by Kathy Miller

 Bruschetta cups and Prosciutto wrapped asparagus.

Bruschetta cups and Asparagus wrapped with prosciutto photo by Kathy Miller

Clara and Jeanne photo by Kathy Miller

Gloria and Clara enjoy The Singing Chef photo by Kathy Miller

Sisters Karen and Susan photo by Kathy Miller

Francesco and Susan Milana photo by Kathy Miller

 Francesco welcomes his wife Susan and now the Singing can begin.

Francesco greets wife, Susan before singing photo by Kathy Miller

Francesco’s forte is singing Italian arias between each course.

 Be sure to click on the above you tube video to totally appreciate Francesco Milana!

After the singing photo by Kathy Miller

more Vino photo by Kathy Miller

Mike and Gloria with Sheldon photo by Kathy Miller

Sheldon, our new Mini Whoodle puppy was the second biggest hit of the party (behind Francesco).

Kathy and Sheldon our mini whoodle puppy photo by Kathy Miller

 A mini Whoodle is a mix between a Wheaton Terrier and a Miniature Poodle.

We progressed to the dinner tables ready for our Italian experience.

Getting ready for dinner with Francesco photo by Kathy Miller

Menu

Bruschetta in Pastry Cup

 Asparagus wrapped with Prosciutto

 Baby Romaine and Endive with Mustard Vinaigrette, Infused with shallots

 Homemade Fettuccine with Ragu Bolognese

 Baked Salmon with Lemon Juice and Basil Cream Sauce over Puree of Cauliflower With Baby Carrots

 Tiramisu

 

The salad…

Mixed Greens with Endive, Dates, Pecans,  and Crumbled Goat Cheese with a Shallot Infused Vinaigrette photo by Kathy Miller

Baby Romaine and Endive with Dates, Pecans, Crumbled Goat Cheese with a Shallot Infused Mustard Vinaigrette

Baby Romaine and Endive Salad photo by Kathy Miller

Francesco singing before the salad course photo by Kathy Miller

Homemade Fettuccini with Ragu Bolognese 

Homemade Fettuccine with Ragu Bolognese photo by Kathy Miller

Baked Salmon with Lemon Juice and Basil Cream Sauce over Puree of Cauliflower With Baby Carrots 

Baked Salmon with Lemon and Basil Cream Sauce over  pureed cauliflower and Baby Carrots photo by Kathy Miller

Baked Salmon by candlelight on the orange table photo by Kathy Miller

 And The Piece de Resistance…Tiramisu

Francesco's drizzles chocolate on his Tiramisu photo by Kathy Miller

Chocolate on Francesco''s Tiramisu photo by Kathy Miller

Voila! or in Italian Ecco photo by Kathy MillerVoila!   Ecco!

Thank you Francesco for a memorable evening. Please visit his website by clicking here.

 Thank you Clara, Chuck and Mary for supporting Communities In Schools.

For those of you who know me well, you know my passion for family, friends, food and setting a great table.  I have painted many a tablescape.  Think I may have some inspiration from this party.

Did you notice the orange tablecloth?  This was a gift from great friends and it is not a tablecloth.  It is a shawl, a serape that I love and decided to use on my table.  Don’t worry it cleans up well!

Kathy's shawl used as a tablecloth photo by Kathy Miller

And with my usual sign off…

Watch for upcoming stories from my summer travels.

 I welcome your comments, recipes and any inside information on your favorite tailgating spots.

Come celebrate with me.  I’ll save you a seat at the table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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