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Specials for the week of November 24th 2023
Cacciucco alla Toscana
Cacciucco is a traditional and hearty fish stew that has been a staple of Tuscan cuisine for centuries. Originating from the coastal regions of Tuscany, particularly Livorno, this dish is a testament to the area’s rich fishing heritage. Our Cacciucco features a medley of sea bass, calamari, black tiger shrimp, octopus, mussels, and langoustines, each bringing unique flavor and texture to the stew. These ingredients are simmered in a robust brodetto made with San Marzano tomatoes, a variety prized for their sweet taste and low acidity, accompanied by crispy crostini.
Recommended wine pairing: Verdicchio is known for its crisp and refreshing profile, with subtle notes of citrus and green apple and a hint of almond on the finish. Its bright acidity and minerality make it an excellent complement to the rich and savory flavors of the Cacciucco, enhancing the seafood’s natural sweetness while balancing the tomato-based broth. With its delicate floral and herbal undertones, the aromatic bouquet of Verdicchio adds an extra dimension of flavor, making each sip as memorable as the stew itself.
Bone-in Veal Chop Milanese
Explore the culinary heritage of Milan with our classic Bone-in Veal Chop Milanese, a dish that reflects the rich history and refined tastes of the region. This iconic Milanese specialty, known for its simplicity and elegance, has been a beloved part of Northern Italian cuisine for centuries. The Chop is gently pounded and lightly breaded, then pan-seared crspy golden, accompanied by a fresh salad that complements the richness of the veal. It features crisp arugula, vibrant heirloom tomatoes, lusciously creamy burrata cheese, and delicately shaved pecorino, and all brought together with a zesty lemon basil vinaigrette. This combination of flavors and textures is both refreshing and satisfying.
Recommended wine pairing: Garganega, a distinguished Italian white wine primarily produced in the Veneto region, is celebrated for its versatile character and subtle complexity. This wine presents a delightful array of flavors, from ripe pear and crisp apple to hints of almond and white flowers, creating a symphony of aromas that enhance the dish. Its bright acidity and mineral undertones beautifully cut through the richness of the veal, while its slight nuttiness complements the cheese elements in the salad. The Garganega’s elegant and refined profile perfectly matches our Bone-in Veal Chop Milanese, offering a harmonious blend of Lombardian culinary art and Venetian viticulture.
Guanciale “Pork Cheek”
Experience a taste of authentic Italian culinary history with our Guanciale “Pork Cheek,” a dish deeply rooted in the rustic and hearty cuisine of Central Italy. Guanciale, made from pork cheek or jowl, is a staple of traditional Italian cooking, particularly in regions like Lazio and Umbria. Revered for its rich flavor and tender texture, it has been used for centuries to add depth to various Italian dishes. In our rendition, the pork cheek is braised and slow-cooked in a traditional Soffritto, a foundational element in Italian cooking consisting of onions, carrots, and celery infusing the meat with a medley of aromatic flavors. Served over
Cappelli ravioli, filled with a blend of smoked scamorza cheese, eggplant, ricotta, Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, and Parmigiana Reggiano.
Recommended wine pairing: Nebbiolo, a renowned Italian red wine. Hailing from the misty hills of Piedmont, particularly the Langhe region, Nebbiolo grapes are behind some of Italy’s most prestigious wines. This wine is celebrated for its robust structure and complex flavor profile. It presents an enticing bouquet of aromas, including ripe cherries, plums, and hints of roses and violets, followed by subtle notes of tobacco, truffles, and anise. On the palate, Nebbiolo offers a balance of firm tannins and bright acidity, which cuts through the richness of the pork cheek and complements the depth of the cheeses in the ravioli. Its lingering finish and earthy undertones make it an impeccable match for our Guanciale “Pork Cheek,” creating a dining experience that is both deeply rooted in Italian tradition and rich in flavor.