As Grandma used to say when dinner would roll around, “Mangia e statti zitto”! For the non-Italians out there that means “Shut up and eat!” In Italian households, though, that phrase is spoken with love. It’s never a problem either because homemade Italian food is arguably some of the best in the world.
September 7th through the 27th local Italian restaurant Il Fornaio will be hosting an unforgettable tasting of Veneto. Veneto native Executive Chef Maurizio Mazzon and Las Vegas Chef Gianpaolo Putzu will both be preparing Italian masterpieces for you to experience and enjoy.
Veneto is a coastal town in Italy and to the delight of locals, the area’s unique cuisine is making a two week stop here in Pasadena, and it’s no surprise that seafood is their specialty.
One delish dish is the Branzino Intrecciato. This is a Mediterranean seabass seasoned with rosemary and cooked in white wine. It is accompanied by sautéed vegetables and roasted Yukon gold potatoes.
You will be pleased to try Casonzei Stracchino e Pere. This is a house made ravioli that is filled with a heavenly roasted pear, Grana Padano and creamy mozzarella. Then the pasta is tossed with asparagus and stracchino cheese sauce. Toasted walnuts top off this amazing creation.
Seafood lovers can try the Zuppa di Pesce alla Chioggioatta. This is a traditional seafood stew comprised of scallops, mussels, clams, prawns, fish filet and shrimp. Garlic croutons are added.
There is also a vegan salad and two vegetarian meals, so no one has to be left out.
Dessert is Sformatino alle Amarene. This is a amarena cherry semifreddo with hazelnut croccante.
There are amazing Italian wines from Veneto, Verona and more as well as the Veneto Wine Flight made up of three half glasses.
A three-course taste of Veneto is available for only $32.95.
Il Fornaio’s Passporto Holders who sample the Festa Regionale menu will receive an imported Italian sea salt mix grinder as their personal “grazie” to you.
Information about this cena (dinner) can be found at http://www.ilfornaio.com/festa/2015/IF_Veneto_menu_15.pdf.
Il Fornaio is located at 24 West Union St. in Pasadena in the One Colorado Shopping Center.