Simplicity Rules!

Simplicity Rules!

Photo credit: Janet Donovan

“Today, our senses of sight and taste are going to be tantalized because of a trio of new wonders,” said Ivan Italiano at an exquisite dinner at Darlington House.  “Who is the creator of such wonders? Wonder no more. It’s now that I introduce you to world-renowned Chef, Gualtiero Marchesi.”

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Ivan Italiano, Chef Gualtiero Marchesi and Enrico Sgorbati

Hailed by food critics as one of the best chefs in the world, Marchesi is bringing his wines to the U.S.  The three wines – L’ORO, Il NERO and L’APERTO –  were conceived based on simplicity, elegance and Marchesi’s art. The wine trilogy is based on Marchesi’s most popluar dishes and senses.

No one seemed to mind that the dinner followed a four day Thanksgiving weekend as they indulged in Seared Scallops in a Pumpkin Fondue and Risotto with Mixed Mushrooms and Truffle Oil.  Darlington House was beautifully decorated in black and white and a far cry from the former Childe Harold, a watering hole for journalists.

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“Gualtiero Marchesi Wines will take you for a unique perfomance where every taste will be perceived.  Based on simplicity, these three unique wines are based on the senses and Marchesi’s most popluar dishes, ” Ivan enthusiastically explained as he wandered from table to table.  “Three wines, crated and tamed through a knowledgeable hand, picks up the most genuine grapes, makes them into limpid wine and lets those grapes reveal themselves in their essence.”

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Kevin Chaffee (center)

Wine connoisseur and co-host Kevin Chaffee visited guests at their tables that included Roxanne Roberts, Tandy and Wyatt Dickerson, Bob and Olga Ryan, Juleanna Glover, Christopher Reiter, Carole Feld, David Levy, Willie and Finlay Lewis.

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Chuck Conconi and Carol Joynt

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Bob Heggestad, Diane Heggestad and Mike Lotus

Chef Marchesi was in good spirits and humored us with the tale of his ill fated McDonald’s hamburger.  Seems that the Chef introduced a more nutritious vegetarian option which didn’t go over too well with the fast food nation.  His plans to introduce a healthy choice for children sunk like the french fries into a vat of oil –  McDonald’s loss.

MalloryTablantino

Mallory Tablantino

He also explained to us the difference between modern Italian and traditional Italian cuisine: “Because of being Italian and because of being an artist, all of the influences of culture and art are channeled into my dishes.  The difference is that the batter of the food has to be simple and the cooking has to enhance the dishes, not to cover it with overwhelming sauces and over elaborated recipes.”

Marchesi has ensured his legacy by teaching his art to the young, up-and-coming generation of Chefs.  “That’s the way I keep my art alive,” he said.

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