Italian Top Chef Showcase Dinner

On June 22, I had the pleasure to accept an invitation to attend this wonderful dinner presented by The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada-West, in cooperation with the Consulate General of Italy. This Italian culinary showcase was to celebrate Italian Heritage Month with some of Vancouver’s top chefs featuring Chefs Pino Posteraro and Angus An, hosted by Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel resident Chef Nathan Brown who prepared dishes using a set of selected authentic Italian products especially flown in from Italy for the event!

The reception featured a stunning display of Italian cheese and meats; at the Salumi & Formaggi Station they featured a selection of Italian DOP & IGP cheeses and cured meats Pane di Altamura DOP, Grissini, Crostini.

Chef Angus An and Emcee Jim Gordon

Chef Pino Posteraro

Chefs Angus An and Pino Posteraro

On to the dinner which was paired with premium Italian wines, each table were served different wines to showcase over 60 different wines from Italy. At my table two wines were featured imported by World Wine Synergy Inc whose President (Grace Li) dined with us. During the dinner Chefs Pino Posteraro and Angus An did a cooking demo in front of each of their dishes, the event was emceed by Jim Gordon.

First course:

Albacore Tuna Crudo

Albacore Tuna Crudo by Chef Angus An with Hazelnuts Tonda Gentile di Piemonte, white anchovy, marinated celery, extra virgin olive oil DOP, delicious dish, loved all the flavours.

Second course:

Heirloom Tomato Garden Vegetable Crudaiola

Heirloom Tomato Garden Vegetable Crudaiola by Chef Pino Posteraro with Marinated diver scallops, mozzarella di bufala campana DOP, extra virgin olive oil DOP, a stunning dish all around.

Third course:

Risotto al Salto

Risotto al Salto by Chef Nathan Brown with saffron, carnaroli rice IGP, veal, jus

Fourth course:

Braised Angus Reserved Short Rib

Braised Angus Reserved Short Rib by Chef Nathan Brown with truffle polenta, parsnip, broccolini, baby carrot, smoked onion jus

Sixth course:

Selection of Italian DOP & IGP cheeses

Selection of Italian DOP & IGP cheeses

Featuring the Taleggio DOP, Piave Vecchio DOP, Montasio Stravecchio DOP, Placentinu Ennese DOP, Gorgonzola Piccante DOP

Seventh course:

Tiramisu

Tiramisu by Chef Jeffrey Kahle with espresso soaked ladyfinger sponge, mascarpone cream, vanilla whip, crispy espresso meringue, chocolate sauce, an exquisite dessert.

The two standout wines at our table from World Wine Synergy Inc were the Terre Stregate’s Sannio Falanghina (Spec) paired with the first course and Casale del Giglio’s Petit Manseng (Listed) paired with the 3rd course.

The dinner was sold-out with 320 guests attending, this one event you don’t want to miss next year so watch for tickets when they go on sale.

By: Richard Wolak

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