Tag Archives: dinner party

Erin’s Thoughts: Right is Wrong?

A question in the restaurant industry that has been up for debate for years: which is the correct way to serve and clear each guest’s place settings? Is it better to serve and clear the guest’s dishes from the left or from the right?

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Some go by “service on the left, clearing on the right”, which originated from when butlers would present food to their guests on the left side. The guest would then either take food from what the butler had showcased or the butler would serve them but both would be served on the right side. This is also thought to be less intrusive to guests as more people are right handed than left handed; therefore, you won’t be reaching over your guest to deliver their meal.

Others seem to believe that “service and clearing from the right” is the correct way to serve. This is because wine is always served on the right as the wine glasses are set on the right side above the plate. The only food that should be presented on the left is bread because each guest’s bread plate is on the left.

I personally have seen servers do a little bit of both but I think it all comes down to whatever the guest is comfortable with. Every server’s goal is to make the diner happy and to make the overall experience pleasant.

And although there are many ways to serve, we here at Via Umbria think that it is most important to enjoy your meal, your company, and your dining experience. If you haven’t already been to an event or dinner at Via Umbria, I highly recommend that you do so you can see what we’re all about! We have so many different options to offer; whether it be a delectable meal at one of our Chef’s Table dinners, eating a quick lunch or dinner in our Cafe, or attending one of our many cooking or cocktail classes. Come hungry and we’ll do the rest from there!

Table Etiquette Read more

A question in the restaurant industry that has been up for debate for years: which is the correct way to serve and ...

That Was Toga-lly Awesome

Et tu Brute?” I gasp dramatically, clutching my chest and looking wistfully out as I collapse on the steps of the Roman senate, taking the fabled and famed Shakespearean line and bringing it to vivid and dramatic life. Or at least I thought so.

When I graduated from college, I took some time off to travel across Europe. One of my stops was Rome, and on a walking tour with people from my hostel, the tour guide mentioned that these were the steps where Julius Caesar was thought to have been stabbed. Now, I couldn’t very well pass up that opportunity, and so, clearly, I didn’t. Theatrical deaths had always been this English major’s personal favorite after all.

DSCF2588Fast forward four years and here I am, at Via Umbria, taking part in a Roman-themed murder mystery dinner party. And what a party it was! True to form, I got to play an intriguing character (I won’t name any names), who so luckily for me was that unlucky soul cruelly murdered halfway through dinner. I took my cue (the lights shutting off), and once more allowed my inner diva to take over as I fell to the floor, pausing momentarily to gasp, one hand pressed to my heart, the other reaching forward as my laurel wreath fell off my head.

My flair for the dramatic however, was more than topped by the amazing guests we had turn up to last Tuesday’s “Terror in a Toga” murder mystery dinner party. False identities, three courses of feasting and feuding, and head-to-toe Roman garb made this dinner party a night to remember. As we sat at the table, fully enthralled with the characters around us, we experienced this story come to life with each accusation, question, or declaration of love and fealty. Accompanying this plot of intrigue was a meal worthy of the Roman Senate, and the only time there was silence on this raucous evening was when the food momentarily pulled us away from the ‘whodunnit?’of it all.DSCF2581

Bribery (with our Roman coins), backstabbing and bardic soliloquies were strongly encouraged, and very well received. This evening thrived because the guests were toga-lly down to party ancient Roman style: with delicious food, gladiator fights and of course a healthy dose of intrigue.

So, what do you get when you mix a room full of strangers with false identities, good food and a selection of Italian wines to dazzle? Your new favorite Tuesday night activity of course! For those of you who missed it this time around, definitely keep your eye on our calendar for the next Murder Mystery Dinner Party, and sign up to get your chance to act, eat and laugh your heart out. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll even get a chance to one-up my delightfully dramatic dying skills. Maybe.

A murder mystery dinner at Via Umbria Read more

“Et tu Brute?” I gasp dramatically, clutching my chest and looking wistfully out as I collapse on the steps of the Roman ...

