By Trish Portale

Gold River's "Cheers"

Not far from the Bel Air and a stroll from Starbucks is the place where everybody does know your name! Many of us in Gold River and neighboring areas have discovered on our doorstep a one-of-a-kind panacea of dining, drinking and shopping experience like no other. If you haven't been to Il Forno Classico Restaurant. you are really missing out. If you have, you know what I mean. Il Forno as it is known. opened its doors over nine years ago and since then has evolved through two expansions to become the unique and truly pleasurable dining experience it is today. Scott Litteral, owner and creative mind behind this dining treasure trove, has spent most all of his time and energy in the last 10 years growing a lifetime dream. For all of us that means a premier restaurant right here in our collective backyard.

Recently, Scott. referred to as Scotty by his friends and family, threw an appreciation party for all of his customers who have supported him throughout the years. More than 150 guests were treated to a day of menu and wine samplings from some of the of the best of the spectacular wines Scotty offers at Il Forno. They were also treated to a tour of the newly opened wine and accessories shop that was part of the most recent expansion. There guests found an exquisitely designed and decorated shop and wine tasting bar where gifts, accessories. and over 300 premier wines. could be found and bought. Guests were also regaled of the likewise exquisitely redesigned and redecorated bar where man guests spent much of the day cheering on the hometown Kings on one of the new LCD TVs strategically placed for all to see. It was a festive day for everyone!

During the tours Scotty revealed the details of this newly developed vision Customers are invited to shop in The Wine Shop at Il Forno during its retail hours of 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM daily. After 6:00 all of the wines and wine paraphenalia offered in the wine shop may be purchased from any of the wait staff at Il Forno. All wine on the wine list is available to purchase at what are reasonable retail prices. If dining is your preference, you may purchase your wine at its retail price and simpl pay a $10.00 corkage fee. After 6:00 the Wine Shop is available by reservation for private parties. There is a minmium charge in wine and food and reservations were already coming at a quick clip that day .

Il Forno still offers a diverse. four star menu with a four star ambiance and a cheerful. friendly staff. It now has gifts and treasures in a unique and exquisite wine shop. Stop by on a Thursday or Friday evening for superior wine tasting. And, tell Scotty that your friend, Trish said to say "Hi!"