I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting wine and food items that are upcoming. **********************************************************
1) Legal Oysteria, Legal Sea Foods’ newest concept in Charlestown, now offers weekend lunch service. Executive Chef Rich Vellante and Restaurant Chef Gina Palmacci have designed a menu of coastal Italian-style seafood that will be served in this casual neighborhood restaurant.
For appetizers, there are eight options including: New England Clam Chowder; Charred Octopus (tomato, potato, coriander vinaigrette - $10); Braised Mussels (fideos, chorizo, red wine tomato sauce - $9); Seafood Antipasto (shrimp, squid, octopus, olives - $10.50); and, Eggplant Caponata Dip (warm focaccia - $8.50). There are also a variety of “Small Plates” ($3-5), including Chickpea & Shrimp Fritters (chorizo mayo), Smoked Salmon (dill mascarpone) and a trio of Oyster preparations (raw, grilled and baked).
From the old world brick oven with true clay-based fire bricks, three pizzas will be dished out: Margherita (fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil - $10); Roasted Clam (garlic, oregano, mozzarella, pecorino - $11); and, Sopressata (stracciatella, banana peppers, spicy red sauce - $12). Salads can come topped with a choice of grilled shrimp, swordfish, salmon or chicken and include Baby Romaine (pint nuts, dried grapes, parmigiano vinaigrette - $8) and Treviso Radicchio & Escarole (lemon anchovy dressing - $9).
There are eight entrée and pasta options, such as: Steak Sandwich (pancetta, mortadella, caciocavallo, egg, polenta fries - $15); Pan Roasted Salmon (salsa verde, marinated zucchini - $17); Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce (chickpeas and fontina, whole wheat olive toast); Cannoli Pancakes (ricotta filled crespelle, strawberries, maple syrup - $7); and, Linguini & Clams ($17). For sides, six a la carte options are offered ($3-4), including Oven Roasted Cipollini, Charred Carrots and Heirloom Bean Salad.
Legal Oysteria will be open for weekend lunch service on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm.
2) On Tuesday, August 19, at 6:30pm, Legal Harborside will team up with Massimo Galvano, Italian Wine Director of Kobrand Wine & Spirits, for an exclusive four-plus-course Italian wine dinner. Kobrand’s Italian estates are renowned for their diverse and extensive terrain ranging from warm Mediterranean climates to cool hillsides and mountains which produce complex yet diverse flavors.
The menu will be presented as follows:
SFIZI
Baked Clam with Ciabatta Pancetta Crumbs
Chilled Melon Soup with Crispy Prosciutto
Black Bass Crudo with Tuscan Olive Oil
Baccala Fritter, Salsa Verde, Grilled Lemon Aioli
Michele Chiarlo “Le Marne” Gavi, Piemonte, 2013
ANTIPASTI
Grilled Octopus (Marble Potato, Braised Cipolini, Smoked Tomato, Coriander Oil)
Nozzole “La Forra” Chianti Classico Riserva, Toscana, 1997
Nozzole “La Forra” Chianti Classico Riserva, Toscana, 2008
PASTA COURSE
Veal Cheek Ravioli (Prosciutto-Wrapped Monkfish, Crispy Sage)
Silvio Nardi Rosso di Montalcino, Toscana, 2010
Silvio Nardi “Manachiara” Brunello di Montalcino, Toscana, 2003
SECONDI COURSE
Roasted Lamb Loin (Braised Lamb Belly, Smoked Lentils, Graffiti Eggplant, Slow Roasted Mushrooms)
Michele Chiarlo “Tortoniano” Barolo, Piemonte, 2009
Michele Chiarlo “Cannubi” Barolo, Piemonte, 2003
DOLCE
Summer Peach Torta
Amaretto Mascarpone Cream, Raspberry
Michele Chiarlo “Nivole” Moscato d’Asti, Piemonte, 2012
COST: $125 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservation required by calling 617-530-9470
3) Executive Chef/Partner Robert Sisca and Head Sommelier Todd Lipman of Bistro du Midi present the fourth month of the five-part Summer Rosé Tour, running now through September. To celebrate the summer months and embrace the ever-growing popularity of Provencal Rosé, Bistro du Midi is offering an experience for guests to enjoy the wine and cuisine of Nice, Marseille, Toulon, Saint-Tropez, and Cannes. Guests can expect a unique Rosé to be offered by the glass and in multiple pouring sizes. These selections pair with Chef Sisca’s signature crudo selection, as well as alongside featured menu additions from Chef Sisca that embrace the regional specialties of major Provencal towns.
For August, the selection is from Toulon with Château Miraval. It includes:
--2013 Château Miraval Rosé, Côtes de Provence $13 / $19.50 / $29 / $58
--Small Plate
Brandade Beignets (Pimento Aïoli) $10
--Large Plate
Grilled Red Snapper (Arugula & White Peach Salad, Lemon Vinaigrette) $21
Both plates and a glass of rosé $39