Antica Sicilia provided a warm and inviting backdrop for a delightful event of conviviality accompanied by Italian sensory delights!  Wine importer and longtime friend of the Salt Lake City Baillage, Stephanie Cuadra, guided us through hand-selected wines while sharing her passion and expertise.  From the first sip to the last bite, each course was thoughtfully paired with wines that elevated and accentuated the flavors of the delectable dishes prepared by Chef Guiseppe Mirenda and his team.

 

Upon arrival, members and their guests were greeted with a glass of Massimago “Zurlie” Pét Nat Rosé, Corvina, Valpolicella, Veneto while they eagerly awaited the seven-course Italian Feast to come.

 

The Antipasto course was comprised of a trio of separate dishes:  Parmigiano Tartara Mista, Cannoli di Parmigiano, and Dates & Spec.  The dishes were accompanied by Stephanie Cuadra’s own 2020 Lasorte Cuadra Silos, IGT Valle d’Itria, Puglia.  Stephanie and her husband founded the Lasorte Cuadra winery in 2019 at their farm in Valle d’Itria, Puglia.  They produce only a small quantity of wine – around 7,000 cases – half of which is exported to Utah.

 

Members and their guests were treated to a pair of dishes for the Pasta course.  First was a delightful Bucatini Caccio e Pepe that was finished with truffle.  The second was Tagliolini Pistacchio e Gamberi which was a shrimp pasta dish finished in a creamy pistachio sauce.  Both of these dishes were paired with the Famiglia Demelas Giogu 2020 Cannonau di Sardegna DOC, Sardgena.

 

The Secondi course featured Duck Breast with blood orange candied fruit, pear reduction, and gorgonzola sauce as well as Crusted Lamb finished in a beef jus.  The Santa Maria La Nave Calmarossa 2018 Etna Rosso DOC, Sicilia paired beautifully with the delicious duck and lamb.

For dessert, we chose between a profiterole and a citrus sorbet to round out the evening paired with our choice of Digestivo.