Spiaggia: a Beard favorite

On my first visit to Spiaggia, a four star palate pleaser in Chicago, we went for the seven course tasting menu that included white truffles and a wine pairing with each one.



Rather than simply include the link to the seasonal menu for Fall 2011, I decided to include the full text within my photos to serve as a kind reminder of the details to last long after the menu changes again with Spring. Both the wines and truffles on the menu are from the Piemonte region in northern Italy, near Turin, where the 2006 Winter Olympic Games were held.

1. SFORMATO DI SEDANO RAPA CON LIMONE
Celery root mousse with baby celery and Meyer lemon

Wine pairing: 2010 Gavi, 'Vigneto Masera,' Massone, Piemonte



2. OSTRICHE DUE MODE
Moonstone oyster with Mangalista lardo and
Nasketucket oyster with Parmigiano Reggiano zabaglione

Wine pairing: 2010 Roero Arneis, Correggia, Canale

The oysters in this second course were divine. The Moonstone oyster on the left was sweet from the lardo (like pancetta) glazed over the delicate seafood. With the parmesan, the oyster to the right was much more savory. Both excellent.






3. COSCE DI RANE CON POLENTA, BOTTARGA E BURRO FUSO
Frog legs with creamy white polenta, bottarga, lemon and brown butter

Wine pairing: 2004 Roero Riserva, 'Rocche d'Ampsej,' Correggia, Piemonte

This was my first time trying frog legs. I'm typically not too adventurous with my meats. De-boned and grilled for a flavorful crisp, layered on the light polenta, the legs were exquisite. Topped with truffles, I pretty much cleared my appetizer-sized, white plate. Sincerely hope it wasn't my prince charming. What happens if you eat him??(!)



4. BRIOSCIA CON UOVO FRITTO E SALSICCIA
Fried Vandeboom Farm red egg,
with Moser Cornish hen sausage brioche and crispy skin vinaigrette

Wine pairing: M.V. 'Cuvée de Réserve,' Marc Hébrart, Vallée de la Marne
or
2007 Barolo, Marengo, La Morra, Piemonte








5. TAJARIN CON FONDUTA
Traditional Piedmontese hand cut pasta with fontina cheese

Photo - Wine pairing: 2006 Barolo, 'San Rocco,' Azelia, Serralunga

We loved the peacock detail in the Azelia wine label. This Barolo wine is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson visited the Azelia winery in November. He describes the wines as generally 'exhibiting more structure' and as having 'elements of terroir'.



Terroir, a French term that denotes how fruits of agriculture will inherit specific traits stemming from the unique aspects of the region's climate, ecosystems and geography, is a new term for me. But I do know that this is a main reason for the variety in grape quality and therefore the opportunity to create better, best and worse wines.

It reminds me of this scene in the 1995 movie "French Kiss" with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. The characters Kate and Luc learn more about each other and the essence of wine. Wine, like people, is influenced by what's in the ground and the air surrounding it.

6. RISOTTO AL RICCIO DI MARE
Organic Acquerello risotto with sea urchin

Wine pairing: 2005 Barolo, 'Pajana,' Clerico, Ginestra, Monforte d'Alba

This was a fabulous wine. We enjoyed it, maybe a little bit too much.




7. ANTILOPE CON FEGATO GRASSO E PORCINI
Wood grilled Nilgai antelope with duck liver and porcini mushrooms

M.V. Demi Sec,' A. Margaine, Villers Marmery Marne
or
2010 Moscato d'Asti, Saracco, Piemonte


Like I often find while away, Spiaggia has a strong hometown connection. Ristorante Bartolotta’s co-founder and James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta gained skill and exposure at Spiaggia. The current Executive Chef of Milwaukee’s Best upscale Italian spot is Juan Urbieta who trained under Paul at Spiaggia in the nineties and traveled to Imola, Italy, southeast of Bologna to study at the San Domenico.

The Pappardelle al Ragu d'Anatra, described as a hand-cut Tuscan ribbon pasta tossed with Bartolotta's traditional slow-braised duck ragu, is my favorite at Bartolotta's flagship restaurant. Ragu is my Italian soul food, and through my travels and constantly trying to establish my own recipe, I recall the flavors of this heart-warming dish when creating in my own kitchen. Although, once in a while we'll pick up an order or two to share at home with our own selection of wine.



Tastes of Italy ease thy soul. The soothing flavors give a feeling of warmth and love. While my travels have yet to give me an extended experience in Italy, it’s only a matter of time before my tastebuds drive me there. A girl’s got to ‘Eat’ before finding peace and lasting ‘Love’ - well at least according to Elizabeth.

Pfister's Holiday Ambiance

I have my favorite cozy, traditional spots in Milwaukee, you know, the ones that smell of history and carry the city’s character in each union of beam and screw. The Pfister Hotel, located on the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Jefferson, is one of them. Its lobby welcomes new visitors and regulars alike with its vibrantly painted ceiling in the main hall. The swirls of mostly blue, with off white puffy clouds, yellows and pinks, give the entrance an air of royal.





Nestled in the corner of the lobby is the hotel’s main fireplace. Standing about four and half feet high, the warmth lures visitors to admire its gorgeous mantle piece of intricately carved stone. Some tips are gilded.




