Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar | The Artful Gourmet :: Food Stylist | Photographer | Blogger

I recently attended a super fun event to celebrate the delicious new items that Olive Garden has introduced on their menu.

I joined the Olive Garden team along with several other local journalists and bloggers at Elevated Acre in Downtown Manhattan which is a beautiful outdoor space overlooking the East River with views of the Brooklyn Bridge.

We enjoyed their private label wines out on the deck

(I love their new Tuscan Red table wine!) and then all sat down at a huge table to start the festivities and get first dibs on the menu tasting. #NeverEndingTable

We met the Olive Garden marketing team and their Executive Chef who told us about their new menu innovations,

and then we got to taste all of them over a few hours, which of course was the fun part!

We all love their classic breadsticks and salads right?

Well you have to try their new Breadstick Sandwiches – we tried the Eggplant Parmesan and Spicy Calabrian Chicken..delicious!

The coolest new items we tried are their new Deep Dish Spaghetti Pies..they’re like spaghetti quiches baked in a shell with all kinds of yummy fillings but in pie form! The Chicken Alfredo Pie was amazing…

and so was the classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Pie made with 7 cheeses, bacon, meatballs and homemade sauce. So good and totally fun.

And we can’t forget dessert – they served us an incredible Chocolate and Caramel Lasagna – layers of gooey caramel, chocolate and cake similar to Tiramisu..OMG. TO. DIE. FOR. And the perfect ending to a perfect Italian meal!

Check out the great photos of the event below and visit their website for more info on these awesome new menu creations and specials in your area.

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Hey folks! We’re throwing a big rooftop party for a good cause!

*UNFORTUNATELY WE NEED TO CANCEL TONIGHT’S EVENT DUE TO WEATHER, AND ARE IN THE PROCESS OF PLANNING A NEW EVENT DATE FOR THIS – WILL BE ANOTHER EVENING IN EARLY AUGUST! STAY TUNED FOR THE NEW DATE ANNOUNCEMENT OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS!

miditto + the artful gourmet present:

Sunset Wine & Dine KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Event in Support of Susan G. Coman Foundation for Breast Cancer Research

http://www.kitchenaid.com/rest/a_thousand_cooks.cmd

Event Details:

Thursday, July 26th 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Limited to 40 people only – tickets $30 per person

Private rooftop with panoramic city views (The Monterey Rooftop on E. 96th St)

Wine provided by miditto wine clique, business member Pierre Loti Wine Bar and Restaurants

Food created by The Artful Gourmet (stuffed mushrooms, caprese cocktails, mini skewers and more!) – that’s ME!

We’re championing the health benefits of good life, good people, good food and wine.

Join us in our efforts to raise a toast AND exceed our fundraising goal of $500

This is how you can help the cause, while you are enjoying the fiesta!

1. Tip the Tip. Ayza Wine Director, Lea Williams, will be present to answer questions about wine and food pairings. All we ask is that you “Tip the Tip” jar, which will ALL be donated to the KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Charity.

2. Tip and Be Merry. For every glass you drink, we ask you to consider tipping the Tip Jar. ALL funds will be donated to the KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Charity.

Everyone who tips and attends will be eligible to win a special gift from miditto business member sponsors:

Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar – Worth $100+

Pierre Loti Wine Bar and Restaurants and Bar Chevere – a case of wine!

Space is limited to 40 people. Support the cause and purchase your tickets.

RSVP by 7/25 at http://sunsetwinedine.eventbrite.com/

Join the Conversation on our Event Facebook Page!