This past April, I had a chance to make a quick visit to some vineyards in Puglia and hang out in the wonderful baroque town of Lecce.  Along with me on the trip was Shannon, the sommelier from Fratelli Ristorante, and the two of us made a pact to do some events together when we returned.  Well, the perfect opportunity has just arrived and knowing the fine cuisine that Paul always puts out from the kitchen, this should be a delicious evening.

cork will have a table at the event, so please join me and my wife Sarah next Tuesday by calling Fratelli and making a reservation and specifying you are part of the cork party.  I hope you can join us.  I leave the creative prose in Shannon’s capable hands, here’s her details for the evening:

“Steps from the Adriatic sea, ancient towers guard the red clay and limestone of the Masseria Maime at the heart of the Salento peninsula.  A hundred miles to the north, the Bocca di Lupo calls back, low and long and full throated.  Twenty-six generations of the Antinori family have passed on the legacy that Marchese Piero Antinori brings to the riches and history of Puglia.”  Join Ristorante Fratelli on Tuesday July 28th for a call of the wild with the passionate wines of Tormaresca paired with Puglian inspired dishes.  Chairs at 6pm with repast at 6:30.  Please call the restaurant for reservations at 503.241.8800.

The evening’s pairings will include the following…

2007 Chardonnay w/pan seared Albacore, mixed greens, capers & herb vinaigrette
2003 Torcicoda Primitivo with fava puree, chicory and Pecorino Margherita
2007 Neprica with house made gnocchetti, braised rabbit, roast summer squash
2003 Masseria Maime Negroamaro with a traditional eggplant caponata
2003 Bocca di Lupo Aglianico standing with wood fire oven roasted lamb, extra virgin olive oil poached potatoes, and a Bocca di Lupo glace’, finished with truffle salt and Pianogrillio extra virgin olive oil

Mamma mia, doesn’t that menu make you hungry?  Call for reservations now at 503.241.8800.  I hope to see you there!