The first course was prawn carpaccio with tomato water gelee, stewed tomatoes, olive tapenade, burrata cheese and olive oil. An excellent pairing with the very crisp and clean 2011 Deja Vu Passerina.

The second course was housemade tagliatelle, with local chanterelle mushrooms, corn, rapini and lardo. This dish was a little heavier and paired very well with the 2011 Li Coste Pecorino. This Pecorino, aged in barrique, is a rich wine, with some nutty and oxidative notes, but with a long and crisp finish. It was an excellent wine, and the smoked bread and lardo really matched well with the richness and nuttiness of the wine.

The third course moved into the reds, pairing the 2010 Monte Fiore Sangiovese with veal meatballs, with a rich Anson Mills creamy white polenta, pickled banana peppers and pecorino cheese.

The fourth course was braised beef short rib and confit pork belly, served with orechiette, creamed corn and a squash and tomato saute. This rich dish paired well with the 2008 Picens Rosso di Piceno, a blend of Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This was a big yet elegant wine, dark in color with deep black and blue fruit and a hint of spiciness. I had a little technical difficult with the photo of this dish; namely, I forgot to stop eating before I took the photo.

Dessert was a selection of local artisan cheese served on a foie gras mousse with plum compote, blackberries and walnut bread. The foie gras helped this dish stand up to the wonderful 2009 il Messia, a blend of Montepulciano and Merlot. This was an excellent wine, with blackberry, plum and licorice/anise notes.

All in all, a great dinner with enjoyable wines. John has some of the wines available on the list both by the glass and by the bottle, so I would encourage you to try them. And if you see the veal meatballs make it on to the ever-changing menu, I would definitely recommend them.