At this morning’s BetterTV shoot at Mia Dona restaurant with “Hostess with the Mostest” Donatella Arpaia. Donatella (who I totally forgot to get a picture with, but there’s a video to come) is absolutely stunning and vibrant, and exactly as much fun as I’d imagined: the kind of girl you want to drink wine and gossip with for hours (preferably while eating enormous servings of her unbelievable lasagna, which I got to sample today).
Donatella gave me some of her tips for throwing a totally stress-free dinner party, including making a specialty cocktail in advance. Above, I’m holding what we dubbed the Donatellatini (basically a fresh raspberry martini). It’s the perfect spring drink.
DONATELLATINI
1. In a large glass or martini shaker, muddle a handful of fresh raspberries with a squeeze of fresh lime and some simple sugar.
2. Fill shaker with ice, and top with a 5-count of vodka (we used Stoli).
3. Shake well, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with blackberries and/or raspberries.
