Northern Italian Dinner

Menu

Antipasti

Prosciutto, Montadella, Coppa, Piato Formaggi (Mixed Cheeese Board)

Wines:  Alpha Zeta Soave, 2014, & Bruscus San Valentino Lumbrusco, 2013 

Insalata

Local Beet Salad- crispy mozzarella, pickled ramps, tomato jam, watercress, 15 year balsamic,served with ciabetta

Wine:  Poggio Anima Belial

Pork Creek Ravioli, spring garlic, young carrots, aged balsamic, pecorino romano

Wine:  Palazzo  Montanari Valpolicella Classico

Secondi

Bistecca Grilliata—Piedontese Ribeye Steak, bone marrow crouton, arugula, aged balsamic, cippolini onion, maitake mushroom, parmigiana-reggiano

Wine:  Tenuta Sant Antonio Scai Corvina

Dolce

Ciccolato-chocolate cake served with olive oil & sea salt gelato scoop, served with 

choice of Italian apertivos—Dumante or cafe`Moka

Comments

17 members gathered at a small restaurant in the Dundee area to enjoy Classic Northern Italian food and wine , and we were not disappointed.  In Omaha we are more familiar  with Southern Italian cusine which has a Mediterranean flair.. with tangy marinara sauce & abundant herbs & cheeses.  We learned that the Piemonte & Lombardia regions of Northern Italy are prime cattle country, and feature butter  & cream based sauces, & are famous for their cheeses, prosciutto & veal. 

The Alpha Zeeta Soave  ( crisp white wine  with a hint of goose-berries ), and the Lumbrusco  (deep ruby red wine  with bright fruit taste and delightful sparkle), paired very well with the classic Northern Italian mixed meat & cheese board. 

The Poggio wine from Tuscany (which was full bodied with mixed palate of red fruit & herbs)  was delightful with the beet & balsamic salad.

The Pork Creek raviolli hit the spot, & was well complemented by the Valpolicella wine (medium intense, dry, & delicate with hints of cherries and spicy notes of pepper).

The Piedmontese Ribeye steak was succulent with the Scaia Corvina wine (ruby red , medium bodied, & hints of cherry & plums).

The chocholate dessert which was both sweet and slightly salty was amazing with the Dumante,( which was an Italian liquor with the flavor of pistachio) or cafe moka.

The setting was small & intimate ,&  the food and wine were classic for   Northern Italy.  We felt like we came as close as we could to the mountains of Piemonte and Lombardia without leaving Omaha.  it was a very enjoyable evening.