Wine Dinner - Featuring Food & Wine from the Puglia Region

Join Nello Cucina for Dinner

Wednesday, October 24th 6:00PM

Featuring Food & Wine From the Puglia Region

$39 per person plus tax & gratuity

Reservations required 714-540-3365

Located in the “heel” region of Italy’s classic boot shaped figure. From olive trees to vineyards the Puglia region is rich in agriculture. The flatlands of the Salento peninsula have an exceptionally warm climate, alleviated by the continual sea breezes, which yields massive grape production. The region also grows large quantities of grains, vegetables & olives. In fact, Puglia is the largest producer of olive oil in Italy. The cuisine in this area utilizes what is readily available. Fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and of course pasta. Orecchiette pasta, translated means “little ears”, is a common staple.

Gravina Bianco, Botromagno, 2010 DOC

Gravina, a blend of 40% Malvasia & 60% Greco grapes, is considered one of Italy’s most ancient white wines. Gaining DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status in 1983, Gravina is currently only produced by Botromagno. Bright yellow-green in color with hints of green apple, apricot & white peach, slight acidity on the palate.

Chardonnay, Tormaresca, 2010

100% Chardonnay, contains select grapes from the estates of Minervino Murge (20%) and San Pietro Vernotico (80%). Slightly yellow in color with green tones. With hints of white flowers, orange & thyme on the nose, very fruity on the finish.

Primitivo, Poggio Basso, 2010

100% Primitivo, considered the mother of the Zinfandel grape. Rich & elegant, with hints of currant & blackberry on the nose.

The Menu

Passed Hors D’ Oeuvres

Chef’s Selection

Gravina Bianco, Botromagno, 2010 DOC

Insalata di Mare

Rock shrimp, bay scallops, sea bass, baby greens, citrus vinaigrette

Chardonnay, Tormaresca, 2010

Braciola alla Barese

Rolled top sirloin filled with pecorino cheese, pancetta, garlic, parsley, in a tomato sauce

Primitivo, Poggio Basso, 2010

Crostata di Fichi

Lemon-vanilla crust, filled with almond praline & black mission figs

All’ Espresso, Coffee Liqueur, Villa Vessia

Wednesday, October 24th 6:00PM

$39 per person plus tax & gratuity

Reservations required 714-540-3365

Nello Cucina 3333 Bear St. Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Wine Dinner Featuring Francoli USA Selection

On August 29, 2012, in honor of Wine Wednesday we are hosting a Wine Dinner,

featuring a selection from Francoli USA.

$39 per person plus tax & gratuity.

Reservations required. Please call 714-540-3365.

due’ Chardonnay Vodka

The Italian translation of due’ means two. due’ Chardonnay vodka is hand crafted in Italy, combining grain & grape giving this spirit a distinctive taste.  Six soft grains are used to produce the vodka. Chardonnay grapes, with a hint of oak, are then added prior to the distilling process. due’ is quadruple distilled & filtered through charcoal & Italian marble to result in superbly pure vodka. The distinguishing essence of grapes adds hints floral & fruit notes.

Sparkling Rose’, Canella,  N/V

A sparkling Italian wine, fresh & fruity, with hint of Pinor Noir. Perfect for summer.

Le Redini, Tenuta Degli Dei, 2010

A remarkable blend of 90% Merlot & 10% Alicante, sweet cherry, licorice herb aromas on the nose. Rich & full on the palate, well balanced, with a clean finish.

Grappi, Chocolate Liqueur

A scrumptious blend of rich cocoa, dark chocolate & Grappa.

Serve chilled, drizzled over desserts, in coffee, or create delectable chocolate martinis.

The Menu

Passed Hors D’ Oeuvres

Chef’s Selection

Due, Chardonnay Flavored Vodka Aperitif

Carpaccio con Granchio

Thinly sliced raw beef, crab pilaf, capers, petit arugula, EVOO 

Sparkling Rose, Canella, N/V

Cosciotto di Maiale

Slow braised Berkshire pork shank, Yukon gold potato puree,

English peas, pancetta braising jus

Le Redini, Tenuta Degli Dei, 2010

Torta di Cioccolato

Flourless chocolate cake, soft whipped cream, seasonal berries

Grappi, Chocolate Liqueur

Pedroncelli Wine Dinner at Nello Cucina

On June 27, 2012, in honor of Wine Wednesday we are hosting a Wine Dinner, featuring Pedroncelli Winery. Located in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, Pedroncelli is family owned & operated.

Tonight’s featured varietals –

East Side Vineyards,  Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp & full-flavored on the finish, with hints of melon & grapefruit.

F. Johnson Vineyards, Chardonnay
Green apple, honeydew melon & lemon grass on the nose,  a combination of barrel & malo-lactic fermentation, with a slight creamy finish.

Russian River Valley Vineyards, Pinot Noir
My personal favorite, well rounded & easy to drink, with a dash of clove spice & cherry.

Four Grapes Vintage Port
Berry, caramel & toffee bouquet on the nose, with hints of raspberry, spice, & cream soda flavors on the palate. Rich & flavorful dessert wine

Menu

Passed Hors D’ Oeuvres

Chef’s Selection

Sauvignon Blanc, East Side Vineyard, 2011

Cannelloni di Salmone Affumicato

Large tube pasta filled with smoked salmon, leeks, mascarpone,

light lobster cream sauce

Chardonnay, F. Johnson Vineyard, 2010

Arrosta di Lonza

Roasted pork loin with almond parsley pesto over creamy polenta

Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2010

Torta di Caramello

Almond caramel cake, whipped cream, macerated berries

Four Grapes, Vintage Port, 2006

Pio Cesare Wine Dinner at Nello Cucina

On Thursday, April 12, 2012 Nello Cucina is honored to have wines from the noted
Piemontese producer Pio Cesare.

Established in 1881, Pio Cesare owns more than 130 acres of vineyards. The vineyards are situated in the most favorable & better exposed regions of the area. With the belief that a great wine can come only from the most superb grapes & devotion to the highest standards, Pio Cesare’s production has always been limited. Using contemporary & time-honored winemaking techniques of the Piemonte region, the wines are appropriately aged in large casks & barriques of distinctive French oaks & bottle aged before their release.

The Menu Passed Hors D’ Oeuvres Chef’s Selection Cortese di Gavi, 2010 Ravioli Casereccia Ravioli filled with Swiss chard, ricotta cheese, parmigiano, toasted pine nuts, fresh tomato filet & garlic sauce Barbera d’ Alba, 2009 Costata di Manzo Grilled rib eye, caramelized sweet red onion, crispy polenta, topped with a trio of sautéed mushrooms Barolo, 2007 Zabaione ai Lamponi di Bosco Light custard with fresh blueberries Moscato d’ Asti, 2011 $55 per person plus tax & gratuity Reservations required 714-540-3365