Alex, my officemate, and I invited our folks to join us in dining "taverna-style" (as in tables of 6 or more and everyone sharing platter after never-ending platter of yummy Italian dishes.)
All 10 courses were paired with the Tuscan wines of Castello Banfi Winery.
Fumaio, Collepino, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino...
i like the way the names roll off my tongue.
The Romans plus my dad (right)
Mom and friends joined the party
More guests, friends and families enjoy the charmingly casual set up
to put us more in the "countryside" mood...
Judith and Elias of High Life chat all night with
Guillaume Blanchard of Castello Banfi.
First on the menu, Panko-Crusted Feta Greek Salad with Lemon and Dill served with Banfi Fumaio - a light, white wine.
The "Pissaladiere," according to Chelsea owner Andrej and his lovely wife Myrza, means "onion pizza." The caramelized onions went well with the sweetness of the red wine - the Collepino.
Parmesan Jalapeno Arancini with Deep-Fried Olives and Caperberries
Baked Herb Chicken and Spinach Gorgonzola Rigatoni
Salt Baked Barramundi with Garlic Aoli
A very interesting way of cooking fish - with a salt wrap. It was a bit of a challenge though breaking through to the inside. But the Barramundi was actually not too salty and very soft.
Duck Confit and Sausage Cassoulet is my new fave comfort food. It actually reminds me of a white bean recipe at home except that we use pork.
It will fall-from-your-fork: "Low and Slow” Merlot-Braised U.S. Beef Short Rib Stew was delicious with creamy mashed potatoes and crispy, fried onions.
Banana and Balsamic Caramel Waffles with Chocolate-Dipped Bacon. I took a bite of the bacon and it wasn't what I expected. It actually works when you make the bacon real crispy then it just gives the chocolate a little salty crunch. The caramel was my favorite though coz there would be slivers of it on the soft waffle, like when you break the surface of a creme brulee.
My dad's favorite. He orders it everywhere so I could say that he knows his apple pie.
Our moms on the other hand, enjoyed the Vittoria Cappuccinos. Funny, since it was served with a piece of chocnut on the side, they figured it was meant to be dropped whole inside the coffee. It actually worked so maybe it was?! Can't know for sure but i'll probably try it again as well.
