On Valentine's, passion is at the table with our gourmet tips.

If you are late finding me, insist.
If I am nowhere to be found,
look elsewhere, because I am
sitting somewhere,
waiting for you…
and if you can’t find me anymore, at the bottom of your eyes,
then it means I am inside you.
(Walt Whitman)

We dedicate this newsletter to all the lovers of Italy. To all of you, the beautiful poem taken from the collection Leaves of Grass by the great American poet Walt Whitman. Valentine's Day, a day that is not the only one for those in love, is an opportunity to express it with a flower, a kiss, or a simple caress. Valentine's Day is also the occasion to express it passionately at the table. And this is where we at Spaghetti e Mandolino step in, as we will try to help you make your magical moment of tenderness and passion more gourmet.

Are you thinking of a romantic dinner? For two or maybe for four hands, together. Let's start with a good, simple yet tasty appetizer with a series of crostini made from slices of homemade bread, lightly toasted in the oven or on a grill, on which to spread various creams, from zucchini, jerusalem artichoke, radicchio, pears and walnuts, asparagus and green olives. If you also like a creamier and more intense sensation, a crostino topped with seasoned ground lardo would fit perfectly. Maybe you could also put some eggplant caponata in a small bowl. I also recommend a simple crostino with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a Pacchetella with fresh oregano. For this appetizer, we suggest a sparkling wine that pairs a beautiful seductive bubble with a particular fruity freshness, the Lessini Durello Spumante DOC Roncà di Roncà.

As a first course, a beautiful Pasta Felicetti Senatore Cappelli with Cinta Senese ragù would be perfect for those who love the strong flavors of a Tuscany in love with pasta, to be paired with an excellent Maremma Toscana IGT from Podere San Cristoforo. Or a beautiful Calamarata di Pasta di Gragnano sautéed with passata di Pomodorino del Piennolo del Vesuvio DOP and Red Shrimp from Mazara, to create a unique dish that combines the sweetness of Campanian pasta with the intensity of the genuine tomato, the king of Italian tomatoes. Pair this with a great Falanghina del Sannio.

Let’s not work too hard; let's have fun at the table and enjoy these moments of pleasure sweetly. For a more authentic sharing experience, we suggest a beautiful cheese platter for lovers. A cheese to start with the flavor of life, a piece of Monte Veronese DOP aged with Oseleta grape pomace. A product that combines the strength of mountain milk with the pleasantness of the sweetest grapes from Valpolicella. Then, a captivating and intriguing cheese like Casicavaddro di Sola Bruna, which alternates flavors of yellow flowers with essences of aromatic herbs and walnut leaves. To finish, a cheese born to celebrate the marriage between the great master cheese-maker Antonio Carpenedo and his wife on the day of their fiftieth anniversary: the legendary Blu 61, which recalls the date of their “yes.” A gift from Antonio that today has become the best blue cheese in Italy and has captivated the world of lovers of cheese and a passion for good food. For this platter, choose a sparkling wine Franciacorta Rosé Millesimato by Monzio Compagnoni.

To conclude your dinner, we recommend a beautiful package of Megevan Cocoa and Hazelnut to enjoy with an excellent passito white wine or a good Recioto della Valpolicella.

For a more gourmet after-dinner, we recommend cutting into small pieces the brand new cheese from Casearia Carpenedo, the Blu Gins, a blue cheese aged in Roby Marton Gin. Dip the pieces with a little fork in a London Dry Gin and enjoy a fascinating and curious combination of flavors and ingredients. In short, do what you can to leave your beloved one in awe.

For your partner, we invite you to always choose only the best: our products are carefully selected by true artisans of taste who will know how to give you the emotions you seek, especially on a special day like Valentine’s Day. To ensure your orders arrive on time, we warmly invite you to place your order by 12 PM on Friday, February 2. Bring your heart to the table, with Spaghetti & Mandolino!

Bernardo Pasquali
 

S&M