DAY DATE AT IL CORTILE

With my daughter at school, my husband and I went to our favourite downtown Italian restaurant for the first time since we had been to Italy. The restaurant is sheltered but it's draw is the open courtyard (il cortile is the italian word for the courtyard).  It was the usual spectacular fare with a lovely autumn day. We were fortunate see the Dale Chihuly exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts on yet another occasion. I fell in love with his glasswork in Las Vegas. It is featured in the ceiling of the impressive lobby of the Bellagio. My uncle introduced me to his work in Richmond, Virginia. His most impressive work is near his home, and Seattle's Needle Chihuly garden is a must see at night! Even so, it was a breathtaking exhibit in Montreal. Here is his work called the sun, and a few dishes from that meal.

Chihuly's Sun in front of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Bellagio's Chihuly ceiling

Crespelle with Zafferano Sauce

Eggplant parmigiana

Gnocci with wild mushrooms

Mushroom risotto