Holiday Weekend, Picnic Plans!

Soak up some sun while reveling in friends, family, and a taste of the outdoors. This holiday weekend should include a picnic. Regardless of the social agenda, attending or hosting gatherings or a clear schedule, the picnic will always fit the bill. From simple to over-the-top, the ways to incorporate a picnic this Memorial Day Weekend are countless.

The Italian style picnic can be customized as rustic and simple for two, or as a bountiful, yet manageable option for large crowds. The Italian staples consist of bread, olives, a pasta dish that can be enjoyed at room temperature, and various roasted vegetables. This style picnic is great for anytime of the day and can be spread out in any location, even on a blanket in the backyard.

Sample Italian Picnic Menu:

Fresh Italian Bread, such as Semolina, Bastone, or Ciabatta
Assorted olives
Pappardelle with olive oil, fresh lemon, fresh basil, fresh mint
Roasted zucchini, red, yellow, and orange peppers, tomatoes

Use the more traditional picnic fare but, opt for a theme. Whether it be seafood, sandwiches, or a grill menu. Hosting a backyard party with a food theme keeps the essence of simplicity a picnic boasts in tact. Cover outdoor tables with kitschy plaid tablecloths and newspaper for a lobster, crawfish, and crab boil complete with shell crackers for guests. Arrange dishes of drawn butter, fresh lemon halves, and various spices throughout the table. The boiled seafood, corn, and potatoes can be served straight from the table. The same family-style set up can be implemented for a "make-your-own" sandwich bar or with the necessities for grilling out. All options adhere to a relaxed crowd (and host/hostess) present simply to enjoy being outside, eating, and mingling with other guests.


Photo courtesy of potterybarn.com

Sample Traditional Picnic Menus:

Shellfish Boil
Various shellfish (lobster, crab, crawfish, shrimp, mussels)
Corn on the cob
Red skin potatoes

Sandwich Bar
Variety of each:
Rolls, lettuce, pickles, roasted vegetables, cheese, deli meat, mustard, mayo, hot peppers
Homemade potato chips w/crumbled blue cheese

Grill Menu
Marinated chicken (choose 2 favorite styles, such as Caribbean Jerk and Teriyaki)
Grilled fresh fruit, watermelon, pineapple, peaches
Asparagus
Portobella mushrooms
Assorted salads

The picnic will travel with whatever the weekend may bring. Prep an actual picnic basket (or buy a pre-arranged set with price points from $15-$350 on Google shopping search engine, surely one will be suitable) to have ready for impromptu invitations. Neighbors said come over? The basket is an exceptional means to transport food to contribute to the pooled meal. A more thoughtful approach, such as for a host/hostess gift, would be to fill the picnic basket with favorite food items (barbecue sauce, gourmet spreads, honey, jam) for their enjoyment in the future. Pack a favorite cheese and fruit pairing to share that day if asked to bring a dish.


A National Geographic Favorite Picnic Spot: Villa Borghese Gardens, Rome, Italy Photograph by Hemis/Alamy

Grab a Frisbee and the picnic basket and go. Host a sensational party, with ease. Share food favorites with great company. In any style, the picnic should be a priority and the pinnacle of enjoyment during the long weekend. Happy Memorial Day!


What are some of your favorite picnic foods?

Share pictures to our Facebook page of your Memorial Day picnics... we'd love to see Pino Gelato quarts/pints Scooping Some Happiness during celebrations this holiday weekend!

Palio della Rana



Fermignano, Italy

"Ribbit, ribbit", accompanied by massive crowd cheers isn't all that unusual in Fermignano, Italy this Sunday. Frogs are taken very seriously at the annual Golden Frog Race, Palio della Rana, held the Sunday after Easter in the Marche region to celebrate Fermignano's independence from The Duke of Montefeltro 1607. So seriously that the frogs are examined by a doctor before and after the race, to assure health and lack of tampering. Of all the oddities, the event also includes Medieval costumes, Renaissance garb, and food and beverage that certainly would displease the featured participants.


