Every time I see the classic Penne alla Vodka on a menu in Italy I wonder how it came about to have a tomato sauce laced with Vodka and cream. One story goes that a Roman chef was bribed by a Russian importer to create a dish to include his Vodka. However it came to be, this sauce is smooth and savory. Pop open a beautiful Brunello di Montalcino from Madonna Nera and that’s Amore!