Wine Not?, An Italian Wine Dinner Hosted by Piattini, 226 Newbury Street Street, Boston, MA

Photo Credit: Yelp.com

Last week, I was invited to and attended a family-style Italian wine dinner at Piattini Wine Cafe.  Piattini is a quaint Italian cafe nestled on Newbury Street in the heart of historic Back Bay.  Having recently expanded and doubled their space, I was excited to check out the relatively new "digs".  

The space is roomy but cozy - a comfortable place for couples and groups alike.  Dim, romantic, inviting lighting welcomes guests to the lower level "grotto".  The airy, comfortable patios (2) allow for alfresco dining and fun people watching.

The wine dinner was set in the sunken "grotto" area complete with bay windows and a full bar.  We were taken great care of by the staff and management.  I'd like to personally thank Owner, Mrs. Josephine Oliviero Megwa for her hospitality.

Family style dinner meant we were able to socialize with old friends and associates as well as new faces and we all had a great time!

Winebow's Italian wine expert extraordinaire, Mr. Francesco Calderaro, served as our wine pairing instructor for the evening.  Winebow represents 66 vineyards! Mr. Calderaro was not only extremely knowledgeable about the evening's wine selection, but warm and open to further discussion with patrons.  It's easy for people to feel intimidated by or limited in their knowledge of wine, yet Mr. Calderaro focused on keeping the evening simple and encouraged guests to consider what they were experiencing in regards to nose and taste notes.  Guests immediately relaxed and responded to his inviting personality.

Mr. Francesco Calderaro, Winebow Brand Manager

First Course:

We began with a simple, elegant arugula salad served with bright, fresh, chopped tomatoes, artichoke hearts, tender and peppery arugula topped with Parmigiano reggiano all tossed in a light lemon oil dressing.

 

Arugula salad with tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Parmigiano reggiano, and lemon-oil

The arugula salad was paired with Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna DOC 2012, a lovely, light-bodied, goldish-green white wine made from 95% Vermentino and 5% other Sardinian varietals presenting a light citrus acidity to the palate with a dry yet rich, smooth finish that paired well with the peppery, citrus flavors of the salad.  The wine featured white citrus and rock fruits such as green apple and peach, even pineapple aromas on the nose.  It paired well with both salads of the night.  I especially enjoyed it with the fish on the insalata di pesce.

The Insalata di Pesce was a bonus on the first course.  A beautifully colorful dish of tender, marinated baby octopus, sea scallop, and shrimp atop a bright pea puree and arugula, this dish was simple and sophisticated and quite a palate cleanser to prepare us for the second course.

Insalata di Pesce

Second Course:

Bolognese!  Simple, but one of my favorite Italian dishes from the Northern Italian city of Bologna!  Who wouldn't love slow-cooked pork, beef, and lamb (a great addition and substitute for the popular veal) in a rich red sauce served over homemade, tender, al dente fusilli?!? The traditional ragout is the epitome of comfort food and is found on Piattini's regular menu.

Bolognese

This beauty was paired with Allegrini, Palazzo della Torre, 2008 - a nice structured red with forgiving tannin, dark red fruit aromas such as black cherry, blackberry, and dried sticky tree fruits like dates.  Palazzo della Torre is produced in ripasso style where Amarone is "repassed" over pomace leftovers (yielding more tannin, thus more bitterness) or partially dried grapes.  The color is deep purple to burgundy, the finish smooth and easy.

Palazzo della Torre also easily pairs with the Stracotto di Manzo - tender, fall-apart at the fork, juicy braised short rib served over a parsnip puree for which I appreciated the aromatic character, but not the consistency which was a bit too heavy, and roasted asparagus. 

Dessert:

Biscotti was served with a vanilla almond panna cotta topped with strawberry.  The rich panna cotta had great flavor, however, the consistency was a bit too gelatinous for my taste.  It was served with a Bera Moscato di Asti DOCG 2011.  Due to its sweetness, Moscato typically is not a favorite of mine, but I did enjoy the bit of dryness yielded with this particular bottle.  Overall, we finished dinner on a high note with great flavors, spectacular services, and wonderful company.

Vanilla almond panna cotta

I look forward to visiting Piattini very soon to sample more greatness leaving the kitchen.

