The Newport Food And Wine Festival was different this year. Gone was the always very crowded Grand Tasting and replaced with a number of smaller events and seminars that sold out quickly. The silver lining was a great restaurant program offering more intimate wine dinners sponsored by some fantastic wineries. We attended one of them at Giusto sponsored by Masi, a family-owned, centuries-old winery just outside Venice, Italy. And although we love the Grand Tasting, you know what? We liked this program even better!
First of all, it's a limited number of participants. Rather than fight the crowds ten deep at the popular restaurant and vintner's tables and guard a choice seat with a vengeance, it allowed for a much more gracious and relaxed atmosphere. Giusto pulled out all the stops.
We were greeted with ice cold glasses of Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé, a perfect choice. Our first passed appetizer taste was this Fritelle. The ricotta, honey and truffle in a fried crust was sublime, both rich and airily light at the same time, just packed with flavor.
Next was The Scotch Meatball, a menu staple. Tomato, egg and salumi in, again, a perfectly crispy, not overly heavy, crust. What a great start to the evening and a prelude to the four course dinner paired with some great wines!
Circle back later this week for A Taste Of Veneto, Part II.
Giusto at Hammets Hotel
4 Commercial Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401.324.7400
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