Let’s jump right into this one – I think this was one of my favorite dinners we’ve done so far this year. And a great group of guests (as always)!

Berenjena Asada – violet eggplants, cut in half, then cross-hatched and roasted face down in the oven in a little oil. While still hot, brushed with our homemade orange ponzu sauce. Warmed up again for service and dotted with anchovy mayo and a wasabi-avocado yogurt, and the whole thing drizzled with nira (garlic chive) oil and toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

Codorniú María Extra Brut – 100% Chardonnay sparkling

Caldo de Guanciale con Cinco Porotos – a five bean soup – a mix of three different kinds of white beans, plus speckled red beans, and fresh broad beans, each par-cooked separately. The key here, as in many soups, is the broth, an intensely flavored mix of guanciale, walnuts, black garlic, shallots, garlic, boquino chilies, thyme, and oregano – slow cooked for about two hours. Double smoked bacon and guanciale lardons are added into the soup.

Catena Zapata “Nicasia Vineyard” Viognier 2021 – primarily Viognier with a bit of Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon blanc blended in

Risoto Negro de Sepia – I promised back when I did the Tucci re-creation of this dish that it’d show up on a menu soon, and here it is! I love this risotto. I just wish cuttlefish weren’t so expensive here.

Bodega Piedra Negra “Vuelà” Pinot Gris Rosado 2021

Adobo de Chancho – finally, I think I have the presentation the way that was elusively in the back of my mind. Our slow cooked pork shoulder in beer with onions, garlic, chilies, spices and herbs, glazed with the reduced cooking liquid. Served over a fresh pea puree and accompanied by olive oil roasted papines and sautéed snow peas.

Desquiciado Garnacha 2021

Cheesecake de Especias – a brown sugar and mixed spice (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, clove) cheesecake over a cookie crust. Topped with a freshly made tangerine marmalade (which, by the way, makes for great PBJ’s later in the week).

Viña las Perdices “Partridge” Dulce Natural 2021 – 100% Viognier