We were greeted on arrival and sent upstairs to a private dining area. It appeared that the size of your reserved party was the size of your table and we were seated at a table for two. Staff was friendly and warm and the decor was elegant.
A couple seated at the next table smiled and said hello as other diners filed into the room. The gentleman at the next table came over and introduced himself as Bob Zohn who, it turns out, would be our guide and resident wine expert for tonight's dinner. With him was his lovely wife Julie. There were about 30 people in attendance.
Bob welcomed all to the evening's meal as the staff poured a 2011 Terlan Pinot Bianco. He explained a lot about the different regions of Italy and how this white was grown and processed. I'm a fan of white wine and enjoyed it very much. It paired with Shrimp Scampi over rabe with sundried tomato, olives and capers. We both enjoyed the dish which had many unique flavors.
So we were on our way as the next course brought us to a different region and Bob told the story of the next wine. It was a 2010 Mastroberendino Lacryma Christi Rosso. A slightly acidic red which paired with cicatelli pasta with a wild mushroom ragu and herbed ricotta. The story is when God ousted Satan from heaven and sent him to Hell, God cried and his tears fell on the region where these grapes are grown. "Lacryma Christi" is translated as "Tears of Christ".
Our next course was pork loin tonnato over arugula and endive. It was thinly sliced cold pork with a mayonnaise style dressing. Very tasty, however Karen is not much of a cold meat eater but she was happy that we already had our share of greens with each course. It was paired with a 2007 Colombini Brunello di Montalcino. A smoother red with a lot of body.
Our final food course was grilled lamb loin chops with roasted garlic and rosemary with a red wine reduction sauce. I love lamb, Karen does not. She did try it however and came to realize she still doesn't like lamb. Even after numerous glasses of wine. I was in food heaven. On the plate was a half bulb of roasted garlic that you could pick out the sweet cloves and have one with each bite of lamb.
The last wine was a 2009 Zenato Pipassa. A smooth and silky red. Our server commented it was one of her favorites. One we will look for to try at home. Karen and I both enjoyed it very much. Not only because it was like the 8th glass of the night.
Dinner was ended with chocolate cups filled with zabaglione and fresh berries. Sorry there is no picture but it was so good I ate it before I realized I didn't snap one.
Overall, even though a bit expensive, it was a great treat. The owner and host came over to say hello. Bob was quite knowledgeable and humorous during his presentation. The waitstaff was very friendly and accommodating.
These types of diners are held a few times a year and we will be back to enjoy Bob and Julie's company and expertise along with the rest of the crowd that seemed to be regulars.
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