The mere mention of Italian food, which had its beginning 13,000 years ago, arouses your palate instantly. While each region of Italy claims distinction for specific foods, there are two ingredients synonymous with Italian cookin—olive oil and pasta. Although beef, pork and lamb are plentiful, they do not play a major role as in everyday Italian food. Seafood, poultry, vegetables, grains, legumes and cheese each claim an Italian role in the daily diet.

A group of ladies in Gloucester can tell you all about Italian foods and then prove they know of what they speak when they cook and serve their family dishes. These ladies are natives of Italy who organized three to four years ago, calling themselves the Gloucester Italian Club. They get together one Sunday a month, “for an evening of wonderful Italian food, wine and lively animated conservations. If you can converse in Italian, please join us.”

The April gathering was held at the home of Frank and Selena Collins in B...