An Italian-inspired dinner for 15 guests — ten adults and five children — built to delight without compromise. The appetizer spread opened with prosciutto arugula crostini, whipped ricotta with balsamic strawberry and basil, fresh mozzarella skewers, an artisan charcuterie board, and a fresh fruit and berry display with vanilla dip that kept the younger guests happily occupied while the kitchen prepared what was ahead.
Private Dinner · The Woodlands, TX
Italian-Inspired Family Private Dinner
An Italian-inspired private dinner for 10 adults and 5 children — refined crostini, pistachio-crusted salmon, Chicken Milanese with burrata, family-friendly sides, and gold-dusted raspberry cheesecake tarts to close.
June 6, 2026
Date
The Woodlands, TX
Location
15
Guests
13
Dishes
Behind the Scenes
In the Kitchen
An Italian-inspired dinner for 15 guests — ten adults and five children — built to delight without compromise.
Event Menu
Italian-Inspired Family Private Dinner
Appetizers
Prosciutto Arugula Crostini
Capers, chives cream cheese, balsamic, arugula
Whipped Ricotta Crostini
Balsamic strawberry, fresh basil
Mozzarella Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil
Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie Selection
House-marinated olives, artisanal preserves, croutons
Fresh Fruit, Berries & Vanilla Dip
Main Course
Pistachio Crusted Salmon
Honey mustard sauce, couple blackened portions
Crispy Baked Chicken Milanese
Creamy burrata, cherry tomatoes, zesty arugula on the side
Sides
Garlic Charred Asparagus
Whipped feta pillow, lemon zest
Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
Fresh herbs, creamy ranch dip
Fresh Citrus Salad
Spring mix, honey goat cheese, champagne vinaigrette
Buttery Baked Corn on the Cob
Mac-n-Cheese Casserole
(for kids)
Desserts
Mini Raspberry Cheesecake Tarts
Buttery shortcrust, pistachio crisps, raspberry compote, gold-dusted fresh raspberries
Created by Chef Ana
Event Gallery
Behind the Scenes
Watch the Evening
The full Italian-inspired family dinner for 15 guests — plated, served, and celebrated.
Watch
Chef Ana's Perspective
Chef's Notes
1
Having 5 children at the table shaped every decision — the mac and cheese casserole and buttery corn on the cob weren't afterthoughts, they were intentional choices that gave the kids their own moment while the adults explored more refined flavors.
2
The pistachio crust on the salmon does two things at once: it adds a rich, nutty texture and keeps the fish perfectly moist underneath. Paired with honey mustard sauce, it's one of the most crowd-pleasing preparations I know.
3
Chicken Milanese with burrata is a combination that speaks for itself — the crunch of the crust, the cream of the burrata softening from the heat, and the peppery arugula alongside need very little else to be memorable.
4
The mini raspberry cheesecake tarts were designed to delight every guest equally. Gold-dusted raspberries for a sense of occasion, pistachio crisps for crunch — a dessert that worked as well for the five-year-olds as it did for the adults.
Having 5 children at the table shaped every decision — the mac and cheese casserole and buttery corn on the cob weren't afterthoughts, they were intentional choices that gave the kids their own moment while the adults explored more refined flavors.
The pistachio crust on the salmon does two things at once: it adds a rich, nutty texture and keeps the fish perfectly moist underneath. Paired with honey mustard sauce, it's one of the most crowd-pleasing preparations I know.
Chicken Milanese with burrata is a combination that speaks for itself — the crunch of the crust, the cream of the burrata softening from the heat, and the peppery arugula alongside need very little else to be memorable.
The mini raspberry cheesecake tarts were designed to delight every guest equally. Gold-dusted raspberries for a sense of occasion, pistachio crisps for crunch — a dessert that worked as well for the five-year-olds as it did for the adults.
Chef Ana
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