Hi Everyone! What a beautiful, beautiful Friday it is here in DC. I hope it’s put everyone in the weekend spirit a few hours early.

Last night’s dinner was FABULOUS and I’ve got lots of pics to share. I did the best I could given the restaurant lighting but I’m afraid a few just didn’t make the quality cut! I’ll be happy to describe the missing bits with words.

The event was titled, A Winemaker Dinner With Massimo di Lenardo – presented by Geranio Ristorante in association with UnWined and Michael R. Downey Selections. A mouthful! Let’s begin.

The restaurant itself was just adorable – so warm and homey. The evening began with a prosecco reception and a passed hors d’œuvre – Crostini of Mozzarella Wrapped with Roasted Prosciutto.  Mild, creamy-fresh mozzarella paired with salty prosciutto. A lovely start! They had a room blocked off for the dinner with a few long tables which gave everyone the chance to mix and mingle over the course of the evening.

After a bit, we were seated for supper. The menu:

First course:

Calamari Filled with Shrimp, Orange and Pine Nuts

Friulano DOC TOH Friuli Grave 2009, di Lenardo

The orange flavor in this dish was just beautiful. The fresh citrus/seafood pairing reminded me so much of summer, which cannot come soon enough! And this wine blew. me. away. I’m always more of a red wine drinker than white but I couldn’t help but fall in love with both of the white wines we were served last night, above and below.

Second:

Halibut with Hazelnuts, Over a Baby Arugula & Radicchio Salad

with Lemon Vinaigrette

Sauvignon Venezia-Giulia igt 2009, di Lenardo

This was probably my favorite savory pairing of the evening (of course I died over dessert!).  The fresh, mildness of the fish, tartness of the lemon, slight bitterness of arugula and radicchio – so many complimentary flavors working perfectly here. And the wine – oh my. I’m a seafood and sauv lover as it is so there really couldn’t have been anything more perfect in front of me!

Third:

Roasted Duck Breast on a Bed of French Lentils with Celery Root “Straw”

and Shallot Jus

Refosco DOC “Vigne da Lis Maris” 2009, di Lenardo

I loved the flavor of the lentils in this dish. Wine and food though, if I had to pick this was maybe my least favorite of the night. I enjoyed everything – but these were just not making me fuss as much as I did over the others.

Fourth:

Loin of Veal with Black Pepper Spatzel, Cranberries & Roasted Portobello

Merlot Venezia Giulia igt “Just Me” 2008,

di Lenardo

I don’t know where my cranberries were on this plate! But otherwise this was excellent. I tasted something very familiar in the spatzel and confirmed it with the chef later on: white truffle oil! He said he used the truffle oil to tie in the portobellos. Seriously, a dish after this mushroom lovers heart! And this wine was pheeenom. I am not generally a Merlot fan but this has to be the best I’ve ever tasted. I just had to buy a bottle to bring home next time I visit and share with my Merlot loving dad!

And then dessert.

Crisp Apple Tart with Praline Anglaise Verduzzo

Passito Venezia-Giulia igt “Past the Cookies” 2009, di Lenardo

Oh how I WISH the dessert pictures came out. Absolutely the most fantastic apple tart. The crust was paper-thin and flaky with an almost crispy-seared base. The light crust allowed the flavor of the apples to really shine through – and not at all too sweet as is often the way with apple desserts.

All in all, a delicious, fabulous evening with my fun friend Eddie.

See you tomorrow with details on tonight’s 80 Sips!