Hi Bruce,
The only place for dinner I know is the Aufineum Bar which has a world class restaurant, but I think you have to make reservations. If you are flying in to Pescara there is the big superstore right across the street from the airport called Auchan. You can stock up on food and booze there. The Housearounditaly main office is just down the street as well. If you are renting a car there is a good supermarket in San Pio and you can always drive into Aquila which has lots of restaurants.
Just beside the service station on SS17 a little north of the turnoff to Ofena has a pizza place that the locals say is very good. There is a wedding taking place in Carrufo which has a lot of people from Toronto attending so there will be lots of english speakers for the next few days if you drive up the mountain.
If you get desperate give my cousin a call . His name is Gianni and his phone number is 0862 956419. he speaks perfect english and I am sure he can give you any advice you need.
Barry