From Italy With Amore

Take your special someone on a Roman Holiday with Marcellino Ristorante’s “Baskets of Amore”

It’s February 9; do you know where your Valentine’s Day plans are? Don’t panic, Scoop Factory’s got you covered with chef Marcellino Verzino’s Baskets of Amore. These handsomely packaged to-go meals feature an antipasto to share, two entrées, and a decadent dessert all for $75 to $95. Choose between the Pasta Lover, the Fish & Fowl Lover and the Meat Lover, and then sit back and watch your sweetie swoon.

Really want to make this an affair to remember? Pair your basket with this authentic, incredibly-easy Pesto recipe. Serve with a crusty baguette for dipping (we love Pane Bianco’s and MJ Breads’ from La Grande Orange).

Chef Marcellino’s Pesto
Ingredients:
½ bunch of basil (leaves only)
¼ cup grated Parmigiana (Reggiana or Grana only)
1 clove garlic smashed
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Handful of fresh pinoli (pine) nuts
Pinch of salt

Prep:
Place the basil, parmigiana and garlic in a food processor and blend while slowly drizzling in the oil. Add the pinoli nuts and dash of salt. The paste should be creamy but never add too much oil!

Tour de Italia: 1301 E. Northern Ave., Phoenix, 602-216-0004