Bevande
Guest Arrival
While you finish up a few last minute details, invite your guests to join you in the kitchen. They can relax and enjoy a cocktail or beverage. It's a great way to make guests feel at home and gives you time to get to know one another or catch up on each others lives.
Cocktail
We took the classic Bloody Mary cocktail and added Italian flavors to make our Italian Bloody Mary. We love this cocktail because it can be served with or without alcohol and it tastes great either way.
Italian Bloody Mary
1 can Academia Barilla Pomodorini Pelati (Peeled Cherry Tomatoes)*
to taste Academia Barilla Balsamic Must
1 cup vodka
4 baby carrots with stems
to taste salt
to taste black pepper
to taste Academia Barilla Mont Iblei extra virgin olive oil
PASS the tomatoes through a very fine colander to remove seeds and prepare juice
SEASON the tomato juice with salt and black pepper
ADD vodka
POUR juice into glasses; drop a small amount of balsamic vinegar right in the center of the glass. (The balsamic will go to the bottom of the glass.)
DRIZZLE with olive oil; garnish with a baby carrot.
*May substitute tomato juice
Assortment of Italian Red and White Wines
Our wine expert, Jeni Heim from Sam's Wine in Chicago selected the following wines to pair perfectly with our menu.
Artichokes and Clamari: Ferrando Erbaluce 2004
Erbulace is a white grape grown only in the region of Caluso in northern Piemonte. This is a well structured, dry white wine the goes well with the deep fried calamari. It is not overly fruity or rich and has some dry herb earthiness that matches the artichokes flavor.
Linguine with Leeks and Clams: Sella and Mosca "Cala" Vermentino 2004
This is a light, refreshing and interesting wine from Sardenia. "A fine film forms on the grapeskins druing maturation which captures the aromatics of sea spray and nearby eucalyptus tress. A perfect combination with pasta, clams and sweet, earthy leeks."
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Dessilani Spanna Riserva 2001
Spanna is a local name for the Nebbiolo grape grown in northern Piemonte. Nebbiolo grapes are well known for their aromatic complexity, high acidity and copius tannins. This fantastic wine is made by a traditional wine maker who produces only riserva level wines. Plenty of richness and structured acidity to complement our wonderful entree.
Zucchini with Tomatoes and Mint: Bisson Ciliegiolo Roasato 2004
This is a terrific Rosata from Liguira, made from the Ciliegiolo grape. It's a well put together ,very light red wine with zesty flavors of cherry and light strawberry. It has plenty of acidity for the tomaotes and a little savoriness to go along with the zucchini.
Carrot Cake: Colosi Malvasia delle Lipari
This is a light sweet wine from Lipari, Siciliy which is a small island off the coast. Malvasia is the grape. It's rich, but bright with a soft acidity and a fresh sweet finish.
Sparkling and Still Water; Non-Alcoholic Beverages
We recommend having a selection of sparkling and still water on hand as well as non-alcoholic beverages such as ice tea or soda for your guests. Be sure to have plenty of ice cubes on hand to keep your drinks cool and refreshing!
