Today: Tuscany tasting dinner.

I once flew to Tuscany, by way of London.  I don’t remember much about the flights, mostly because I was freaking out (in a positive way) about meeting my Italian host family.  I do remember that it took a while to get there, much longer than the two-ish hour drive to Todd English’s Tuscany at Mohegan Sun.  What do both Tuscanies (hmm… that’s probably not right) have in common?  Great food, great company.

After our morning bike tour and afternoon at the spa, we met up with Michelle Williams, public relations manager for Mohegan Sun, and several other bloggers for a complimentary tasting dinner.

The best part about tasting dinners is the opportunity to try a little bit of everything, and get a real feel for the restaurant’s menu.  The worst part about tasting dinners is the high likelihood that your pants won’t fit, long before the third course arrives.  Can I get an amen for control top tights?  Right.

Despite knowing the menu would be gluten-heavy, I did my best to relax, enjoy a taste of everything… and then say my prayers (please don’t scold me… I know this is not a strategy endorsed by any medical professionals, but hey… when in Rome Tuscany…).  Fortunately, there were plenty of options on the menu, including several specially prepared (just for me, the difficult one) vegetarian options.

The service was impeccable and the food was absolutely delicious.  Each dish was paired with a wine selection, and just when I thought things could not get better, the next course would arrive.  Friends in Boston who have dined at Figs or Olives are likely not surprised.  That Todd English knows his stuff.  My favorite course was the butternut squash ravioli, which was prepared as an alternative to the non-vegetarian entrees.  It was rich and flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends.  Speaking of friends, the only thing that could top the food and service was the company:

• Tina, Carrots N Cake
• Theodora, Losing Weight in the City
• Anne, Fannetastic Food
• Julie, Peanut Butter Fingers
• Bianca, Confessions of a Chocoholic
• Beth, The Sailing Foodie
• Caitlin, Cait Plus Ate
• Maria, Pappa Don’t Preach

The conversation flowed freely, and I laughed harder than I had in ages.  We reminisced about answering machines, rollerskating parties, and calling our parents collect when we were ready to be picked up from tennis practice.  Oh, and the practicality of leg warmers.

Having overindulged during earlier courses, I passed on the dessert display in favor of a cup of mint tea.  You know me, I bring the heat.  Or whatever.  If I didn’t already feel old (what, with the tea and talk of 1-800-COLLECT), all it took was a stroll past one of Mohegan Sun’s nightclubs to feel ancient.  After a quick shop at Sephora for the necessities (Dior Show Blackout, check), the girls and I headed back to our hotel rooms for more chatting and more laughter.  In yoga pants.

I am so grateful to Michelle for setting us up with the perfect girls’ weekend at Mohegan Sun.  Believe it or not, we didn’t spend any time in the casino – there was just so much to do off the gambling floors.  From bike rentals and shopping to spa treatments and incredible restaurants and nightlife, it seems like there’s something for everyone – gamblers or not.  I returned to the city feeling relaxed, refreshed, energized and thankful for such great friends.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Saw a few flurries today… bring on the snow!
• Great tips for entertaining in a small home
• Shooting the perfect Christmas card photo

What does your ideal girls (or guys) weekend involve?