Best Job in the World?

Isabelle Sofras Edwards may have the best job in the world. A locally based wine distributor specializing in the wines of Greece and Italy, she was opening three lovely Tuscan reds for tasting in the Capri Flavors kitchen one snowy day last week.

Isabelle along with Raffaele Vuotto, son of Capri Flavors owner Costanzo and Chef Titina, will teach a series of food and wine paring classes beginning this week. "Let's Party Italian" highlights Italy's 4 great wine producing regions--beginning with perhaps the most famous-- Tuscany, home of the newly popular Super Tuscans and long-time favorite Chiantis.

Isabelle is an expert in food and wine parings. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she worked as an international chef for more than a decade. "I turned my hobby (wine) into a career and my career into a hobby," she explains.

In last week's tasting a full-bodied red won out. Villa Pillo Borgoforte is a mixture of Cabernet and Sangiovese--the classic grape of Tuscany. It will be a last minute addition into the Thursday night class menu, beating out two baby Super Tuscans that were also very pleasing.

An average of 6 wines will be sampled in each class, along with Italian cheeses and other easy to fix food parings. For more information scroll down for the full menu, click this link http://www.capriflavors.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=74 or call Capri Flavors at 919 462-9255 to reserve your spot. Book this week and there's a special gift certificate promotion going on.

Tuscany -Chianti Menu
(March 4, 6pm)
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pinzimonio Raw Vegetable Appetizer
Sesame Bread
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Carpineto, Vernaccia di San Giminiamo
Pecorino Toscano Chesse DOP "Pientino"DOP
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Castelli del Gravepesa, Chianti Classico
Marzolino Cheese
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San Felice , II Grigio, Chianti Classico Riserva
Pecorino Truffle Chesse
Mixed Cold Cut Meats
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Blind Taste: San Felice Vigorello, Super Tuscan vs Carpineto, Dojaolo Baby Super Tuscan
Tortellini con Crema di Funghi Porcini
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Campobello, Santo Desert Wine
Cantuccini, Almond Cookies

Party like an Italian with a taste of Tuscan Wines

Don't give up on those gift cards! Chef Titina continues to make excellent progress as she recovers from hip-replacement surgery. As soon her "Let's Cook with Titina," classes are rescheduled, we'll let you know--Keep checking the blog for updates.

In the meantime, Titina's son Raffaele Vuotto will step into the Capri Flavors kitchen along with wine distributor, Isabella Sofras Edwards for a series of Italian wine tastings with food parings.

"Let's party Italian" is designed to help cooks and non-cooks alike pull together memorable gatherings without a lot of kitchen time. The series begins on Thursday March 4th with a sampling of Tuscany.

A total of four menus are planned, each revolving around wines from Italy's top regions along with cheeses, cold cuts and other easy foods that go best with them in a party setting.

An average of 6 wines and foods will be sampled each class, and the price is just $40. The first menu is listed below.

Class size is limited to just 14 so book on-line now or call 919 462-9255 for more information.

Tuscany -Chianti Menu

(March 4, 6pm)

____

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Pinzimonio Raw Vegetable Appetizer

Sesame Bread

____

Carpineto, Vernaccia di San Giminiamo

Pecorino Toscano Chesse DOP "Pientino"DOP

____

Castelli del Gravepesa, Chianti Classico

Marzolino Cheese

____

San Felice , II Grigio, Chianti Classico Riserva

Pecorino Truffle Chesse

Mixed Cold Cut Meats

____

Blind Taste: San Felice Vigorello, Super Tuscan vs Carpineto, Dojaolo Baby Super Tuscan

Tortellini con Crema di Funghi Porcini

_____

Campobello, Santo Desert Wine

Cantuccini, Almond Cookies