Bon Vivant: (n) a person having cultivated, refined, and sociable tastes especially with respect to food and drink.

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Casa Luca

Posted in: Restaurant Reviews, Wine Recommendations, Wine Reviews, Wineries and Vineyards

Fabio Trabocchi Does it Again!

Casa LucaWe recently tried out one of DC’s hottest new restaurants with some of our favorite foodie friends.  With one of DC’s most esteemed Italian chefs behind Casa Luca (named after Trabocchi’s son), we were confident that the meal would not disappoint.

I eschewed my usual glass of bubbly to start the meal, and instead tried the Solstizio cocktail- a mix of Cynar, blood orange, lemon and honey. It was proof that stepping outside my bubbly bubble can pay off!

We started our gluttonous journey with antipasti for the table- a generous portion of meats, cheeses, and other accoutrements. The table then shared an order of the Fusilli e Caccio e Pepe and Smoked Potato Gnocchi with Duck Ragu.  Both were outstanding, but if I had to order just one, it would be the Fusilli- perfect in its simplicity and creamy from the fresh burrata.

The Monkfish Milanese is quickly becoming known as the restaurant’s signature- with good reason. Crispy, yet delicate, this is one dish you should not leave without trying!

Although we could’ve left pleasantly full after these generous courses, the gentlemen insisted on ordering the (very large!) Grigliata Mista de Carne. Although it was delicious, we were perhaps too stuffed to properly enjoy the grilled meats.

We started our wine journey with one of my very favorite producers- Castello di Nieve.  At $75, the Nebbiolo Barbaresco wasn’t cheap, but this small production, family-owned winery consistently over delivers for the price, and the wine paired beautifully with the first two courses.

The beverage director, Nick Calio, has created a thoughtful wine list, dominated by Italian selections.  I was delighted to see a section of wines available by the bottle for only $28! This 12 bottle “menu within a menu” consists of 6 red and 6 white wines that offer outstanding quality at an extremely accessible price point.  The selection rotates depending on seasonal availability, and is intended to encourage guests to try something new at an approachable price point.

In honor of the recent passing of Antonio Mastroberadino, we selected the Aglianico from this menu and toasted the legendary Italian winemaker over superb food with great friends- as I can only imagine he would have liked.

photo(69)We ended the meal with house made Limoncello- completely stuffed but happy, and sure to return!

What new restaurants have you tried and loved lately?

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