Fried Frog Legs

Young men representing one of the five regions in Fermignano dress up Medieval style accordingly by color to operate a frog occupied wheelbarrow through the street race. If the frog jumps, the lad must stop to retrieve it and resume once the frog is back in place. Intense.

The cheering and celebration form with a kick off parade welcoming the party weekend that includes historical attire including falconers and a spotlight on, rather ironic, eats. Fried frog legs are the widespread menu offering during the famous festival. Attendees can expect live music, fireworks, and ancient craftsmen in addition to the main attractions. Fired up patrons root for their district contender until the first lad/frog/wheelbarrow ensemble crosses the finish line declaring the winner of this year's Palio della Rana.


Falconers on parade goers.


The famous frog race is accurately described as hysterical, unusual, and amusing. Festivals of all varieties are a draw to Italy, Palio della Rana is certainly an event that does not disappoint in terms of tradition and entertainment. Festivals are a popular attraction for planning and choosing travel destinations. Many regions host versions of their city's independence days, but Fermignano is the only to feature frogs in this outlandish and swell festival.

Does your city have an unusual celebration? We would enjoy having a variety of offbeat traditions at events from all over the globe in the comments section below!

 

Catering Needs Covered!

 

Special occasions are meant to celebrate and honor with only the best offerings. To create a gathering that will be remembered as a step out from the ordinary add a touch of European flair with gelato catering. The attention to authenticity, the high-standard of quality, and the individual intent Pino Gelato rewards to attendees is the most unique treat to be enjoyed at any event. 

Pino Gelato has perhaps the most special of all occasions in a lifetime covered as far as gelato catering for "The Big Day", as previously elaborated on our wedding post. The excellence presented in the creamy, natural, and decadent dessert offering of gelato is appropriate for a multitude of events. Host a gelato social to show appreciation for employees with to-go box catering inclusive of everything needed to serve gelato, to-go box catering is the perfect means for a smaller gathering. When hosting any intimate sized celebration allow gelato to become a signature staple on the menu, repeat guests will admire the various flavors and look forward to trying the gelato at each. Pino Gelato cakes are available for just about any instance and add a delectable component as well as a gorgeous visual to showcase then serve. Cakes are customizable by taste, color, shape and size making them ideal for any function. Incorporating gelato as a dessert tradition opens numerous display opportunities from individual servings & cupcakes, large cakes, or extravagant gelato tarts & specialty desserts.

 

For large conferences, parties, and award ceremonies a gelato cart is an exemplary option. Six flavor choices and a server tending to the Pino Gelato cart fills the entertainment and joyous taste components at the biggest events. Ideal for sporting events, tournaments, or community gatherings gelato is an above par choice to serve to all for it's healthier attributes in comparision to dye filled ice or additives present in common ice-cream. Gelato has been served multiple times over the years at major events, such as The Academy Awards, to rooms full of the most discerning patrons. The gelato flavors can be customized from traditional, seasonal, or even color scheme to match corporate sponsors, sports teams, or decor for the special celebration. Give a level of sophistication to the people deserving of honor and allow gelato to headline as "A Scoop of Happiness" at the next social event. Smiles will ensue from all.

Gelato catering is the perfect dessert solution providing a personal touch with individual servings yet boasting full presence at the grandest and largest of events. Allow guests to dabble in the sumptuous treat with Pino Gelato Catering taking perfect care of the serving regardless of the gelato option selected for the event. Gelato will replace the mundane and be the hit of the party!

For information on Pino Gelato Catering visit our webite www.pinogelato.com and contact us!

Healthy Italian Style

Anno nuovo, vita nuova in Italian translates to: New Year, new life (let’s make a fresh start).  To eat and live healthy in 2013 the Italian food culture will steer any lifestyle into a better, fresher way of dining.  There are numerous staple ingredients indicative of Italian cooking that have immense health benefits.  Commit to a fresh start through reengaging the focus of food to time shared with family and friends with an appreciation for the preparation and elements of the meal and a courtesy to refrain from over indulgence.



