The Art of Italian Dining
Creating the perfect dining experience is an art form, one that embodies tradition, elegance, and the beauty of simplicity. With SFERRA’s luxurious table linens and Bona Furtuna’s vibrant flavors, your table transforms into a canvas for celebrating the Italian way of life, where every dish is a masterpiece and every detail counts.
Setting the Scene
A well-curated tablescape is essential for elevating the ambiance. Begin with SFERRA’s table linens in soft, neutral tones, creating a timeless backdrop that juxtaposes with the vivid colors of each dish. Crisp, off-white napkins and tablecloths add elegance and refinement. The understated linens set a serene stage that allows the food to become the focal point, inviting guests into an experience of true Italian hospitality.
ANTIPASTI
Taralli Antipasti Platter
For a true Italian start, a Taralli Antipasti Platter embodies rustic simplicity. Arranged alongside SFERRA’s refined table linens, marinated olives glisten next to bright, pickled giardiniera and rich slices of mortadella or capocollo. Two varieties of cheese—a creamy, soft option and a firm, aged choice—balance the flavors, while taralli crackers add a perfect crunch. The linen’s neutral tones create an elegant contrast that allows the vibrant hues of the antipasti to take center stage. This thoughtful arrangement invites guests to savor the colors and flavors while sharing in the communal spirit of Italian dining.
primi
Linguine alla Gricia
The primi course is a testament to the simplicity and mastery of Italian cuisine. Linguine alla Gricia, with its silky, peppery sauce, marries the flavors of cacio e pepe with the richness of carbonara. The Bona Furtuna linguine, cooked al dente and finished with starchy pasta water, clings to a delicate emulsion of Pecorino Romano and guanciale. The dish, with its subtle golden hue and flecks of black pepper, stands out beautifully against SFERRA’s neutral linens. This juxtaposition of bold, rich pasta on a clean tablecloth celebrates the artistry of traditional Italian cooking, inviting everyone to indulge in each decadent bite.
secondi
Slow-Roasted Chicken with Lemon Blossom Honey Glaze
As the main attraction, the secondi course of slow-roasted chicken with Lemon Blossom Honey glaze is a feast for the senses. The warm, golden tones of the chicken’s crisp skin are enhanced by the subtle sheen of the honey glaze. The addition of Sicilian herbs and a touch of truffle salt lends depth to the dish, while the tender meat melts in the mouth. Served alongside crispy potatoes or lemon-drenched pasta, this dish is both comforting and sophisticated. Against the soft neutral backdrop of SFERRA’s table linens, the rich, warm colors of the chicken create a visual delight that invites guests to dive into the meal with anticipation.
a fresh touch
Radicchio Salad with Orange, Fennel, and Pistachio
To balance the warmth of the secondi, a fresh radicchio salad brings brightness and crunch. Deep purple radicchio mingles with pale green fennel slices and segments of blood and navel oranges, offering a striking visual contrast. The rich emerald of chopped pistachios and vibrant parsley adds texture and color. Drizzled with Bona Furtuna Lemon Salt, Balsamic Vinegar, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, each bite bursts with layers of flavor. The salad’s vivid colors juxtapose beautifully with the understated SFERRA linens, making the table both inviting and lively.
dolce
The Sweet Finish
End the meal with the simplicity of biscotti. These golden, twice-baked Italian cookies offer a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness, perfect for dipping into an espresso or a glass of Vin Santo. Served on a pristine plate, the earthy tones of the biscotti harmonize beautifully with SFERRA’s warm-hued linens, creating a serene and inviting close to the dining experience.
finishing touches
Wine and Ambiance
Complete the experience with Italian wines that complement each course—a crisp white for the salad, a bold red for the secondi, and perhaps a glass of sparkling Prosecco to toast the meal. The soft, elegant backdrop of SFERRA linens turns the table into a sanctuary, inviting guests to savor each moment. The interplay of rich food, vibrant colors, and a serene setting embodies the essence of Italian dining—where life’s finest details come together to create unforgettable memories.
With SFERRA and Bona Furtuna, Italian dining becomes an art form, a sensory experience where flavor meets elegance. This partnership celebrates the beauty of slow living and mindful eating, where every dish is a celebration and every gathering a cherished moment.
Explore the Recipes
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The key to a stunning Italian Antipasti Platter is simplicity. Like all great Italian food, it offers an opportunity to showcase and celebrate each gorgeous inclusion.
Include a selection of marinated olives, giardiniera, 1-2 cured meats (e.g., mortadella or capocollo), and 1-2 cheeses (one soft, one firm). Finish with taralli crackers.
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A symphony of flavor, alla gricia sauce combines the peppery bite of cacio e pepe with the savory elements of carbonara. The key is patience—finishing the noodles in the pan with pasta water ensures a velvety sauce.
Ingredients:
1 box Bona Furtuna Linguine
8 oz guanciale, cut into ¼-inch pieces
1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano, freshly grated
Bona Furtuna Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for finishing
Directions:
1.) Heat a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the guanciale and render the fat until translucent and crispy (about 20 minutes). Remove from heat, add black pepper, and set aside.
2.) Boil water in a large pot, season with salt, and cook the linguine for 5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
3.) Reheat the pan with guanciale over medium heat. Toss the linguine with ¼ cup of pasta water, stirring until absorbed. Add Pecorino Romano and continue tossing until a velvety sauce forms. Adjust with more water if needed.
4.) Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
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A symphony of flavor, alla gricia sauce combines the peppery bite of cacio e pepe with the savory elements of carbonara. The key is patience—finishing the noodles in the pan with pasta water ensures a velvety sauce.
Ingredients:
1 head radicchio
1 fennel bulb
1 blood orange
1 navel orange
1/4 cup pistachios, toasted and roughly choppped
1/4 cup finely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
1 tsp Bona Fortuna Lemon Salt
4 tbsp Bona Fortuna Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 cup Bona Fortuna Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
1.) Preheat the oven to 350°F and toast pistachios until lightly browned. Chop lightly and set aside.
2.) Segment the oranges by cutting away the peel and outer membrane, slicing between the membranes to release the segments.
3.) Halve and thinly slice the radicchio and fennel.
4.) Combine radicchio, fennel, orange segments, and parsley in a large bowl.
5.) In a small bowl, whisk lemon salt, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Dress and toss the salad.
6.) Top with pistachios and black pepper.
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The warm, rich scent of this dish fills the room with comforting nostalgia. The combination of Sicilian herbs and a honey glaze makes each bite bright and flavorful.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
4 tbsp Biancolilla Centinara Olive Oil
2 tbsp Erbe di Sicilia
1 tbsp Trapani Sea Salt
Pinch of truffle salt
Fresh cracked pepper
2 tbsp Lemon Blossom Honey
Directions:
1.) Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2.) Mix the salt, Erbe di Sicilia, truffle salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3.) Pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil. Season with the salt/herb mixture.
4.) Roast for 2 ½-3 hours, until the skin is golden and crisp, and the meat is tender.
5.) Warm the honey in a saucepan and drizzle over the chicken before serving.
