We had a rare Date Night at Vino last night, partly because we originally intended on dropping off E's B-Day package, partly to let the Vino crew sample my newly bottled barrel aged Rum Manhattan. I started by sampling a trio of new additions to Vino Cruvinet.
We then moved on to one of Vino's specials for the evening, the Black Summer Truffle Arancini with Hamakua Alii mushrooms on peppercorn demi. Crisp exterior and creamy risotto within on a rich sauce that we also sopped our bread in though the summer truffles simply tasted like regular mushrooms.
We also sampled the Roasted Cauliflower with truffle puree and brie cheese. The truffle flavor was a little more evident with the puree and I always love roasted vegetables.
I asked Chuck to select either a Rose, White or lighter bodied Red (since it was so hot during the day) and he uncorked a 2008 Schnaitmann Wurttemberg Lemberger. With a subtle nose of tar and leather, I assumed it was Italian Sangiovese IGT, but no, this baby was all German!
We also had our favorite "special", the Fried Brussels Sprouts with konbu aioli and Granny Smith apples.
Along with the Italian Beef Bruschetta with pickled onions, sauteed peppers and Dijon aioli. The juices from the very tender slices of beef and peppers soaked the bread for some mighty fine eatin'!
We originally planned on selecting several more courses but I guess that the one slice of my Sourdough Clam Chowder Pizza about a hour before leaving the house more than filled us up as both the Mrs and I were stuffed after just 4 specials.. and 1 bottle of wine... and 3 samplers of wine... and the Mrs' Litchi Gin Fizz... and V's 3 samplers of old Forman Cabernet and 1 Negroni. Though it's nice to hear that Vino's barrel aged Manhattan sold out after just 1 & 1/2 days! Hopefully their 2nd barrel aged creation will follow suit! Gambatte!
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