The Italian Feast @ Feast, Gorey 15.10.09

Whilst 3 of our team were down at Motor Mall showcasing dessert wines, Neil and I were at Feast in Gorey to help host their Italian Food and Wine night. Annie, Olie and Lorraine had beautifully decorated both the exterior and the interior in true Italian style with candles, lemons, herbs, Venetian masks and hats.  Such thought and care had been put into the evening.  No wonder their 'Feasts' are always fully booked. The ambience had been set for a super evening.

After testing all the wines, the guests began to arrive to Annie's warm reception and a glass of chilled Bisol Prosecco 'Crede'. This was the perfect accompaniment to an array of Antipasti that followed on lovely wooden trays.  Bruscetta with figs and parma ham/ Tomato and Mozzarella with Basil and Prosciutto wrapped with rocket, parmasan and truffle oil. Delish!

With the room filling up fast, it was time to settle at our tables.  Neil introduced himself and spoke a few words about the Prosecco and the next wine, the Pieropan Soave 2008 whilst the staff busily brought through our first course - Seafood risotto with white truffle shavings and fresh pesto.  The quality of the scallops in this dish was outstanding and the risotto was a beautiful consistency.  The Pieropan particularly enhanced the scallop and had enough acidity to cut through the creaminess.

Neil then explained a little about the next two reds Ca dei Frati Ronchedone 2006 & Tenimenti Corvina/Cabernet Sauvignon Thesaurum 2006 we were to have with the Roast Rump of Lamb.  It had been marinated in sage, thyme, garlic and lemon and served with slow braised Italian beans in a tomato broth. The Ronchedone was the clear favourite of the two with this well executed dish.  One of Neil's favourite reds, it was clear to see why this why it is so great, especially with food.  Great depth of fruit and perfumes of spicy red fruits that complemented the tender lamb and brasied beans very nicely indeed.

The reds carried through to the cheese course of Dolcelatte served with 2 different Italian pressed dried fig and almond slices and fresh figs.  It is worth mentioning here that Jamie Racjan from Fungi Delecti supplied Feast with much of the produce used during the evening and it really showcased what beautiful foods he grows locally and imports into this Island.  Well done Jamie! Click here to see more information on his company and his products. The creamy Dolcelatte was one of the best I had had for quite some time and the pressed fig slices were delicious.

After a few more words from Neil we eagerly awaited the dessert of Lemon Tart with passionfruit mascapone and amaretti biscuits with Maculan Moscato Dindarello 2007.  The lemon tart was a dream with great pastry and light brulée topping which worked really well with the citrus notes in the Dindarello.

Neil then decided that the time for right to mention that he had brought along a bottle of Amarone for people to try.  As soon as he said the word Amarone, there were hands raising all over the place.  However, Neil continued that he had brought along a bottle of Allegrini Amarone di Grappa with him for people to try, if they wished.  After some initial apprehension, the contents of the bottle quickly disappeared and was very much appreciated, even with the ladies who attended.

An evening of laughter, great company, fantastic food and wine, and atmosphere was had by all.  Huge thanks must go to Garth (Head Chef) who was working hard on his birthday (we did all sing to him of course), to Annie, Olie, Lorraine and Richard and all their fantastic team who made our evening so pleasurable.  We look forward to hosting the Spanish Feast on 12th November, another sell out event.  See our events page for details. Also, we can't wait to see what decorations Lorraine will do for Christmas!

Jane