My job has afforded me some pretty epic opportunities throughout my career. Getting the chance to dine in the private Vintage Tasting Room at Italian Wine Merchants, owned by chef Mario Batali and located in the heart of Union Square in Manhattan, was definitely one of them.
They start you off with champagne as your group arrives and you get to meander amongst the racks of wine before being escorted into the private dinner space, which simulates a private wine cellar (and is quite chilly so come prepared). Your table is covered with an assortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses and other antipasti dishes. That might have been my favorite part, although the pasta and main course of steak was quite delicious as well. Then they top it off with an array of Italian pastries. A sommelier enhances the experience by talking you through each wine they pair with each course, resulting in an hours long affair. Come hungry and thirsty because you go on a culinary journey that should be enjoyed amongst a group of 10 of your favorite friends, family or co-workers.
As for the title of this post, it was inspired by a t-shirt I bought in the parking lot of a Madonna concert in Philly many years ago. It has no picture or sign of Madonna on it, just a black t-shirt with white letters. Even though I no longer have that t-shirt, those words sure do hold true 😉
XoX,
Avril