Introduction

We had plans to eat out for our last night in Phoenix when Sue called Russ and said "Frank is cooking dinner, can you come over?". It's the kind of invitation you can't refuse, stories of Frank's aptitude in the kitchen are legendary. Change in plans! We're going to Frank's!

Here is Frank working his magic making gravy. He asked me if I cooked and replied "absolutely". He handed me a recipe and said "See that? That's the recipe but I'm not following it." Sounds familiar, like every Italian meal I've attended at a Potenza family gathering. The only difference, there are 9 people in the kitchen arguing about how to make the red sauce. Frank has it all under control so I took a front row seat at the bar in front of the kitchen and watched as I sipped my Spanish white wine from Muga.

Lutman's phone beeps, it's Chris' brother Mike who is in town for a meeting. Change in his plans, their evening dinner was rescheduled. Set another plate at the table, we've got company.



This is a cook's dream kitchen. Russ and Mike did an amazing job converting Frank and Sue's vision into this culinary masterpiece.


I love buffalo cheese, tomato, and olive oil. I love this.


Frank asked if I minded grilling the swordfish... You don't have to ask me twice. Heck yeah. The grill has a sear burner on one side but I've never used one so I elected not to experiment with Frank's dinner on an 800 degree grill and went low and slow on the regular burners.


The picture doesn't do the pasta dish justice. Amazing. Dinner is served, come and get it.

Flight 1 - Spain, Italy, and France (4 notes)

Closing

Ice cream with all the fixings including homemade caramel sauce. Moon pie crumbles.... yummy.

A big thank you to our hosts for sharing their home, food, wine, and making for a memorable evening for all.