‘Husband would like to celebrate his wife’s birthday in a very romantic and exclusive way in Tuscany or Cinque Terre just for two’, I was scrolling down the message on my phone, while trodding fast along the Lucca walls pathways to my appointment in an early Spring morning. If you are an event planner you do not get startled by a message like that…although it might be shocking to read ‘it has to be done in a week time from today!’. I almost stumbled on my feet, keeping my eyes glued on each word of the message, which continued ‘Sky is the limit’, which sounded to me like ‘Start dreaming!’.

Still hurrying up to my meeting, my mind was totally blown away and ideas filed up in my mind. Selecting them was the hardest part…from hiring a medieval borough in Val d’Orcia, to Michelin-stars-chef cooking in a popular cellar drinking the world best wine, to a romantic dinner in a olive grove lit up with hundreds candles surrounded by cushions and flowers, to dine in front of one of the most beautiful monuments in the world, under a XIIth century portico overlooking the Leaning Tower, to reserving one of the best panoramic restaurants in Cinque Terre and turn it into a romantic hideout…What a challenge and great expectations for the final verdict, which did not take long to reach me. ‘Hurray!’, I cried to the agent, when she called me to reveal the final choice. Organizational plans started right after, calling the restaurant to confirm the deal, the flower decorator, the fireworks company…a long todos list for a special event in Cinque Terre.

Vernazza and its amazing restaurant Belforte was my immediate choice. Vernazza tiny borough and marina, although swamped by 2011 flood, gained new charm and appeal out of the devastation yet fascinating thousands visitors landing on its rocky harbour every year. Here the Belforte restaurant with its medieval watching tower and terraces overlooking the blue sea stands out against the docks. The inside room allows space for just a few tables and is ushering to a small balcony running transversally along the old walls. This is the highlight and most sought after location by visitors, that see it as first thing in the distance when approaching Vernazza via ferry boat and wish they could gain a seat there, sit back and sip a glass of chilled Vermentino wine. These are the moments you realize how skillful and reliable your vendors and partners shall be. No site inspections, ready-to-go decisions and yes attitude which are determinants of success vs ruin of an event.

The day of the event had come and beyond my expectations, the weather was not as just sunny as in Spring can be, but toasty, with a touch of Summer in the air. Alessandro, the chef and manager at Belforte, was waiting for us to unload our van of candles, torches, flowers, satins, chandeliers, shells and other decorations needed to turn the restaurant into a romantic cove. Cecilia, my trustful fireworks-lady, had already inspected the site and finalized the mis-en-place for the candle-blowing rite, which gave start to the magical light show. Paola, my creative and flower designer, moved around, in and out, up and down frantically to set up the scene. I was coordinating tons of queries about food, wine, position, colour, where, when, too much, too few , while trying to keep nosey people away from our working site…not enough though…some neighbor ladies in their typical local accent declared ‘they would not leave the place until they couple see the face of the man who planned such a romantic surprise for his wife!’.

By 7.45pm the sun was setting and Vernazza was perfused of a pale pink light staining against the multi-coloured facades of the marina. Torches were lifting up to the restaurant tower where all setting was ready for an aperitif on the balcony, followed by dinner inside and birthday cake and fireworks outside again. I could describe you in details how beautiful the setting was and the breathtaking view of Monterosso flaring in the distance, but I will try to report the emotions that this very lucky couple will keep for ever as an indelible memory of that night in Cinque Terre.

They will not forget sharing the emotion and surprise when She realized that a simple dinner turned out to be a special event for-two, when they toasted and hugged gently touched by the sea breeze on the balcony, waiting for the sun to set in the distance, when they shared new tastes and flavors in a rich selection of crudité de mer, steamed octopus, marinated anchovies, cod mousse, but also fresh trofie al pesto, tagliatelle with zucchini and shrimps and a sumptuous catalane lobster sprinkled with blackberries and fresh vegetables…all the way through copiously hosed with local wine.

The best moment remains when the two lovers sneaked out on the balcony, wrapped up in warm orange candle light and firework show was thumbed-up, keeping us all jaw-dropped for a memorable bunch of minutes, tingling with excitement and pushing back tears urging to fall.

For more information:
Ristorante Belforte, Vernazza http://www.ristorantebelforte.it/