Pranzo in Campagna

"PRANZO in CAMPAGNA" is Italian for "Feast in the Country", and in this case, literally.  Food and wine aficionados are cordially invited to enjoy a multi-course dining experience...served with fine wines and live music...while sitting under the swaying fruit trees of the Lucchetti Family Orchard.  This year's highly popular dinner was held on the evening of July 25th, 2009.      

It's the time of evening when day and night meet to create dusk. There is laughter, the clatter of silverware and the sound of clinking wine glasses, as people celebrate the region's food, wine, agriculture and farmers - on the soil where it all begins.

Chef John Britto returned for his sixth  "Pranzo" sharing his culinary expertise and artistry in the presentation of a magical rustic Italian menu.  Joining Chef Britto in creating  this year's dinner in the orchard was Chef Elizabeth Lira.

Part of the proceeds from the dinner are donated to the The Central California School of Italian Culture and Language.

  SUMMER SPECIAL EVENTS

On Saturdays during June, July and August, visitors to The Fruit Bowl were given the opportunity to sample the best of the season's fruit, vegetables and local products.  Representatives from Lodi Olive Oil, Bruno's Vinegar, Bozzano Olive Oil, Sonomic Vinegar, Sciabica Olive Oil, Bellindora Vinegar and Lizcel BBQ Sauce were on hand to discuss their products, offer tastings and food pairing samples, and answer questions.

A book signing by chef/author Rima Barkett and Claudia Pruett was also a part of our special summer schedule.  Their new family cookbook, COOKING DINNER, Simple Italian Family Recipes Everyone Can Make, can now be purchased at The Fruit Bowl.

The end of the summer season was celebrated by our "Art Comes to the Orchard" exhibit and sale.  The Fruit Bowl's relaxed, outdoor setting provided the perfect backdrop for local artists and craftspersons to exhibit their artwork and offer demonstrations of their craft.  Participants included Tidewater Art Center & Gallery, Summer Wind Gallery & Stained Glass Studio, Dynamic Design Glass Art, and The Alan Short Center.

The final Saturday special event of the summer featured The Fruit Bowl's fresh peach recipe contest winner.  Highlighting the creative use of yellow freestone peaches, Fresh Peach Ravioli was chosen as the winning entry.  Samples were offered for tasting and the winner presented with a Fruit Bowl gift basket.

We look forward to hosting more special events during our 2010 season! 

Contact The Fruit Bowl