Tuscany, here I come!

I'm excited to share the following with everyone on the forum (thanks Robin for letting me post this):

Drum roll, please.......

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of their partnership with Olive Garden Restaurants, Tuscan winemakers Sergio and Daniela Zingarelli of Rocca delle Macie Winery have accepted me into their Culinary Institute for a weeklong immersion in Italian food, wine and culture.

Under the direction of Olive Garden Head Chef Romana Neri, attendees learn more about selecting and cooking with only the freshest ingredients, how to properly layer sauces, perfect al dente pasta, and pair sauces and pasta to create the most flavorful meals. Attendees visit the Rocca delle Macie winery and are introduced to Italy’s illustrious history of winemaking and enhance their knowledge of food and wine pairings. Rocca delle Macie is located in the scenic rolling hills of Tuscany in Castellina in Chianti, near Siena.

I have to admit I think that "endless soup, salad and bread" thing was an inspired idea for a promotion. That's a win-win!! And you have to admit their bread and soup are the best, and their salads are always fresh and consistent.

So....thanks to all my supporters on the forum - I will be sending all of you postcards the minute I get to Tuscany! I'm sure I'll graduate with honors - then I'll be right back here in Louisville to share all I've learned with you

Try not to miss me too much!

Tuscany is that Italian place on Outer Loop ! April Fools. You've also won a free Toy-yoda !

[Robin Garr]

Marsha, I'm almost literally at a loss for words. I know this is a great honor for you, and certainly affords you an opportunity to expand your culinary skills in some unexpected directions. We'll miss you ... but if you're in Siena or Florence, I can tell you that there are plenty of Internet cafes around!

Congratulations!

...If Anthony Bourdian shows up while you are gone, I am totally stealing him from you.

OMG Awesome! I am so thrilled for you! (Doing the Happy Dance as we speak) Please send lots of pictures and drinks lots of lemoncello.

Congratulations Marsha. Sounds great.

Way to go, girl! When do you leave?

If you get a chance, besides Sienna and Florence, the walled city of Lucca is awesome.

Yay, Marsha! Huge congrats! I'm SO excited for you! Extremely jealous, but excited!

Oh, Marsha! I am SO happy for you! I'm doing the happy dance, too! Will your phone work there? Will you be able update on the streets? When do you leave? Are you already packing? I wish John could go with you. Seriously, I'm so thrilled for you!

Awesome news Marsha...Congrats and good luck.

You wench! Time to walk the plank...

I'll help you push her, Jackie.

Hey, what about MY feelings? You guys actually thought I was going to Olive Garden's Culinary Institute! I laugh so hard every time I see that commercial. But now I cry with shame for my chef cred. Robin was in on it and of course after Gary posted I figured nobody'd fall for it. So, all of you well-wishers - I stick my tongue out in your general direction.

We should all get together and drink some limoncello for reconciliatory purposes. Does Anthony carry it at the bar at Seviche?

"I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries."
-Monty Python and the Holy Grail
(BUT, never the less, a good one. And I always love a good one.)

Hey, what about MY feelings? You guys actually thought I was going to Olive Garden's Culinary Institute! I laugh so hard every time I see that commercial. But now I cry with shame for my chef cred. Robin was in on it and of course after Bill posted I figured nobody'd fall for it. So, all of you well-wishers - I stick my tongue out in your general direction.

We should all get together and drink some limoncello for reconciliatory purposes. Does Anthony carry it at the bar at Seviche?

Heh-heh...Good one Marsha. I'm among those who fell for that one hook line and sinker. God I love a good prank.