Until next time...

~Ciao

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Summer Restaurant Week 2013 Extended at Chef Scott Henritt's Marliave & Kitchen

 

Summer Restaurant Week 2013

Grotto

Grotto, located at 37 Bowdoin St.,  will be continuing with their Restaurant Week pricing of $38.13 for a three course dinner thru Saturday, August 31st.  The three course Restaurant Week lunch menu for $20.13 will be available until tomorrow, August 30th.  

Kitchen

Kitchen, at 560 Tremont St, will be serving its three course Restaurant Week dinner menu for $38.13 until August 31st. Kitchen offers its full dinner menu which includes Tournedos Rossini, lobster Thermidor, rack of lamb, crispy half duck and pan roasted sole. 

Marliave

Marliave, at 10 Bosworth St, is serving Restaurant Week dinner thru August 31st. Marliave offers one of the largest dinner and lunch Restaurant Week menus if not the largest In Boston. The dinner menu has over 12 entrees to choose from with option like beef Wellington, diver scallops, wild mushroom risotto and our signature chicken "under a brick". Appetizers include escargot, macaroni and cheese, French onion soup and beef carpaccio.  Marliave will be serving Restaurant Week Lunch also until Saturday, August 31. 

-Via Chef Scott Email Release

(TONIGHT) Wine Not? Piattini Hosts an Italian Wine Dinner in lieu of Restaurant Week

Wine Not? 

Update:  Here's the review of the evening, here.

Piattini Offers a Three Course Family-Style Italian Wine Dinner in Place of Restaurant Week 

WHAT:             To restaurateurs and foodies alike, mid-August always marks the bitter-sweet return of one thing: restaurant week. Instead of being bogged down by poor service, deal-go’ers and unsatisfactory options, Piattini is opening its doors, and arms, for a multi-course family-style Italian Wine Dinner on Monday, August 19th, 2013 at 6:30PM.

Located on Newbury Street in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, Piattini will be joined by Francesco Calderaro from Winebow Boston as they wine and dine guests through an exciting 3-course tour of Italy. For $35 per person (+tax and gratuity), dollars less than traditional Restaurant Week pricing, guests will get to try two antipasti and two entrées served family-style, each paired perfectly with a different Italian wine.

For dessert, the evening will end on a sweet note with a glass of Bera Moscato di Asti DOCG 2012 a decadent white wine with aromas of fresh grapes, honey, white flowers and orange blossoms paired with an individual Vanilla Almond Panna cotta.

Known for its educational wine program, Piattini and Carderaro will educate guests on the ins and outs of pairing Italian cuisine and wine, and everyone will leave with a wine card detailing the region, tasting notes, and other pertinent information of each poured wine.  

WHEN:           Monday, August 19th 2013 at 6:30pm 

WHERE:         Piattini, 226 Newbury Street Street, Boston, MA, 02116

COST:             $35 per person (tax and gratuity not included) 

RSVP:             Please visit http://www.piattini.com/ or call Piattini at 617-536-2020

MENU:            

First Course (shared) Arugula 
Seasoned, chopped fresh tomatoes,
artichoke hearts, arugula, Parmigiano reggiano, lemon-oil dressing
-and-Polpo alla Griglia (Grilled Baby Octupus)Marinated baby octopus, white cannellini bean salad, myer lemon drizzle

Wine: Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna DOC 2012Delicate aromas of citrus, undertones of tropical fruits and honey

Second Course (shared) Bolognese 
Homemade fussilli, traditional meat ragout-and-Stracotto di Manzo (Braised Short ribs)Glazed onions, parsnip puree

Wine: Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2009 Veneto Concentrated flavors of dried cherries, blackberries and fig with hints of mocha. Long complex finish.

Dessert: Vanilla Almond Panna cotta

Wine: Bera Moscato di Asti DOCG 2012Aromas of fresh grapes, honey, white flowers and orange blossoms.

See you all there!

Update:  Here's the review of the evening, here.

Simple, Yummy Bites at Simpli Bar & Bites, 3840 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA

 

Walking into Simpli Bar & Bites approximately two weeks after its opening, my friend and I felt like Norm walking into Cheers.  Mike, the manager, was warm and welcoming, as were the guests he was chatting up near the front door.  

