IWFS Wine & Food Gazette October 2019

OCTOBER 2019

EVENT REPORT: SECOND ANNUAL FESTA ITALIANA DINNER BY THE POOL

ALSO INSIDE • IWFS Americas Douro Festival: Pre-Cruise Lisbon Tour Part 2 Blast from the Past • Upcoming Omaha Branch Events

A publication of the Omaha Branch of the International Wine and Food Society

PRESIDENT'S COMMENTS

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ast year we got to experience a little secluded corner of Nebraska just a few miles from Elkhorn NE. There, Iris and Gary Moore opened their retreat to the Branch for an Italian dinner, served by one of Omaha’s great Italian chefs, Leo Fascianella. Well, we got to do it again! Freshly returned from his vacation in Sicily, Leo and his staff prepared a wonderful Italian dinner for us on a beautiful summer evening, just like in 2018. It always reminds me of an Italian villa, the beautiful venue the Moores’ have. Situated in a bowl, with a small lake and horse barn below the “villa” the view shuts out the rest of the world with its rural scenery and privacy.

Our Douro Festival series continues with the wrap up of the Pre-Cruise exploration of Lisbon. Connie and Gary Martin describe their tour of the city, including some famous sites. That includes the Monastery of Jerónimos, the Belém Tower and the National Coach Museum, among other attractions. Lisbon has a colorful history. It was a Roman colony beginning in 219 BC. After the fall of Rome, it was ruled by the Visigoths. In 714 AD the Islamic Moors captured Lisbon and it remained in their possession until 1147. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal flourished in the Age of Discovery, and gathered considerable wealth importing spices from the Orient and establishing colonies. For example, the island of Madeira was discovered and claimed by the Portuguese in 1419. There was a devastating earthquake in 1755 and most of the city had to be rebuilt. The Marquis of Pombal took the opportunity to make many improvements in the financial and commercial districts that exist today. Take a look at the article which describers the city tour and the dinner that night at one of the best restaurants in Lisbon. Wayne Markus will pick up the rest of the Douro Festival after this installment.

Finally, I am pleased to announce your Board has elected a new Member: Joe Goldstein. Joe has agreed to work tirelessly for you for the lowest wage, and it doesn’t get any lower than free! We now have 13 members on the Board. The others Members include Derek Burdeny, Steve Hipple, Todd Lemke, John Matthews, Duke Matz, Tom Murnan, Tad Singer, Mark Stokes, Dave Thrasher, Lowell Wilhite, Mike Wilke and Les Zanotti.

When you see them, tell them thanks for their work to keep this club running smoothly.

Cheers!

Tom Murnan Cover Photo: Monument to Henri the Navigator at the Atlantic Ocean’s edge in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Tom Murnan in 2012.

Sign in a New York cafeteria window: “Courteous and efficient self-service.”

From The Best of the Cockle Bur compiled and edited by Harry B Otis, 3rd President 1973-1974 Page 2 · 2019 ·

Photo by Wayne Markus October 2019 · Page 3

A publication of the Omaha Branch of the International Wine and Food Society

Event Report: Second Annual Festa Italiana Dinner by the Pool

By Tom Murnan / Photos by Ron Policky and Tom Murnan

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e were even more blessed by the weather gods this year than last.

The temps were gorgeous, we had cloud cover most of the evening, and unlike last year, it was not windy. Again we could bask in the gorgeous bucolic setting of a very green, for this time of year, Nebraska. Our pool, reminiscent of an Italian villa, added to the ambience and was our bit of culinary Shangri-la.

We were in the capable hands of a master Italian chef, Leo Fascianella. 58 people signed up, 16 of which were guests.

To whet our appetites, Mozzarella Caprese, Tomatoes stuffed with shrimp, scallops and risotto, and Toasted Bread with Eggplant Caponata with Pesto Drizzle were laid out on tables. The shrimp dish sported rather large skewered shrimp next to a tomato topped with risotto. A fork was needed for this plated antipasto. Quite tasty. The Chef’s fav was the toasted eggplant. It was moist, and had a sweet/sour approach, finished by a nice pesto drizzle.

Once called to table, service and courses for the rest of the dinner were presented bing, bing, bing, with no wasted time. Our Rotta uno Fuori Dalla Griglia course (fresh off the grille), was first. A rather generous Lamb Chop marinated in olive oil and herbs along with Lillo’s homemade Sicilian Sausage started us off.