Take a closer look beyond the large black andirons on the back wall of the hearth and you can see the gorgeous scene of horses leading a chariot.





The Pfister Hotel was built in 1893. It had some modern aspects for the time period such as electricity, fire proofing and thermostat control.


The hotel’s large Christmas tree is vibrant with red bows, green, gold and red light-catching balls. Red Poinsettias throughout the main floor keep the spirit classic while the plaid scarf around the lion’s neck makes it fun and exciting for the child’s spirit inside us all.

Thanks for keeping my holiday spirit alive. x

@MilwSymphOrch holiday performance

Milwaukee's Symphany Orchestra performed at the gorgeous St Josaphat Basilica - the design mimics St Peter's Basilica in Rome - on the city's southside. Together with an in-house choir and special opera singers, the event was hair raising, especially during 'Hallelujah". You can listen to this video for a taste. Happy Holidays!









The Florentine Opera Company is a performing arts organization based in Wisconsin. It's leading artists, Kristen Dininno, Erica Shuller, Matthew Richardson and Dan Richardson did an amazing job (L-R below).

Favorite Food Finds 2011

This is a list of some of my favorite new finds from this year. Two are casual local favorites and one is a hip joint frequented by the world's trendsetters.


Rio de Janiero - JOBI

Now Jobi doesn't have its own website, but it is one of the best local hangouts in this fashionable Brazilian city. Dehouche Luxury Travel's review of the Leblon area where Jobi is located, lists the botequim cafe as one of the best watering holes around. It's true. So very true.


After a few hours delay, we needed a fantastic place for our late lunch and were lucky enough to stumble by Jobi after quickly dismissing the recommended joint a few blocks back – it looked like a low budget pizza chain with plastic menus filled with pictures.

Jobi had a table of locals inside clearly enjoying their long lunch, surrounded by a smattering of glasses, all shapes and sizes, laughing and leaning back in their chairs.

Just us, them and an older couple in the corner. The man was drinking whiskey. The bottle is brought to the table with a measuring label on the side. Customers pour as they like. When finished, the amount consumed is noted and price tallied accordingly. Red checked table clothes and a chalked menu on the wall created more of the comfortable background we wanted.

The rest of the place was empty.


By the time four’o’clock rolled around all of the tables had filled up. Eager to enjoy happy hour, lots of locals stood outside drinking beers and smoking cigarettes, some leaning on the street parked cars. Boisterous Portuguese filled the air. The relief of Friday night echoed down the street.



We had a salad with simple vinegar, fried rice with bacon bits and a good piece of meat. Every morsel was Truly Outrageous. I’m proud to have discovered this “Jem of de Janiero”. ;-)








Napa - Bounty Hunter

This place is a combination of two great worlds: Napa Valley wine country and your buddy’s backyard barbeque. One local said its a spot where men hang around with the hopes of bagging vineyard daughters. "How you doin?"



Wine Spectator, Playboy, The Wall Street Journal and Food & Wine too have satisfied their Wine Country cravings here. It's a super easy, casual atmosphere paired with great service, and superior quality food and wine. You can't go wrong at Bounty Hunter.

Take a gander through this wine bar's Smokin' BBQ menu. Immediately your tastebuds will moisten as your brain recognizes the possibilities of this joint’s extensive wine list, open-fire grilled entrees and comfort food.

The place is famous for its Beer Can Chicken, but they have Applewood Smoked Beef Brisket (my fav) on the menu. The brisket sandwich is stacked high on a fresh bun with pulled brisket accompanied by grilled corn on the cob.

Bounty Hunter is best known for tracking down some of the best wines in the world, hence the name. Over 40 wines are served by the glass. I paired the brisket with the hunter’s ‘Killer Cabs’ wine flight. They have three homemade barbeque sauces for dipping.




London - Zuma Super cool spot. Known to be frequented by celebrities. First opened in 2002, the German chef has since opened locations in Hong Kong and downtown Miami on the river.

The atmosphere is dark, hip and intense. Our service was very good. We started with salmon sushi slighted smoked to a crisp on the outside, some calamari sautéed in jalapenos, hamachi sea bass w/ lemon oil and spicy peppers and miso soup. All prepared to perfection. Each tastier than the next.



The highlight of our meal was the main course: a wagyu ribeye steak, cubed and covered in a ginger chutney that tasted like my favorite Japanese ginger dressing. It was positively luscious. We enjoyed every bite. I could’ve eaten the sauce with a spoon. After a bottle of chilled sake, I did. I'll definitely whip up something similar to share with family and friends on my home table.


Other Greats:

Scottsdale - The Mission

Buenos Aires - Don Julio

Brussels - La Quincailleire

Moscow - Cafe Pushkin

Bolshoi's Belles of the Ballet

Moscow's people were dressed every bit the class that the recently re-opened historical, grand Bolshoi Theatre deserves. On its opening night November 18, 2011, the city's affluent and cultured gathered to enjoy together one of the nation's most prized and globally renowned works of art: the Russian ballet.

The opening ballet, The Sleeping Beauty, features a musical score written by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
















































Kimono in the house



The End