A Night In Portovenere

Ciao Bella

(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

Inspired by a recent trip to the picturesque Ligurian coast in Italy (and much "research"); we invite you to a great dining experience by the sea. 

Our last night was spent enjoying fantastic seafood at Le Tre Torri over looking the "Golfo dei Poeti"(the Gulf of Poets) with a full moon lighting up the sea. Ah, what a great experience. You know it's going to be good when you're sitting at your table in the restaurant and a fisherman in waders walks through the front door with two tubs full of the fresh catch of the day. 

So pull up a chair as we enjoy fresh grilled tuna, listening to a little Luciano and the boys while we sip on our Spritz. 

The pots are on!

The Plate...

Grilled Tuna Steak / Tagliatelle con Pesto & Sun Dried Tomato 

This is one great tasting and perfect dish for a romantic evening by the sea... or just hanging out on your back patio (cue the ocean sound machine). The combination of the smoky grilled fish with the creamy pasta is awesome. 

It's really easy and quick to make, so get busy. You may want to pour yourself a "Spritz" first. 

Boun Appetito!

What you need...

For the tuna-

2 eight oz tuna steaks (about an inch thick)
Zest of one lemon 

3 sprigs of rosemary

2 tbsp parsley

4 cloves garlic/crushed

2 tbsp fresh ground pepper

1/2 cup soy sauce

For the Pesto - 

3 tbsp chopped garlic (9-10 cloves)

5 cups fresh basil

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp ground pepper

1 1/2 cups olive oil

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Sun dried tomatoes for the pasta (optional)

What you do...

For the tuna - 

Place tuna in a large plastic bag and add all the ingredients.

Marinate for 30 minutes. 

Heat your grill to medium high. 

Cook steaks 3 minutes per side.

For the pesto - 

Place garlic, salt, pepper and basil in a food processor and blend slowly pouring in the olive oil. 

Add the Parmesan and puree for 1 minute.

Boil the pasta to al dente (firm to the taste).

Plate your dish mixing in the sun dried tomatoes and pesto. 

The Playlist...

A Night In Portovenere

It doesn't get any better than Luciano Pavarotti singing Caruso... always gets me. If you want to set the stage for a nice romantic evening, then this is the playlist for you. 

Opening with Chris Botti and Andrea Bocelli teaming up on "Italia" and finishing with Andrea telling you it's time to say goodbye ("Con Te Partiro"). 

And just in case you haven't heard of him, I think you're going to love Nicola Arigliano. Try out Buaonasera Signorina. 

Have another Spritz sit back and enjoy. 

("The Playlist" runs on Spotify. Don't have Spotify?... Click here it's free )

The Bar...

Italiano Spritz

What you need...

3 parts prosecco

2 parts Aperol or Campari (bitter orange liqueur)

1 part soda water

Slice of orange

What you do...

Pour over ice into a large wine glass and add orange slice. 

Buonasera Signorina... 

Kiss Me Goodnight!

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!