No Italian grandmother wants to hear a family member is on a diet, food should never qualify as a stipulation.  Instead, while the average mind jumps to hearty pasta dishes and decadent treats while imagining Italian food, the focus is naturally on wholesome dishes meant to bring families together over a respect for the meal.  In Italy the mid-day meal or lunch is the larger portion over any other daily meal. The longer break during the day allows for time to gather with family and friends and leaves dinner to typically be of lighter fare much like an American lunch. Try to implement this on the weekend or days off to start.  Another benefit of this structure is to include others in the process. Cooking together will teach children or family and friends of all ages that allotting time to prepare a meal with whole foods ignites a connection to the kitchen that will result in fewer processed meals and create the proper guidance for eating well.  Commit to any opportunity to cook or eat together as a daily celebration of life, an excellent way to become healthier this year.

Italian cooking is simple and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean poultry, dairy, and healthy fats such as olive oil.  Tomatoes, a staple in many dishes, have health benefits such as lycopene a type of antioxidant and vitamin c.  Garlic has both anti-fungal and antibiotic properties and adds a tremendous amount of natural flavor.  Olive oil is used as the primary cooking oil and is high in monounsaturated fat, when used in place of butter the saturated fat in dishes are reduced.  Dark leafy greens, vegetables, and herbs are appreciated by Italians and used often in whole grain pasta dishes.  This Mediterranean style of diet has been rejoiced as both decadent and beneficial. 



Antipasti salad The Food Network

Beyond the health benefits of the commonly used foods, portion control is important when implementing the Italian way of dining.  Due to the socialization aspect of meals and the rich fresh ingredients present it is simple to stop when a person is full. Moderation of real foods allows room to indulge on a small sweet treat.  Gelato or pastry on occasion, is a right and a much better choice over processed sweets.  Espresso and coffee products are part of daily intake and do aid in boosting metabolism and digestion.  It is ritual to share an espresso after finishing a meal in Italy and a welcomed tradition to help set pace over the busy American, often rushed, mealtime.

Incorporate the Italian lifestyle and cuisine and discover a new quest for the perfect balance of life and food.  Shift the way food is consumed with leading example. Enjoying the best foods with the best people in a respectful manner will allow for an added abundance of health and happiness in 2013. Vita Nouva!

The Italian Way

“There are 2 kinds of people in the world, those who are Italian, and those who wish they were Italian,” Mario Batali, a famous Italian-American chef spoke these words at a food and wine festival conveying the passion for Italian food. 

 

Entertaining with Italian food is as easy as it is delicious!

Anti-pasti, served as a first course at formal Italian meals, consists of meats, cheeses, olives, roasted vegetables, and is served with crusty bread.  The pure joy of anti-pasti is that it can be prepared in various spreads customized to taste of the crowd.  Typical meats used are prosciutto, capicola, sopressata, and aged cheeses such as parmesan, asiago, and provolone.  

The upcoming holiday season brings out of town guests and a busier social calendar, having the staples for anti-pasti on hand is the first step to hospitality and reduces the inconvenience with time consuming preparations of other choices. Success in an Italian’s kitchen has a visual presence with hanging prosciutto and a giant wedge of parmesan cheese. Anti-pasti creates an instant atmosphere of conviviality amongst groups of friends and family and can be enough to entertain for hours.  

  

Sauce simmering on the stove on Sunday morning through mid-afternoon is a staple for many Italian-American families.  Traditionally the sauce, or “gravy”, is prepared with meats and served with pasta. The Sunday sauce has even been transported to stadiums for tailgating feasts, using a large pot on top of a grill to boil the pasta, thus never skipping a week.  For a Sunday sauce/gravy recipe, ask friends who are Italian or a local Italian chef, they will share tips from a handed down version that is perfected. The serious commitment to food and the simplicity behind it create the unparalleled joy of sharing present in these Italian preparations at family tables.  The absolute comfort of a homemade sauce/gravy translates the taste to a feeling of being part of an Italian family for guests. 

Rich tradition along with vibrant entertainment is easily achieved through the Italian way of food.  Regardless of if the family hosting and their guests are Italian or not, the collective anti-pasti, the palliative Sunday sauce, both give credence to Batali’s statement come the following Sunday.  

