I recently experienced one of TusCA’s wine dinner series, this one, entitled Under The Sicilian Sun at the Hyatt Regency Orange County. I’ve been a fan of the restaurant and have visited several times through the years for media showcases as well as dinners with friends.
On this evening, an array of wines were introduced by Lino Vitale from Casa Vinicola Zonin — six to be precise — and a five course meal ($75).
We began the evening with tray passed appetizers including a chilled octopus…..
…… and a bite of beets topped with goat cheese.
After we are all seated, our first item on the table was Arancini, a lovely rice croquette dotted with pancetta, spring peas and parmesan cheese balanced on top of a light tomato stew. (wine: 2010 Masseria Altemura Fiano, Puglia).
The next item was one of my favorites! Seared Scallop was perfectly seasoned and very tender. I enjoyed the accompanying farro risotto — farro giving a nutty finish and nice chewy texture which sometimes, rice doesn’t offer. (wine: 2011 Principi di Butera Insolia, Sicily).
To accompany the next wine, we were served Grilled Swordfish Sicilian topped with a deliciously fresh pesto, served with seared polenta cake atop a house-made caponata. A very generous portion which I was unable to finish. (wine: 2010 Masseria Altemura Primitivo, Puglia).
Involtini di Vetello the last savory dish of the night is a piece of veal pounded thin and then stuffed with parmesan, pecorino, raisins and mortadella and rolled. A beautiful marsala sauce draped over the involtini was so good I desperately wanted more (wine: 2009 Principi di Butera Nero d’Avola, Sicily).
We finished with Pistachio Cannoli (wine: 2012 Masseria Altemura Rosato, Puglia) but I was too full and only took a small bite.
These wine dinners will continue for two more months on the 3rd Thursdays of September and October. September’s theme is “Under The Sonoma Sun” and will be held on Thursday, Sept 19th. For more information, please click here.
Tusca
at The Hyatt Regency Orange County
11999 Harbor Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Tel: 714-740-6047
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