Cornwall ON – It happens once every month or so and it takes a lot of time and love to prepare, but if you’re one of the lucky few to get a seat in the sold out Wine Tastings at Moustache Joe’s you know what I’m talking about.
It’s not easy coordinating a high level of food for such a large group, but Joe Aiello and his family and staff manage to do it every time.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd5W4wjGqn0
The tasting this time was all about Italy. All of the wines were from Italy and of course the food…..
The Hors d’Oeuvres were a mix of cheeses, crab and shrimp cakes, and other tid bits paired with a Santa Margherita Prosecco ($17.95 from the LCBO)
Then a treat, we had Ricotta Gnudi in a rich Chicken and Parmesean broth. The Gnudi essentially are what would be in a tortellini or ravioli without the noodle casing. They were quite delicate and the herbs and flavours meshed well with our Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio Verduzzo $(14.95)
What fest of Italy wouldn’t have pasta? Tonights was Ziti Soprano which was quite flavourful. Moustache Joe’s Home made sauce always makes pasta a special treat. It was paired up with a Chianti Classico Riserva from 2005 ($43.95)
To balance the palette a bit and spice things up a very large Shrimp fra Diavolo was presented to us. The only complaint is that there wasn’t a mountain of them. They were perfectly cooked, spicy, and flavoured sensationally.
They were matched up with the hit of the night wine wise at our table showing that you don’t have to be expensive to be good.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK6iFxB-IcU
The Feudi San Pio Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2007 ($15.95) was so good I’ll be searching out for some for our table.
Then it was show time. The main course which was Veal Rollatini served with some Asparagus wrapped in proscuitto and smashed potatoes.
The Veal was stuffed with spinach, herbs and spices and the potatoes were injected with bits of garlic and a lot of bang. They were quite tasty and the plate was matched up with a musky Farnese “Casale Vecchio” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007 ($12.35)
Chocolate. How many ways can we enjoy Chocolate? The fest ended with about five! The Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse was amazing. Light, filling, and definitely chocolate.
“Almost better than Sex!”
Exclaimed Lorraine Noé after biting in. The desert was paired with Giandua Cioccolato e Grappa ($29.95) A fine Chocolate flavored Grappa.
A lovely evening. A lot of good chat and lovely food with amazing family like service. Truly an evening to remember.
Moustache Joe’s won’t be having a wine tasting in December. Visit them at 109 Pitt Street in beautiful downtown Cornwall Ontario for your business lunch, amazing dinner, Friday and Saturday night Prime rib, or for that very special occasion call them at 613 937 0700 for catering. Tell them you saw their review on The Cornwall Free News!