There was enough meat just right here to satisfy some of the smaller appetites, or those who were dieting, for the rest of the evening. My Mary was most impressed with the sausage. “Damn, that’s good!” she said. It was just like her Sicilian father used to make (quite a bit of work too, I might add). No Sicilian sausage is com-

plete without stewed peppers, the perfect accompaniment, and quite colorful too, with red and green peppers.

All the wines from here out would be Italian. The Lisini Brunello 2013 was rich and a touch sweet. Global warming seems to be helping European wines it was so ripe. Very pleasing.

The Seconda Portata Onetabile (On the Table) course was served like three separate courses. The first: Homemade bread and Oregano Olive Oil was provided with the Sicilian Insalata (salad).

Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and capers comprised the salad. It really helps that we were in the height of tomato season, so ripe and delicious were they. A Terlano Pinot Bianco Alto Adige DOC 2017 had nice acidity and flavor.

Next was my personal favorite.

Summer Vegetable Lasagna Stuffed with Asparagus, Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions and Eggplant. Wow! Wonderfully moist and savory (unami to use a Japanese word) with the mushrooms and eggplant.

It seemed lighter than regular lasagna, with either no or very little tomato sauce.

Another white wine did quite well with this more delicate kind of lasagna. Terlato Pinot Grigio Alto Adige DOC 2017 had enough stuffing to be noticeable.

Third, was Falso Magro Sicilian Meatloaf baked with Eggs and Marinara Sauce.

Many times meatloaf is a dry affair, but again, this was moist and delicious on its own, but the marinara sauce made it even more savory and moist. The eggs were hard boiled and provided color and flavor as well. For such a hearty, rich dish, we needed a hearty wine. The Allegrini Amarone 2011 was well chosen. What

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makes Amarone different? The Corvina and Rondinella grapes are harvested very ripe and allowed to shrivel, concentrating the sugar. This desiccation takes about 120 days, then the wine is fermented through a low temperature process that takes between 30 and 50 days. The result is a more concentrated, rich wine. The word Amarone means the great bitter to distinguish it from the sweeter, recioto process. I noticed the raisinated flavors with a slight sweet tone.

We finished with Dolce Corso. Apricot Almond Crum Cake was served with Hazelnut Gelato. Hazelnuts are big in Europe, as is gelato in Italy. An unusual and tasty treat, I thought the cake, especially with the apricot, cried out for a Sauternes. Instead, we had Amaro Averno, a herbal liqueur made of herbs, roots, and citrus rinds which are soaked in alcohol.

Caramel is also added to give the product a distinct color. It was the only drink that did not go well with the assigned course.

Alcoholic, medicinal and bitter, it was a rather nasty match.

A good deal of thanks are in order, first for our hosts, the Doctors Iris and Gary Moore, for the use of their lake house and pool. Grazi as well to Rhonda and Mike Wilke who coordinated everything and brought in the rental items. Finally, Chef Leo Fascianella and his talented staff deserve a “Hail Caesar!” for a finely crafted meal with great service. Finally, we can’t forget our ATV drivers for conveying us from the parking lots to the party. Great job, everyone!

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A publication of the Council Bluffs Branch of the International Wine and Food Society

THE INTERNATIONAL WINE AND & FOOD SOCIETY IWFS AMERICAS, INC. 2019 PRE-CRUISE LISBON TOUR PART 2 JUNE 8-9, 2019 Story by Connie and Gary Martin & Photos by Wayne Markus

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ith the coming of June 2019, IWFS is traveling once again...this time to Lisbon, Portugal and then on to the Douro River Cruise. Our culinary adventure begins with a three day experience of the best of Lisbon. Built on seven hills and with 3 million people in the metropolitan area, Lisbon is the second oldest capital city in Europe. It was ruled by the Romans, Germans and Arabs before Portuguese crusaders finally conquered it back. Today, Lisbon is the economic, political and cultural center of Portugal.

The second day in Lisbon dawned a bright and sunny day, characteristic of Lisbon as the “sunniest capital in Europe.”

This would be a day for pre-cruise attendees to choose from a variety of cultural and educational sites in Lisbon.

Belém Tower

The Belém Tower has served as both a fortification and ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Made from limestone and built in the early 1500s, Belém Tower sits on a small island near the bank of the Tagus river. A prominent example of Portuguese Manueline style architecture, Belém Tower is seen as a symbol of Europe’s Age of Discoveries. Belém Tower along with the Jerónimos Monastery was identi-

fied as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The monastery and its fabulous church were built from money made from a tax on the spice trade.

success of the Portuguese exploration during the 15th century. The monument was originally built as a temporary structure for the 1940 World Exhibition celebrating the achievements of explorers during the Age of Discovery and the creation of Portugal’s empire. The 171 foot tall monument, shaped like a ship’s prow, stands at the marina in Belém, was a starting point for many Portuguese explorers including Vasco da Gama embarking in his voyage to India in 1497 and Christopher Columbus’ 1493 voyage to the America’s.

