On November 18th I attended the Flavours of Italy Gala tasting & dinner held at the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel. This 8th annual dinner event was hosted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce Western Canada and featured over 100 Italian wines for guests to taste.
To begin the evening event, I had the pleasure to taste some of the fine Italian wines and Amarone that went well with Parmessan Cheese, Rice Balls, Olives, Panettone along with the delicious Gelato from Bella Gelateria.
Guests took their seats and the Gala Dinner got underway with an elegant meal and wine pairings. A few notable passionate foodies at my table were Pino Posteraro Chef & Owner of one of my favourite restaurants Cioppino`s Mediterranean Grill along with James Colleridge Master Gelato maker of my favourite gelateria which is Bella Gelateria.
To Start
Bresaola with baby arugula, exra virgin olive oil and grana padano
paired with Pinot Noir – Tenuta Maggiore
Bresaola with baby arugula, extra virgin olive oil and grana padano
Milanese Style – Risotto with Saffron Butternut Squash Ravioli topped with jumbo prawn
paired with Lugana Monte Cicogna
Milanese Style Risotto with Saffron
Followed by a palate cleanser Sorrento Lemon Sorbet
Sorrento Lemon Sorbet
Special Presentation by Chef Pino Posteraro
Pino Posteraro Chef & Owner of Cioppino`s Mediterranean Grill
Followed by the main dish, Ossobuco on a bed of Polenta and Gorgonzola with wine reduction and seasonal vegetables
paired with Amphorae – Tenuta Maggiore
Ossobuco on a bed of Polenta
Followed by, Cheese Platter: Grna, Taleggio and Provelone
paired with Amphorae – Tenuta Maggiore
Cheese Platter
Ending the meal with, Panettone Tiramisu and Gelato Al Torrone
paired with Pinot Noir Brut – Fattoria Colombini
Panettone Tiramisu and Gelato Al Torrone
Thousands of dollars were raised in the live auction that included a generous donation by Chef Pino Posteraro with monies raised going to support the Michael Cuccione Foundation.
By: Richard Wolak