By JODI RALL
In the Bubble columnist

Dean Martin is singing in my ear as I write my column this week. Last Saturday night was a “That’s Amore” kind of evening.

Bob and Paula Cirulli opened their home for an Italian meal like you cannot imagine! To give you some background, both Bob and Paula are 100 percent Italian. Paula who is a Brentwood Realtor and active member in the chamber, and her hubby Bob, who just happens to be co-owner of the wine store outside of Costco, love to cook and entertain.

Bob and Paula Cirulli take a break from cooking and pouring to pose for the "Bubble" camera.

The two have the biggest hearts for their community and because of those big hearts they offered up an authentic Italian dinner for six as a silent auction item at last year’s Star Gala. The money raised was donated to the Special Olympics and physical education in Williamson County and the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber Foundation.

Linda and Dave Hirsch were the lucky winners from the silent auction.

Last Saturday evening they brought two couples with them to the Cirulli home. Dave shared with me that Connie and Don Ansley and Jill and Don Leyrer, were neighbors and the six had been friends for over 24 years. Bob and Paula joked how grateful they were that Linda and Dave bought the dinner as it forced them to unpack their dishes from when they moved into the house seven years ago. It is the truth though -- if you need to do something around the house, throwing a party or getting company sure does force you to get busy.

When Paula told me about the dinner, you know I did not hesitate to invite myself and my Ken doll. That being said, we did ask Linda if it would be OK and graciously she agreed to let us share in the evening. All in the name of a good column, I have to give the good people of Brentwood something fun to read, right?

I’m not completely rude, so we only stayed for a glass of wine, a few appetizers, and an overview of the menu Paula prepared. I also was there long enough for some of the best laughs I have had in a long while. It is too close to call who I would say if funnier, Bob or Linda. No wonder they have great friends; who doesn’t want to be with a couple who likes to have fun?

While Paula explained the appetizers, Bob uncorked some Italian wines for the evening. Bob took time to share a little about the wines he had chosen to go along with each course. The evening began with a nice white wine and was matched beautifully with the first course. We girls had to laugh as our napkins read “Hey, I speak Italian. Prada! Dolce & Gabbana”  

Grilled vegetables, pickled artichokes, French bread with mozzarella and pesto, and salami were just the beginning of the wonderful food prepared.

Making it look easy, Paula began making the next course for the evening. Zuppa Di Sante is a healthy soup made with chicken, meatballs and fresh greens. Baked lasagna would be the main course.

I learned something new Saturday evening about traditional Italian meals; did you know that the salad is served after the main course? Paula shared, “This is done to clear the palate and prepare for the deserts.”

In talking with the couples and for much of the time laughing at stories and memories shared, it got me thinking about how few of us have the experience of having the same neighbors for a quarter of a century. We loved hearing about their lives and in turn, allowing me and Ken doll to make new friends.

What is great is finding out again how small Brentwood really is. Our daughter graduated with one of the couple’s sons; Ken doll had a connection as he and one of the guys had grown up going to the ‘shore’ and there were other connections too that brought us to use the phrase, “It is a small world.”

Thank you for welcoming us into your home Paula and Bob and we will be glad to come back any time. Ken doll say’s next week he’s free and if Bob ever wants him to be a bourbon taster for the liquor store, he is the guy for the job.

Since Paula and I both love to dance, my tribute to her this week is another best seller from Dean Martin. “Hey, Mambo Italiano” we can combine food and maybe some dancing? Till next time…