He immediately wanted to show off their beautiful soft wood deck which featured hanging flowering plants, cozy corners, and dim lighting.  Being that the summer is quickly slipping away and we were there on one of our particularly cool and rainy early evenings, I immediately inquired about heating lamps to extend outdoor dining through fall.  Mike assured us they were seriously considering this modified design.

Outdoor patio. Photo Credit: Simpli Bar & Bites

It would be extremely wise to do so, as the interior dining space is small and can be a bit awkward if you happen not to be a social being.  To the far right of the space, upon walking into the front door, is a large "shared table" space which would certainly make for a feeling of self-indulgence should it be you and one other person, or perhaps a feeling of uncomfortableness (in my case for sure) if another party were to join.  There are 3, maybe 4 high tops against the front windows and approximately 10-12 seats at the bar with great views of the food and cocktail prep areas.  There is also a narrow ledge at which to stand on the other glass wall (parking lot side) leading up to the outdoor dining space.

On my first visit, the space was not full in the least.  On my second visit, there  was very minimal space, yet I did not feel overcrowded or in the way of the staff.

The staff appears to be absolutely pleased with their positions and are uber friendly and open to conversation well beyond receiving and preparing and order.  I mean, really, check this guy out...there's no way he isn't happy at work :0)

The staff in general were amazing with Chef Andy working it out in his limited sized kitchen.  I was glad to see and experience the pride he had in having say in the menu design and creation.  I also think it's a smart idea to poll diners on Autumn suggestions, whether dishes or ingredients that patrons would appreciate.  It gives diners a feeling of relevance and as a new neighborhood spot, that is important. Our server Kristen rocked!

Chef Andy. Photo Credit: Simply Bar & Bites

Chef Andy truly impressed me most with his passion.  He also blew me away with his preparation of the lamb chops adorned with a sprig of fresh rosemary.  They were so tender, so succulent, so well seasoned and delicious, that my friend whom has long before sworn off lamb actually enjoyed them!

Simpli Bar & Bites certainly elevates what they can with the space in which they are working.  This MUST be commended even though the menu's skeleton is simple and concise.  The quality of food, presented specifically by Chef Andy, is quite good and I truly believe we will see greater product as they tweak the opening kinks.

The pork belly sliders featured tender, meaty bites of pork belly with tangy slaw and a drizzle of BBQ sauce on a lovely bun.  The pork belly is seasoned and slow-cooked overnight and crisped the following day.  There's nothing like seeing the gleam in the eyes of a chef who takes pride in the proper preparation of a fantastic protein.  This light was very apparent in Chef's eyes as we chatted about the meal.

As simple as it may seem, the pretzel pucks, served with spicy mustard, were amazingly good!

While not all items are housemade, the kitchen pushes out good dishes with a personal touch via Chef Andy.  Pride is preparation and presentation is obvious, even before picking his brain and being directly exposed to his enthusiasm.  The server staff was just as enthusiastic and willing to share!

Slow cooked pork belly flatbread with BBQ sauce, red onion, and mozzarella sans the listed arugula.

Now on to the drinks...

Jess, our bartender for the evening was "simpli" amazing!  I am an avid bourbon/scotch/whisk(e)y drinker and she provided a tasting/comparison of the spirit that I am familiar with alongside those that I was not.  Blanton's bourbon, with its spicy vanilla notes, was my "gateway bourbon" back in the early 2000s so I get pretty excited when I see it on any shelf and I ask for a neat order whenever it catches my eye.

I remember ordering it after being seduced by the ornate bottle.

I also sampled a lovely Willett bourbon.  Willett's, bottle #247 out of #281 was very Knob Creek-esque with its cherry nose and smooth finish.

It was also my first time sampling Berkshire's Corn Whiskey.  The most interesting note mid-palate was reminiscent of black tea.  Very interesting and great when served neat.

I was most impressed with Jess' offering of Rogue Pink Spruce Gin...yes, Gin!  For those who follow my blog, or know me personally, I am always (and rarely) surprised when I am able to actually stomach a gin.  Rogue's gin was smooth, it was more floral than juniper-y.  I found it to be a bit tropical with notes of pineapple, coconut, and baking spice.  It was beautiful! 

Rogue's Dead Man Whiskey was strong and punchy!

