CONNIE & BOB ROESSLER AND JOANN & STEPHEN MONTALBANO
The Gateway Women’s Club recently enjoyed a taste of Rome during a spectacular evening of dining at Vero’s Italian Eatery in Fort Myers. Roman hospitality set the tone for the evening as the personable owners greeted each guest with a complimentary glass of sparkling Prosecco. Glasses were raised high as the group kicked off the night with a toast to friendships, old and new.
The charming “mom and pop” eatery was reserved exclusively for the 36 GWC members, spouses and guests, creating an electric energy. The dining room came alive with a continuous buzz of conversations, laughter, and shared stories as the cozy space transformed into a private Roman trattoria.
Vero’s Italian-trained Master Chef Danilo Aglione prepared a fabulous custom menu for the Gateway Women’s Club. Guests embraced the slower, traditional Italian pace of dining while the kitchen meticulously created every single dish from scratch. Meanwhile, the diners relaxed and enjoyed the Italian way — “il dolce far niente” — the sweetness of doing nothing.
Several standout savory dishes, crafted with passion, captured the crowd’s praise, such as tender calamari and shrimp, fettucine bolognese with a savory beef and pork ragù, chicken with a rich marsala wine reduction, and penne vodka, just to name a few. The culinary journey concluded with a selection of heavenly desserts that were described as out of this world. Guests indulged in classic tiramisu, an Italian cheesecake, prepared with a delicate layer of sponge cake nestled between a creamy, whipped mascarpone and ricotta cheese blend, beautifully topped with sweet wild strawberries. But the absolute star of the finale was the profiteroles with chantilly cream, like a cloud inside the delicate pastry and layered with a chocolate cream.
It was a dazzling evening of vibrant energy, masterfully prepared cuisine, and wonderful company that generated excitement for the Club’s next adventure. The Gateway Women’s Club will journey next to Mexico via Clase Azul in the Gulf Coast Towne Center for an evening of authentic Mexican cuisine. Whether diners are savoring Clase Azul’s signature specialties, quenching their thirst with a refreshing margarita, or enjoying the lively rhythms of a Mariachi Band, the upcoming evening promises to be yet another memorable experience shared with friends.
