I have spent the past two weeks of my study abroad trip becoming accustomed to the culture and traditions of Italy and the Italian people. I kept waiting to experience the amazing food, the meals that I have heard so much about; that with just one bite I would never want to leave Italy. Unfortunately, I have found that cafeteria food is much the same internationally. It may be different dishes but it is still just plain Jane meals in the student dining hall.

Last night, though, I experienced the extraordinary and delectable taste of an Italian meal and wine tasting. The members and associates of the Urbino Project were invited to dinner and a wine tasting event at Serra Alta, a beautiful gem of a restaurant in Fermignano.

We were treated as nothing short of royalty. There were five different kinds of wine (vino) including, white (bianco), red, (rosso) and a sweet dessert (dolce) wine. Each wine came with a delicious dish that made my mouth water and my stomach smile (yes, stomachs can smile) contentedly. The dishes included a plate of cheese, and salami, a small pasta with mushrooms and truffles, a long spaghetti with beef, a plate with two kinds of meat, salad and a cake dessert that I imagine would be what Heaven tasted like, if there is such a flavor.

For over four hours we sat, drank, ate and laughed together and enjoyed every minute of our experience. It was unlike anything that I, and so many Americans, get to experience back in the States. I am so glad that I have finally been privileged with the fantastic Italian food that everyone raves so much about and that I was lucky enough to be in the presence of an experienced Sommelier. It is a night that I will always remember.