Thursday, December 31, 2009

Elio Altare Winemaker Dinner at Gianni Ristorante

We consider Gianni one of the best Italian restaurant in Bangkok, maybe the best in Bangkok. We have been going to Gianni's restaurant I think for over ten years now. What is great about Gianni's is that it is consistently delicious.

Gianni had a very special winemaker dinner with Elio Altare. When we got the invitation; we reserved a table right away. Barolo is one of the greatest places on earth for a wine lover. No one producer in Piedmont symbolizes this more than Elio Altare. His wines are some of the best in Barolo.


Though Gianni makes sophisticated Italian food; his restaurant is warm, cozy and welcoming. The staff are always so friendly and efficient.

Since we had 6 wines and 6 courses; I will not go into much detail about each one. HOWEVER; I will have to emphasize that the wine and food pairing was fantastic. The wines were all drinking so well. The food was exceptional. The wines and food were in perfect harmony.


The first wine was Barbera d'Alba doc 2007.


The first dish was tartar of veal with quail eggs, vintage parmesan & shaved alba white truffles.


The second wine was Langhe doc "La Villa" 2001.


The second dish was flan of polenta "alla Pimontese" stewed snails & cream of parsley.


The third wine was Barolo docg 2004.


The third dish was traditional "Agnolotti del Plin", roast juice-porcini sauce.


The fourth wine was Langhe doc "Larigi" 2001.


The fourth dish was risotto with creamed roast pumpkin, raschera cheese & pigeon breast.


The fifth dish was Barolo docg La Morra 2001.


The fifth dish was slowly cooked Kurobuta pork belly, potato mousse & bagna cauda scented gravy


The last wine was Barolo docg Vigneto Arborina 2001.


The last dish was assortment of Piedmont cheese, vegetable mostarda & honey crostini.

Overall, an amazing evening. A bit of glutony with so much wine & food; but you do not have many chances to meet the man who is in charge of making some of the best wines in Piedmont, Mr. Elio Altare himself. We had a chance to have a conversation with him. He is a very lively, energetic and funny man.

www.giannibkk.com

34/1 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini
Bangkok, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10330
02-252 1619

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