LORENZA DE MEDICI AT VIVANDE!
OCTOBER 17 2007

Come dine with Lorenza de' Medici at Vivande, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 17, 2007. Enjoy a simple, elegant Tuscan meal of delicious recipes from Lorenza's "Villa Table", paired with wines of the Badia a Coltibuono chosen for the menu by her son, Roberto Stucchi Prinetti. Lorenza is visiting the United States to help raise funds for the Friends of FAI, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Italy's architectural heritage. Vivande is delighted to welcome her and to help support this important cause.

In March of 1987 Vivande did two memorable wine dinners with Lorenza; (some of us have never forgotten the California wild boar who attended !) We have chosen favorite recipes from each of those menus to make up a light and tasty meal for this visit:

L'Aperitivo:	Crostini di Fegatini Toasts w/chicken liver	Trappoline, 2005
L'Antipasto:	Alici Marinata con Insalatina Marinated anchovies, w/salad	Chianti Classico, 2005
Il Primo:	Gnocchi di spinachi alla cr�me Spinach Gnocchi w/bechamel	Sangioveto, 2000
Il Secondo:	Costolette alle erbe Herbed Cutlets Le Verdure: Cipolle agli amaretti Onions w/amaretti Bietoline al pangrattato Swiss chard w/breadcrumbs	Classico Grandi Riserva, 1993
Il Dolce:	Mele alle cr�me Apples w/ cream sauce	Vin Santo, 2001
Capo Cuocco: Carlo Middione        Sous Chef: Mark Fantino

Lorenza is a direct descendant of the De Medici clan, whom she resembles. She is widely known as a food journalist, TV personality, and founder of the cooking program at the Badia a Coltibuono. The Badia, or the Abbey of the Good Harvest, was built centuries ago in the hills of Chianti by the Benedictine Monks; was seized by Napoleon; was rescued, restored, and preserved by the family of the late Piero Stucchi Prinetti, Lorenza's husband, who have now watched over it for more than 100 years.

Over twenty years ago Lorenza founded the Villa Table cooking program at the Badia; it introduces visitors deeply into the ways of Tuscan estate life, dining around in neighbors' villas, and participating in hands-on cooking experiences. Groups of twelve per class are accommodated in the old monk's quarters of the historic Abbey. Lorenza's daughter, Emmanuela, maintains the classes usually from April 'til November of each year.

FAI, literally translated as foundation for the Italian ambiance is a private foundation in Italy whose mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the value of Italy's artistic, historical, and environmental heritage. Since its founding in 1975 it has been extremely instrumental in restoring numerous public edifices for the enjoyment of visitors from around the world. Friends of FAI is a non-profit organization established in the U.S. to help provide support to FAI in Italy.

Admission to the dinner at Vivande with Lorenza de Medici is by advance reservation only. Vivande's space is limited; early response is advised. Reservations may be held ONLY if guaranteed by a credit card, not tendered until the day of the event. Reservations may be made by calling Vivande, (415) 346-4430; ask for Lisa Middione; or, if she is not available, Bob Poirier, Accountant; Patrick Collins, Retail; Ishmael or Baker in the Café. Or, E-Mail Lisa: lisa@vivande.com about the space you want and say how we may phone you to confirm availability and obtain your credit card information and any special instructions. Cancellations may be accepted without charge through Saturday, October 13. After that, reservations may not be cancelled, although they may be transferred. Tables at Vivande seat eight. Every effort is made to seat parties together if requested in advance. Table numbers are assigned on arrival at the event.

Admission to this event with Lorenza de Medici is $200 per person, all inclusive of tax and service, AND ALSO INCLUDING A $75 TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION PER EACH TICKET TO Friends of FAI, for which a tax receipt will be given to each participant. For further information and any questions, please call Lisa Middione, Vice President and Co-Owner of Vivande, at (415) 346-4430.

This is going to be a beautiful evening. We hope to see you!
Lisa and Carlo Middione

Parking at the Hospital garage, Clay and Webster; City Lot on California between Fillmore and Steiner; Kabuki Garage, Fillmore and Geary.