An Alfresco Evening of Texas and Italian Ingredients

Food Creates Community presented its second dinner on Saturday to a wonderfully diverse group of people, many of whom were meeting each other for the first time. We want to thank the Side Dish blog for the nice mention which gave us a bunch of our new guests!

We were fortunate to have beautiful weather to enjoy the dinner outdoors by candlelight, strings of lights and a fire.


With attendees from all over the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, it was amazing to see everyone bonding over good food and company.



The focus for this dinner was an Italian theme, focusing on local ingredients to create flavorful dishes.

Comments from our attendees:

"I enjoyed eating outside, meeting new people and enjoying local ingredients in a non-restaurant setting."

"Flavors and taste were great."

"We felt like guests in your home, not strangers at a house with 35 people we didn't know."

"Everything was enjoyable from the beautiful ambiance to the great concept and delicious food!"

"Food was great, hosts so welcoming and interesting company!"

"I think that 'extended family' atmosphere, you and your friends and your family, your backyard and the weather - all of that is what made this meal and this food taste even more special."

February 7th Menu

"Beginnings" - Polenta, Rudolph's Italian Sausage, 405 Sage
Paired with Blood Orange Martinis - Titos Texas Vodka - Asti Spumante

"House Salad" - Grilled Radicchio - Texas Valley Grapefruit - Hazelnuts - Rehoboth Ranch Bacon - Reduced Basalmic - North Dallas Honey
Paired with La Serra 2007 Moscato d'Asti

"Pizza" - Classic Margarita - Mozzarella Co. Mozzarella - Texas Basil - San Marzanno Tomatoes

Paired with Arancio 2006 Nero D'Avola

"Pesca" - Traditional Risotta (Texmati Arborio) - Braised Red Oak, Texas Spinach - Pine Nut Crusted Wild Atlantic Cod - Golden Raisin Reduction
Paired with Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio

"Spaghetti and Meat Sauce" - 405 Pappardelle, Rehoboth Ranch Bolognese - Texas Portabella - Mozzarella Co. Mozzarella
Paired with Poggio Al Tufto 2006 Toscana

"Ice Cream and Cookies" - Paula's Texas Limoncello - Jon's Gelato - Anise Cookie in Dark Chocolate
Paired with White Rock Espresso and Good Earth Decaf Tea

Thanks again!

It was fantastic to receive such a warm reception to the concept, and we are excited about hosting another dinner in the coming months!

We enjoyed the opportunity to meet some new people who share a love of food. Please feel free to continue to provide feedback regarding your experience and we look forward to seeing you at our next event.

Photographs courtesy of Edd Eason Photography