Molto bene!

Touchdown Pino Gelato!

Super Bowl Sunday is only a week away!!!



                          NEW YORK GIANTS

      NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS









An epic rivalry has returned from the 2008 Super Bowl!

It would be great to see the game in Indianapolis, but for most of us, that isn’t going to happen. So… grab your favorite jersey and have some food! Let’s flip the coin and get this showdown going!

TIMEOUT!!!!!

Ok team, huddle up!

You have pizza and wings for the food... and beer for the adults and soda for the kids... You are still missing a key element that will rock the stadium... something to celebrate with once your team wins…. Gelato Football Cake! It’s perfect for a sweet victory.


If the game doesn't end the way you want, then have some happiness into a bowl to cheer you up.
For those of you who aren’t huge football fans but are doing something anyway, have a multi-cultural Super Bowl by mixing an American sport and a delicious Italian dessert that everyone will love.

It’s simple - just follow the plan below.

Be the star quarterback for your party and order a Pino Gelato cake today!

One… Two… THREE Scoops for You!

It was a bright sunny day on Hilton Head Island, and as we were helping our customers and admiring the beautiful day at the Pino Gelato store in Wexford Plaza, someone exclaimed,

“It’s a bird!”

“It’s a plane!”

“No, it’s a home run!!!”




Suddenly the doors BURST open and in came the joyous stampede of the Tigers baseball team!
The proud pride of young Tigers, ages 8 to 10, crowded around the oasis of frozen dessert, a delicious and well earned treat for their outstanding season.







Chocolate!
Vanilla!
Pistachio!
Stracciatella (Chocolate Chip)!
Fragola (Strawberry)!
Mixed berry!
Lemon sorbet!  
Blood orange sorbet!


 There were so many choices!



As they waited for their gelato and mouth-watering pepperoni or cheese pizza cones, the Tigers showed us their overjoyed faces with their Tiger stripes.






Through the many days of storms and sunshine, this team had become a community and covered each other’s back like a true pride.

Finishing with a record of 7 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie, they were “Kings of the League.” Among the pride were their team captains Colin Gross and Dillan Montenegro. The victorious team was managed by Tim Gross and assisted by coaches Mark Boyer and Michael Methvin. 




The young players gained a great deal of valuable experience and wisdom from their coaches. It was also time for this young warrior’s hot flavorful pizza cone to be devoured.

While one player was talking with the coach, this Tiger had taken a moment to observe the celebration and reflect on a great season. This moment didn’t last too long…







 And neither did the steamy pizza cone.




Congratulations to the Tigers for a terrific season! We are so grateful to have you as a part of our community!

Come celebrate and share your “home runs” at Pino Gelato:

a community of friends, family, and gelato!

Pino Gelato's New Scoop

Happy New Year my fellow Gelatorians!!!

We are almost a week into the new year, and we hope your New Year’s Resolutions are going strong. Our resolution for this year is to help you succeed in yours and to share your stories and experiences of Pino Gelato. To give you the extra boost of support since you have supported us, we are introducing the Corners of 4! They are significant pieces that make up a harmonious Pino Gelato experience.

Community - one big family of gelatorians (gelato lovers) and outreach
Environment - helping to protect the planet
Italy - origins of gelato
Gelato - shocking, we know

The Corners of 4 is like a delicious Italian pizza, complete with sauce, cheese, and toppings that rest on a whole-wheat foundation named Pino Gelato. By the end of each month, you‘ll experience the whole pizza. Each week, we will serve you a different slice of the Corners of 4 here with your experiences, events at Pino Gelato, and a few other things up our toques (chef’s hat).



Now, back to those New Year’s Resolutions. Pino Gelato is ready to help on what we hear as one of the most common resolutions….

Every year, we hear people deciding that it’s time to get in better shape (which is fantastic!), and it tends to include exercising more and eating better/giving up desserts (that’s where it goes downhill). Who wants to give up their craving for sweets?! Not I, says the blogger.

