My wife Terri and I recently led a Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club journey in partnership with Malaka & Ryan Hilton of Admiral Travel International to Northern Italy (September 5-14, 2014). Our trip specifically explored throughout Tuscany and the Piedmont & Veneto regions with highlights including wine tastings in legendary cellars, indescribably decadent dinners and truffle hunting adventures to unexpected discoveries in tiny villages plus the thrills of high fashion (and Ferrari!) in Milan. On the heels of our Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club trip our culinary team is thrilled to present Northern Italy Epicurean Adventure lunch and dinner menus in the Restaurant throughout October. Each featured dish has been inspired by the top restaurants enjoyed by the Connoisseur Club travelers! Most importantly for readers of our wine blog: these journeys are also wine-buying trips! Guests on the trip have the opportunity to purchase wines via Michael’s Wine Cellar. Plus, I bring back new favorite wines for Sarasota residents and visitors to enjoy in the Restaurant and Store. Now we are thrilled to announce a special event which will feature many of the top wines from the recent Connoisseur Club winery visits!  Northern Italy Wine Dinner 7 p.m. Saturday, October 18 at Michael’s Wine Cellar $95/person Advanced reservations are required and space is limited. Please call 941-366-0007, ext. 229 to secure your reservation.

Northern Italian Wine Dinner Menu October 18, 2014

Passed Hors D’Oeuvres

Truffled Beef Tartar with Goat Cheese Crumbles on Crostini

Grilled Octopus with Olive Oil Confit Cherry Tomatoes & Balsamic Reduction

Tuna Cannolis with Micro Greens

Zardetto “Zeta” Prosecco Superiore, Conegliano Valdobbiadene, IT,2012

First Course

Black Olive and Tuscan Bread Crusted Halibut

Baby Vegetables, Roasted Yellow Pepper Oil, Mussels & Saffron

 Lugana "Riserva Sergio Zenato", Veneto, IT, 2010

Arneis "Blangé", Cerreto, Langhe, IT, 2012

Second Course

Prosciutto & Sage-Wrapped Duck Breast

Ricotta Gnocchi con Salsa Della Nonna, Eggplant, White Beans,

 Toasted Pine Nuts & Brunello di Montalcino Gastric

 Brunello di Montalcino, Altesino, Tuscany, IT, 2009

Brunello di Montalcino, San Polo, Tuscany, IT, 2008

Third Course

Roasted Rack of Lamb

 Red Wine Risotto, Confit Baby Artichokes,

Cipollini Onions, Roasted Baby Carrots, Trumpet Mushroom,

 Barolo Demi-Glaze & Fresh Truffles

Red Blend "Corbaia", Castello di Bossi, Tuscany, IT, 2009

Barolo, Cerreto, Piedmont, IT, 2010 Corvina "Cresasso", Zenato, Veneto, IT, 2007 Dessert

Ricotta Cheesecake with Honey & Figs

Hazelnut Short Bread & Vin Santo Sauce

Moscato d'Asti, Cerreto, Piedmont, IT, 2012