One of the nights I have been looking forward to is the Chef’s Table, the first one on this cruise was the Italian Chef’s Table. Who doesn’t enjoy and Italian dégustation dinner. Tonight’s menu was paired with Italian wines so more fun.
The Italian Feast
First Course – Vitello Tonnato
Tuna Quenelle, Crispy Capers, Arugla, Focaccia, Parmigiano-Reggiano
Very tasty, liked the addition of mustard, added zing to it
The Wine
NV Romio, Prosecco, Extra Dry, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
| Appearance: | Light pale straw, small to medium bead |
| Nose: | Combination of lime, peach and melon aromas |
| Palate: | Refreshing and light |
| Finish: | Short length |
| Oz’s Wine Rating: | 3 out 5 |
Second Course – Boneless Caciucco Alla Livornese
Squid, Sea Perch, Clams
Another good dish, the seafood was very fresh, great flavour and texture mix.
The Wine
2021 Bottega Vinaia, Pinot Grigio, Trentino, Italy
| Appearance: | Light straw |
| Nose: | A mix of citrus and passionfruit aromas |
| Palate: | Light and a bit acidic |
| Finish: | Short and sharp |
| Oz’s Wine Rating: | 2.5 out 5 Will be giving this a miss if offered again |
Third Course – Home-Made Ravioli with Osso Buco and Duck Live
Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Toasted Almonds, Artichoke Chips
This looks great and tasted even better. So far the best dish of the night, going to be a challenge to continue with this level of quality through out the meal. We will soon find out.
The Wine
2019 Chianti Rufino, Fredcobaldi Nipozzano, Toscana, Italy
| Appearance: | Youthful deep ruby |
| Nose: | A pleasant combo of spice, capsicum and red fruit aromas |
| Palate: | Dry tannins |
| Finish: | Medium length with a slight bit of heat on the tail |
| Oz’s Wine Rating: | 3 out 5 3.5 out 5 when paired with the ravioli |
Fourth Course – Palate Cleanser Granita Al Meloncello E Menta
Nice and refreshing
Fifth Course – Duo of Roasted Beef Tenderloin and Beef Cheek
Pumpkin Polenta, Grilled Red Pepper Confit, Veal-Balsamic Reduction
I decided to go with the beef as my main course for the Italian Chef’s Table. The beef cheek was excellent, tenderloin not bad either. The other option was Dover Sole, looked pretty good as well, though I am sure I made the right choice!
2017 Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino, Toscana, Italy
| Appearance: | Garnet |
| Nose: | A mix of white pepper and mocha aromas |
| Palate: | Dusty tannins |
| Finish: | Medium length, with a bit of heat and a slightly sour tail |
| Oz’s Wine Rating: | 3 out 5 |
Sixth Course – Selection of Cheese
Artisan Bread, Grapes, Dried Fruits, Nuts
A very enjoyable selection of cheeses.
2016 Noval Late Bottled Vintage Porto, Quinta Do Noval, Douro Valley, Portugal
| Appearance: | Deep crimson |
| Nose: | Enjoyable combination of raisin and spice aromas |
| Palate: | Moorish tannins |
| Finish: | Long length with a bit of heat |
| Oz’s Wine Rating: | 3.5 out 5 Not sure why this bottle was not as good as other bottles, may have been opened longer |
Seventh Course – Amaretto Tiramisu
Amaretti Cookies, Raspberry Gelato
A nice finish to a very good dinner. Tasted it better than it looked.
Italian Chef’s Table
An enjoyable night, picking a dish of the night was a challenge, either the beef cheek or the ravioli or the soup. Maybe I should just go with a tie
The wine of the night was the Chianti, though the port was a close second.
