Taste of Italy is LA’s premiere food and wine event with authentic Italian food, wine, and entertainment to benefit the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA). The event celebrates the cultural richness of the Italian peninsula. Last year, Taste of Italy highlighted the Italian region of Puglia, known as the “heel of the boot”. Puglia is known for its quintessential Mediterranean climate: short mild winters and long, hot, dry summers with LOTS of sunshine. The wines from Puglia are known for their great values. Specifically, the region is known for the Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes. I was not able to attend the main event, but I did attend the “Taste of Italy” preview dinner for press at Luigi al Teatro featuring a Puglia inspired menu. Luigi Fineo, executive chef at Luigi al Teatro, is the nation’s youngest chef to earn the Michelin Star. We enjoyed a LOVELY evening that started with a wine tasting and passed hors d’oeuvres on the patio. We then moved into the restaurant for a beautiful coursed meal that left me in shock that I had never visited this restaurant before. It was easily one of the best meals I have ever had in Los Angeles. Chef Luigi Fineo Enjoy the food and wine porn about to hit your eyeballs! Kumia Fiano Selezione Nicola Chiaromonte Gioia Del Colle Primitivo 2011 Polipo alla Griglia Grilled Spanish Octopus, Cireale Chickpea, Green Olives, Toy Box Tomato & Carpaccio di Orata Sea Bream, Orange, Basil Seeds, Lemon, Olive Oil Muro Sant’Angelo Gioia del Colle Primitivo 2014 Ari Vecchia Cavatelli, Potato, Mussels, Bottarga, Pachino Filleto di San Pietro Baked John Dory, Tomato-Spinach Acciugata & Australian Wagyu New York Steak Grilled Australian Wagyu, Seasonal Vegetables, Black Winter Truffle Budino Chocolate, Crème Fraiche, Maldon Salt This year the Taste of Italy event will take place on October 12, 2019 at the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles. Thank you to Marianna Gatto, Executive Director of IAMLA for the invitation to this impeccable event. Ciao!Aperitif Wines
Duo Starter
Dinner Wine
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Duo Entree
Dessert