 
While I was being adventurous, I also sampled a beer (not usually my thing).  Cisco Brewers' (Nantucket, MA) Grey Lady beer (4% ABV) was floral with lavender and light citrus notes. Mixed with blueberry triple a vodka it's called a "Blue-haired Lady" at Simpli Bar & Bites, and a "Red-haired Lady" with red triple "a" vodka.

I will write specifically about the few lovely cocktails I was able to sample from the evening in a follow-up post.

I was extremely excited to note that the bar was stocked with local spirits companies (Grand Ten, Berkshire, Tito's, Sons of Liberty, etc.)  Glad to see the camaraderie!

I certainly enjoyed the El Diablo:  Anejo Tequila, lemon juice, lime juice, and hellfire bitters and the House Red Sangria was decent.

Head over to Simpli Bar & Bites as they plan to change up the menu soon.  I, for one, am excited about what's to come.

North of Boston Wine Week: Merrimack Valley, The Wine Underworld of New England!

Local Businesses Come Together for the Third Annual North of Boston Wine Week

One of my personal favorite participants being Wine Connextion!

WHAT:             From Sunday, September 8^th through Sunday, September 15^th, 2013, restaurants and wine shops located north of Boston will join together to hold the third annual North of Boston Wine Week (NOBOWW).  

Sponsored by Merrimack Valley Magazine, in conjunction with NECN’s  “TV Diner,” M.S. Walker, Horizon Beverage Company and Cape Ann Foodie Tours, North of Boston Wine Week will celebrate the towns north of Boston as a premier destination for fine wine and food.

Throughout the week, the area’s finest businesses will highlight their impressive wine selections with various events and great deals including everything from specially crafted wine tastings, wine dinners, wine flights, pairings, special events and more! For the complete calendar listing of events visit www.NorthOfBostonWineWeek.com.

North of Boston Wine Week will kick-off with a complimentary inaugural event at the Wine ConneXtion, located in North Andover, MA, on Saturday, September 7^th, 2013 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM, during an exclusive, free wine tasting event featuring cuisine from several participating venue’s chefs.

Buy local, drink global and join North of Boston as a vibrant food and wine community and support local businesses including: 50 Warren Restaurant, 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, Adriatic Restaurant and Bar, Alchemy Bistro, Andiamo Restaurant + Bar, Angelina’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, Blue Stove at Nordstrom, Brasserie 28, Burton’s Grill, Busa Wine & Spirits, Café Escadrille, Centro, China Blossom, Emerson By The Sea, Evviva Cucina, The Grapevine, Hanover Street Chophouse, Joseph's Trattoria, Laurie's 9:09 Gastro-Diner, Luna Rossa Ristorante, Michael's Harborside, Nathanial's at the Hawthorne Hotel, On The Bone, Oregano Pizzeria, Orzo Trattoria, Phat Cat Bistro, Ristorante Olivio, Salvatore's Restaurants, Smolak Farms, Stonehedge Inn & Spa, Ten Center Street, Tryst Restaurant, Tuscan Kitchen, Tuscan Market, Waterside Grille, and the Wine ConneXtion.

                        For more details on special events and a complete list of featured wines, please visit www.NorthOfBostonWineWeek.com

WHEN:             North of Boston Wine Week runs from Sunday, September 8^th, 2013 through Sunday, September 15^th, 2013.

                                    North of Boston Wine Week kick-off on Saturday, September 7^th, 2013.

ADDITIONAL:  For a full schedule of events or for additional information please visit http://www.NorthOfBostonWineWeek.com or email info@northofbostonwineweek.com

North of Boston Wine Week (NOBOWW) is an annual week-long event celebrating  north of Boston as a premier destination for food and wine. In collaboration with NECN’s “TV Diner,” Merrimack Valley Magazine, Horizon Beverage Company, M.S.  Walker and Cape Ann Foodie Tours,  NOBOWW encourages drinking globally and buying locally.  Running from Sunday, September 8^th, 2013 through September 15^th, 2013 and with over 40 participating venues, NOBOWW is open for participation to all venues in the Merrimack Valley. For more information visit www.northofbostonwineweek.com

 

Modified from an official press release authorized by Image Unlimited Communications, Ltd.