A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

The official festivities for Erica and Davey's wedding began on Thursday night. The wedding party and their guests, along with parents and grandparents were treated to a wonderful dinner at Girasole Restaurant in Bound Brook. Everyone dressed up a bit as this is a pretty upscale Italian Restaurant. The first course was set on the table family style. There was fried calamari with marinara sauce, bruschetta, sauteed mushrooms, clams casino, and roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella. Wine or beer was served and there was warm bread and oil on the table. The waiters were attentive, even folding napkins as people got up between courses to mingle. Next came a nice salad of mesclun greens, olives, cheese and a savory vinaigrette. For the main course we were given the choice of three entrees to choose from. The first was a herb encrusted salmon, the second was veal medallions and shrimp in a wine sauce, and the third was a rack of lamb served around a ricotta and basil stuffed tomato. There was plenty of sharing and sampling going on... after all we're all family. My lovely daughter Tara read a beautiful tribute to Erica and Davey which included many of the childhood recollections she shared with Erica, as well as their differing viewpoints. It was heartfelt and cleverly offered the new couple insight for their life from lessons she had learned from her younger sister Erica (who was moved to tears). Then the coffee was served and out came trays of assorted dessert offerings. There were cannolis, tiramisu, dark chocolate mousse cake, and perhaps carrot cake (since I'm not a big fan of dessert food , I can't be too sure). There was plenty of food and many stories to share and everyone completely enjoyed themselves. It's not often we get to sit and enjoy a three hour meal with no fuss and no muss!