When I was a kid, we had some close family friends, the Manfredas. Mr. & Mrs. Manfreda had come from Italy and settled in San Francisco, finding a home in the North Beach neighborhood and raising their three children. This was a family that was serious about their food. In fact, they converted the entire lower level of their home (which would have ordinarily functioned as their garage) into one giant kitchen and dining room with a massive table where friends and family would gather together for any reason to celebrate over a big meal.

During many a get together, out of this basement kitchen would roll enormous piping hot platters of homemade pastas: spaghetti with fresh marinara sauce, baked ziti, when we were lucky, pasta alla carbonara , and on, and on. Every dish was always delicious, made with love, and with every bite you knew that life, friends, and family were things to savor.

There’s just something so inherently celebratory about Italian food. It can be rustic and casual or refined and elegant but it never loses that element of warmth and comfort. So, it makes a perfect choice for celebrating any events surrounding a wedding: the engagement party, a bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, reception, etc. I mean, what could be better? At Maggiano’s Little Italy, they can help you plan any and all of your special wedding gatherings. And, with 44 locations across the U.S., there’s a good chance that there’s a Maggiano’s close to you.

Right now, they’re also holding their “Bliss List” Contest! Tell them about the top 5 experiences you’d like to do as a married couple and you’ll have the chance to win a $1500 credit toward a bridal shower or brunch at Maggiano’s, a $3500 credit toward a wedding reception at Maggiano’s, or the grand prize of a 5-day, 4-night Luxury Included® Vacation to any Sandals Resort. Any of those prizes would be sure to have you enjoying “la dolce vita”!

With elegant rooms, gorgeous table décor, full-service bars, and lots of delicious chef-prepared Italian-American dishes (served buffet or family style), you’ll have everything you need to create beautiful and memorable events to celebrate the moments of your wedding day.