Nothing brings people together quite like the promise of pasta. We joined a seasoned group of New York foodies for an evening of Italian eats we simply haven't been able to stop dreaming about since.

Earlier this month, we partnered with Barilla® for an acquolina—or, for those of you who don’t speak Italian, mouthwatering—meal featuring artisanal pasta from their Collezione line. In a candlelit, flower strewn dining room ever so fittingly tucked away in Little Italy, some of our favorite discerning culinary connoisseurs joined us to dig into a custom menu practically made for the 'gram.

With Barilla Executive Chef Lorenzo Boni busy at work behind the stovetop, a prosecco fueled cocktail hour turned into a quick lesson in just how to get that perfect al dente bite. Needless to say, guests took plenty of mental notes. An intimate dinner followed, allowing guests to experience Collezione for themselves – the simple, fresh ingredients made for a gourmet result.

The premium Barilla line, Collezione is crafted using traditional Italian bronze plates for a homemade "al dente" texture that holds sauces perfectly every time. The best part? It allows at-home chefs to cook like the pros.

Between bites, our favorite food-grammers expertly captured the epic meal. Because if you don't hashtag your #EEEEEATS, did you even really eat?

Diners in attendance included Jeremy Jacobowitz (@brunchboys), Michelle Williams (@coffeeandchampagne), Christine Yi (@cy_eats), Matt Bruck (@mattbruck), Minnie Kim (@eatingwithminnie), AmiLin McClure (@hungryhipsters), Caleb Thill (@calebthill), Elena Besser (@elenabesser), Jason Baker (@jasoneats), Christina Lau (@christinalau_), Courtney Seamon and Kelly McFarland (@mimosasmanhattan), Lori Luo (@girleatsnyc) and more!

[Photos by Yumi Matsuo]

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