This year, that is going to change for you with gelato! Gelato is a different kind of dessert that you don‘t have to give up. This delectable dessert consists of all natural ingredients that give it a rich, mouth-watering, full bodied flavor. The best part of all for your resolution: 93% fat free!!! It is made with milk instead of cream which allows it to be so much better for you than ice cream and other desserts! If you need something dairy free or just desire something different, try our soy-based gelato or sorbets. After savoring every bite at Pino Gelato, your cravings will be fulfilled, and you will feel great because you know that you chose a healthy treat.

Allow yourself to be healthier this year and celebrate with a scoop of gelato!

Art, Bubbly and Cake!

Mira Scott, owner of Picture this Gallery and president of the Island school Council for the Arts here on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, invited us to participate in the first “Art, Bubbly & Cake” event.

Mira came to Pino Gelato in The Village at Wexford not long ago to tell us about the upcoming event concept: “Take 10 celebrity artists and pair them with 10 celebrity chefs and what can you come up with? A unique cake from the chefs inspired by a painting or sculpture from the artist. Throw in some bubble and you have a fabulous and fun evening.”

We were paired with artist Amiri Farris, who painted “Plumes of Great Egret” and ready for the challenge. Our talented team member Maira Rosso worked on the gelato cake based on a couple of drafts the artist, Amiri, had sent us. And voila!

Artist Amiri Farris and Pino gelato's Maira Rosso

  Featured in The Island Packet on 11/23/11 (http://www.islandpacket.com/2011/11/23/1872652/edible-art-local-chefs-artists.html)

So, the red carpet was rolled out and the party was a huge success, gathering artists, chefs and art amateurs around unique creations, both edible and non-edible, along with some bubbly and other refreshments.

Carrie Hirsh, board member of the Gullah Museum and food columnist for South Carolina Living Magazine (yes, she is the one who wrote about Pino gelato in August 201 (http://www.ecsc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=583&Itemid=253) told us that “only one of the artists had ever painted a cake, and most of the chefs had ever undertaken the creation of a cake based on original artwork”.

Do you need another reason to get onboard beside the bubbly & cake?!

A great cause: the proceeds of this event will fund the first culinary residency for the island School Council for the Arts; Sallie Ann Robinson will teach a series of classes on Gullah cuisine to 3^rd and 4^th grade students.

But enough said, let take a look at those succulent creations and beautiful piece of arts:

Artist Cassandra Gillens and Signe’s Heaven bakery & Café Signe Gardo

Artist Dana Rose and Food Network celebrity/One Hot mama’s Orchid Paulmeir

Yes, both the painting and the “cake” are made of 

actual barbecue wings,eggs and other Southern cooking staples!

Artist Mira Scott and...

... SC Living Magazine's Carrie Hirsh

 

Artist Emmett McConnell and Gullah Chef and author Sallie Ann Robinson

Artist April Hobus and Food columnist/Chef sally Kerr-Dineen

Jewelry designer Cara Rae Raish and Red Fish’s Melissa Ciockran

 

Artist Regina Mathieson and Charlie’s L’etoile Verte’ Charlie Golson

Paper artist/Book maker Mary Leto and Sheri’s Edible Delights’ Sheri Davis

  

And last but not least….

Aspiring pastry chef Adam Euny, 15 year-old guest!

Italian Heritage Festival

Ciao! (Hello!)

Come stai?(How are you?)

Last Saturday, the Italian American Club of Hilton Head orchestrated their 2nd Italian Heritage Festival at Shelter Cove Community Park. 

All the ingredients for a great events were there: the weather was perfect (a bit warm according to some, but it is never too warm if you ask us!), the food was amazing and the turn out even better!

More than 2,000 people joined us to savor Italian food offered by many local restaurants and shops. name your favorite food, I bet it was there:  Italian sausage, pasta and meatballs, osso bucco, polenta, and of course pizza! If you were smart, you saved room for dessert, not only for gelato but also cannolis and the famous Zeppoli's prepared from scratch by the Club's volunteers.

Between the music, the sun, the delicious smell of all the different dishes, the loud Italian families and the laughters, we sure felt a little closer to Italy that day...