If you know me at all, y'all will know that I'm not so keen on the spiritually uplifting tales that touch the heart. But sometimes, a story will get past even my bitter exterior. And seriously, if you've seen a more heart-warming story that involves Lebanon bologna... well, then I'll buy you a pound of Lebanon bologna. I mean, jeez, I'm not made of stone here...
In other food news, we finally got to Panciuto for Sarah's delayed birthday dinner last Saturday. S & D were able to join us and a fine time was had by all. Panciuto really is just on another level compared to any other Italian resto in the area. Sarah and I started with the "arancini" appetizer (made w/ pasta instead of rice, hence the quote marks). Served with a pork bolognese, this was right up there with the arancini at the late, lamented Starlu (still my gold standard for arancini). I still think rice gives a better texture internally. But Panciuto's version had an even better crust on the outside. I had the goat-cheese filled "pope hat" ravioli and Sarah had a duck filled pasta with a finanziera sauce (lots of chicken livers in the sauce). My pasta was made with a spinach dough and was incredible. D. had the ribeye, which came with, among other things, tempura-style spinach leaves which S described as the best spinach ever. There was also a very nice bottle of wine and an apple cake w/ cinnamon ice cream consumed along the way. A wonderful splurge and highly recommended.