by Frank Mangio
There’s a new team, a new attitude and a strong wave in place at Tommy V’s Del Mar, across from the polo fields. Owner Tommy Maggiore of Tuscany La Costa fame has placed veteran restaurateur Tyler Willams in place as Manager with Executive Chef Giorgio Loverdi and head waiter Eduardo Laquiz.
I had been to Tommy V’s 3 times to catch the wave of excitement and good times that seemed to be in the air. The latest was a recent gathering of friends, family and guests of the new Gen 7 wines, introduced by owner Tim Bacino at a new release party.
Tyler Willimas,left, manager of Tommy V’s in Del Mar, welcomes Tim Bacino, 2nd from left, and his family and friends at the Gen 7 wine party.
Wine included: Viognier, Muscat Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and an awesome Red Blend( Zinfandel, Cab Franc and Carignane, a rare grape from the south of France) called Road To Zanzibar, $34. at Gen 7’s site.
Bacino is no novice. Members of his family built the Brookside Winery brand in the 70’s to great heights, with 36 retail wine stores in California and elsewhere before selling to a national chain. Gen 7 is named after Bacino’s young daughter, the 7th generation connected to the family business and is off to a great start, being named “Best Micro Winery” in a recent competition in Sacramento.
Earlier in the month I had put Tommy V’s to the test as the Italian Chophouse with classic old world interpretations of that style of cuisine. With Eduardo as our waiter and Executive Chef Giorgio personally superivising we got right into a typical Tommy V’s menu extravaganza of cured meats and cheeses, Arugula Salad, and a beautifully crafted Bistecca Siciliano, a 16 ounce Dry-Aged steak rubbed with herb and cheese crumbs with a side of sauteed mushrooms.
Eduardo’s choice for me to wash the meal down in traditional style was a a Vietti Barbera D’ Asti, 2008. Barbera is a red grape from the Piedmont District of Northern Italy. French Oak Barrels store this wine for 12 months, then in steel tanks for 2 months before bottling.
Head Waiter Eduardo Laquiz and Executive Chef Giorgio Loverdi service a large group of diners at Tommy V’s in Del Mar.
This wine will emit a ruby purple color with red cherry, minerals and a hint of vanilla. The Barbera compliments pasta and breaded veal, pork, chicken and steak, and is an affordable value wine on Tommy V’s list of worldwide reds. Find more information at www.tommyvdelmar.com. Gen 7’s site is www.gen7wines.com.
Wine Bytes
San Diego Restaurant Week is back, Sun. Sept. 18 through Fri. Sept. 23, with over 180 restaurants participating in discounted 3 course prix fixe menus See www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com for a location near you.
PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar in Carlsbad has an Italian Tasting with six wines for $14., Thurs. Sept. 15 to Wed. Sept. 21, 2 to 9pm. Call 760-729-7377.
Barolo and Barbaresco wines are featured at Bacchus Wine Market, downtown San Diego Fri. Sept. 16 from 4 to 8:30pm. Some of Italy’s greatest wines will be poured. $40. fee. RSVP required. Call 619-236-0005.
The 2011 Taste of Hope is planned for Sun. Sept. 18 from 4 to 7pm on the terrace at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego. $65. pre sale, $75. at the door. Downtown restaurants will offer cuisine, with an excellent selection of wines. Proceeds to the Cty Of Hope. Call 858-452-6846 for more.
Monte De Oro Winery in Temecula celebrates Calilfornia Wine Month with a Grape Stomp Sun. Sept. 18th. Call for more information at 951-491-6551.
The WineSellar in Sorrento Valley focuses on Brunello Di Montalcino Wines, the elite wines from Tuscany, Wed. Sept. 21 starting at 6pm. $25. pp. Check it out at 858-450-9557
No comments:
Post a Comment