Stacey S.
Yelp
Attended the Dolce Vita Wine Dinner on 12/18/24 (6:30-9:30pm) at the Red Salt Room within the Garden City Hotel. The price listed was $165, however, with the Eventbrite fees, tip, tax the total was actually $224.70!!!!
We gathered in the restaurant and Brittany Schmidt led us on a tour of the kitchen. We also met Sergio Zecca who introduced us to our first wine, Pio Cesare Barolo Mosconi, my absolute favorite of the night. He was with us the entire evening, and was so knowledgeable and personable. There was a display of bruschetta (chicken, fig with goat cheese and tomato) and we watched them make candied bacon. The bacon and the fig bruschetta were best. The chicken was too dry. Brittany then escorted us to our table in a private glass room. The 13 of us sat at one large rectangle table. We had a tv monitor to watch the chef prepare our food. In fact, for each course, 2 guests were allowed to go into the kitchen and help the chef plate that particular entrée.
Now onto the food/wine. 1) Molluschi Suppli & Caviar (clams risotto croquette, black caviar, grana Padano) paired with Roederer Estate, Brut Anderson Valley. Small with a hint of clam. Very good. 2) Scallops & Frutti de Mare (scallops, sea urchin, frutti de mare bisque, fennel pollen) paired with Pio Cesare Cortese di Gavi. One large scallop, small portion imo. Heavy on the sea urchin taste, but the bisque was delicious. Gavi was great! 3) Duck Salsa de Noci (mallard duck breast, walnut salsa, poached white asparagus) paired with Pio Cesare Dolcetto d'Alba. This was my first time trying duck and by far the best dish of the night. It was so tender and flavorful with the sauces. 4) Wagyu Filet Mignon with potato al forno paired with Pio Cesare Barolo. The steak was tender and delicious but small. The potato was a bit dry and small as well. 5) Budino (Italia crème caramel) paired with Moscato d/Asti. Least favorite dish/wine of the night. It was entirely too sweet, the crumble was the best part. They initially served us one delicious piece of bread that was croissant like. I requested a few pieces more and while they brought out some, they mentioned they only make enough for the table. I think at this price point, the bread basket should be overflowing and refilled!!
Towards the end of dinner, there was a few raffles and prizes. All of us received a 25% off coupon to dine at Red Salt. There was a cookie display (biscotti, rainbow cookies (heavy on the jelly but quality chocolate), pignoli cookies (diff from the bakery type), cannolis) and we were able to build our own cookie tin.
Brittany, Sergio and our server, JC did not skip a beat.