Think Romance

Veal ravioli was the perfect start to the delicious meal.

As one of the most recognizable names in St. Louis, interior designer Diane Breckenridge has developed a devoted following with her inspired creativity and unerring eye for the smallest detail. And when she's not creating fabulous homes for her clients, she's garnering rave reviews in her own home as a great cook and a gracious hostess.

So imagine the challenge for Diane's husband Ray Barrett when, just a few months after their wedding on Amelia Island, he set out to surprise his new bride with an intimate dinner for two.  If it was going to be perfect, there couldn't be a single detail overlooked.

Choosing the venue was the first – and easiest – decision. What could be more romantic than the couple's beautiful home, superbly decorated by Diane long before love was in the air?

Although newlyweds, Ray and Diane had known each other for more than 30 years in 2007 when Ray asked Diane and her design team to “do something” with the family room of his traditional brick home. The one-room project quickly evolved into a transformation of the entire first floor.  Because the home had played a role in bringing them together, the newly fabulous formal dining room was a natural choice for the special evening. Illuminated by delicate candlelight, the room's just-right dimensions offered the perfect setting for dinner à deux.

An Italian menu seemed the apropos choice for romance, so Ray enlisted two more famous St. Louis names to bring his plan to life. With more than 50 years of culinary expertise between them, Giovanni Dominic Galati (yes, THAT Dominic!) and John Ruggeri understand the magical link between food and romance. For this special dinner, they created a simple but elegant repast that began with champagne. The two chefs, owners of the new Gio's Ristorante & Bar in downtown St. Louis, chose an Italian wine to complement the wild mushroom and veal entrée.  Presiding over the kitchen, they both agreed, “It all starts here. It all begins with the food.”

For Diane and Ray, it began with his house that became their home, and the best place to raise a glass to the evening – and happily ever after.

Vino Tips
Chef Giovanni Dominic Galati suggests Italian wine as the best choice to accompany an all-Italian menu. And champagne has its own “special rule,” according to the chef. With a wink and a smile, he said, “Remember: Never drink champagne alone!”