Photo Diary: Umbrian Dinner with Chef Simone

Two weeks ago we had the delight of having Chef Simone create the perfect dinner for a small crowd of 18 people. Here are the photos from the enchanting night.

The guests wait patiently for the first course
The guests wait patiently for the first course
Simone and Dorrie Gleason prepare the first course
Simone and Dorrie Gleason prepare the first course

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Slicing Cheese

Via Umbria owner Suzy Menard
Via Umbria owner Suzy Menard

Italian Dinner Party

Chef Simone and Via Umbria Employee Elsa Bruno
Chef Simone and Via Umbria Employee Elsa Bruno
Simone cooks his handmade pasta for a naked lasagna
Simone cooks his handmade pasta for a naked lasagna

Dinner Conversation

Asparagus and Fava Bean Puree is dished up
Asparagus and Fava Bean Puree is dished up

Simone Priotti Pesci

Third Course
Third Course, paired with Sagrantino

Potatoes with Pork

Want to cook with Simone in Umbria this summer? There are still two weeks open in July.

And if you’re loving the fantastic hand-painted plates, hop on over to Emporio to shop our recently opened online ceramics store!

Ci Vediamo!

–Via Umbria

Snap shots from a special night Read more

Two weeks ago we had the delight of having Chef Simone create the perfect dinner for a small crowd of 18 people. ...

Hosting the Perfect Umbrian Barbecue

Barbecue season is upon us. We love the usual barbecue, with the classic American fixings. But halfway through June (after many a weekend spent around the grill) we begin to crave something a little different, something a bit more…Umbrian.  Treat your guests to a barbecue with an Italian twist they are sure to remember by following this simple guide.


Popping Champagne

To begin…

Snacks: Pistachios and Olives

Wine Pairing: Brut

For those abstaining from alcohol: Refreshing Italian Soda

As people pour into a barbecue, it is important to pour some wine right from the start, to put people at ease and in the mood of an extended dinner. Italian soda is perfect for those who do not drink, and sets an equally exciting tone. We usually reach for the Scacciadiavoli Brut, as a small glass of something bubbly lifts the spirits. Pistachios and olives (our favorites are here) are a simple and easy choice for pre-meal noshing, as the grill gets fired up, and everyone arrives.

Scacciadiavoli Rose

Next…

First Course: Antipasti Misti

Wine Pairing: Grechetto

The antipasti for a barbecue is so easy, and is something those guests wishing to contribute can easily bring. For the first course, as we wait for the grill, we eat an Italian blue cheese, grilled artichokes, and bruschetta. Quickly spreading some roasted tomato spread on toast is another lovely option.

IMG_8058 Bruschetta

The first course…

Primo – Pasta (salad)

Wine Pairing: Montefalco Rosso 

It’s time to veer off from the boring pasta salad served at most barbecues and dish up something fresh and classically Italian. All we want right now are tomatoes, summertime tomatoes. We love Simone’s Fresh Fava Beans and Roasted Cherry Tomato pasta, which is quick, easy, and delicious. We used bucatini in his recipe, but orecchiette, gigli, and trottole are perfect options for an easy pasta salad that can be made beforehand or on the spot.

The main affair…

Secondo – the meat!

Wine Pairing: Sagrintino

Dish: Grilled Lamb, asparagus, and potatoes

For the main course, we get a little creative with grilled lamb, paired with the full tannic Sagrantino wine. This is a grilled meat that is worth remembering. The asparagus and potatoes (in lieu of potato salad) are always a hit.

Roasted Lamb Lamb with Asparagus and Potatoes Roasted Asparagus

As the night winds down, and the grillmaster/chef takes off his jacket, everyone is sure to be full and happy. Hosting a barbecue to remember doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as the wine is flowing, the food is fresh and Italian, and the company is robust. Explore Emporio before you have your next Italian BBQ, to gather the goods for a memorable evening.

— Via Umbria

All the tips and tricks Read more

Barbecue season is upon us. We love the usual barbecue, with the classic American fixings. But halfway through June (after many a ...