Regular readers of this blog may think all we do around here is eat, and whenever possible, we do like to mix work and pleasure.  All of us do like a good meal, so last night's trip to Buca di Beppo in Indianapolis was a perfect example of how to blend the two.  I've included a few photos for you to enjoy.  Too bad they don't have scratch and sniff photography.

The Lilly Award competition can be a real pressure-cooker at times for the participants, so we try to include some fun activities during the weekend as well. Finalists get a chance to relax and let off some steam, but more importantly, they get to spend some time with the other finalists and current Wabash men and form some friendships that last a lifetime.

This trip to "Buca's" has become one of the most talked-about events of the weekend.  Each year, we invite a handful of former Lilly finalists to join us that slots are filled minutes after the invitations are sent.  Why is it such a popular event?  The atmosphere is fantastic, the food is amazing, and everything is served family style.  There's so much food that if you go home hungry, it's your fault.

We joke around here that if something happens three years in a row, it's a tradition. Well, our Buca tradition is a competition to see who can eat the most cannolis at the end of the night. Nick Collins is our resident statistician says the record is 6, but no one came close to that last night.

If memory serves, the record holder didn't feel so well after this feat, so perhaps it's a good thing that no one made an attempt last night.

Day Two of the competition gets underway in a few minutes, so I'd better get to my post.  If you're in the mood for great Italian food and an entertaining dining experience, I recommend you give Buca di Beppo a try, but go with a group or you'll leave with a doogie bag the size of a suitcase.