Jerónimos Monastery

The Rossio Square is the popular name of the King Pedro IV Square in the city of Lisbon. It has been one of the important squares in Lisbon since the Middle Ages and has seen popular revolts, celebrations, bullfights and executions. The Queen Maria II National Theater sits next to the square offers a variety of cultural events.

With a variety of shops and restaurants, Rossio Square is a preferred meeting place for Lisbon natives and tourists alike.

Standing on the southern bank of Tagus river overlooking the whole city of Lisbon, the Sanctuary of Christ the King is a Catholic monument and shrine dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. This giant cement statue with arms open wide was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Inaugurated in 1959 as an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving because the Portuguese were spared the effects of World War II. On the north bank of the Tagus river stands the Age of Discoveries monument which was built in honor of Henry the Navigator who was instrumental in the October 2019 · Page 17

Age of Discoveries Monument

The National Coach Museum has the largest collection of royal carriages in the world and is one of Lisbon’s most visited institutions. The museum is housed in the Royal Riding Hall of Belém, the former home of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. The museum was created in 1905 by Queen Amélia to house an extensive collection of carriages belonging to the Portuguese royal family and nobility. >

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< The collection gives a full picture of the development of carriages from the late 16th through the 19th centuries, with carriages made in Italy, Portugal, France, Spain, Austria and England. Among its rarest items is a late 16th/ early 17th-century travelling coach used by King Philip II of Portugal (Philip III of Spain) to come from Spain to Portugal in 1619.

The obvious highlight of the day was dinner at Restaurant Feitoria, Michelin star restaurant located in the Hotel Altis Belém on the River Tagus waterfront. Entering Feitoria, one of the first features that you notice is a wine cellar stretching across the entire width of the restaurant protected with a glass and golden metallic mesh demonstrating the importance wines have at Feitoria. Chef Rodrigues designed our experience at Feitoria as an introduction to the various wine regions of Portugal and highlighting the local seafood and produce. The starter course was a Bluefin tuna with caviar, daikon and smoked broth was paired with a 2016 Lés-a-Lés Arinto Bucelas (subtle salinity and minerality). Next, a grilled squid paired with a 2016 Conciso Dao (crisp flavors with pine and resin). The first course offered regional Algarve scarlett shrimp in apricot anise broth paired with 2016 Casa do Capitao Mor Reserva Vinhos Verde (citrus notes with an elegant finish). Entrees included fresh grouper with cockles, burnt samphire carolino rice paired with a 2017 Herdade Papa Leite C51 Alenteja (very subtle, strongly honey and mineral aromas) and Arouquesa beef with potato, seasonal mushrooms, truffles and egg paired with a 2015 Casa Cadaval Trincadeira Preta Tejo (intense, spicy with notes of black pepper). Our evening concluded with a traditional dessert of Pastel de Nata paired with a 2013 Horacio Simoes Bastardo Palmela (dark red fruits, raisins, tea leaves with a high alcohol level). Of particular note for the evening was the expertise of the staff and the willingness of staff to share their enthusiasm for fine wines and good food. Restaurant Feitoria was the perfect way to spend our final evening in Lisbon.

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blast from

the past

Photos from Mike Dunn & Roger Peterson

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UPCOMING OMAHA BRANCH EVENTS

Mark Your Calendars!

OCT

COUPLES

NOV

STAG

DEC

COUPLES

24 03 15

Gorat’s Steak House “Old School” Steakhouse Theme with Red Wines of the World Producer: Dave Thrasher

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse 7th Annual Burdeny Bordeaux Bash Producer: Derek Burdeny

Happy Hollow Club Holiday Wine Dinner and Dance Producer: Duke Matz

HOSTING AN EVENT? Let us know when, where and a little bit about what’s going on! We would love to include YOUR event on the calendar! Email details to: murnantom@gmail.com

October 2019

Purpose: To meet communication and service needs, to broaden participation and understand and to be an information exchange for the membership of The International Wine & Food Society in the Americas.

Publisher: Todd Lemke Editor: Tom Murnan Graphic Designer: Omaha Magazine, LTD.

THE INTERNATIONAL WINE & FOOD SOCIETY OF LONDON, ENGLAND OM A H A, NEBR A SK A BR A NCH - E X ECU T I V E COM MIT TEE This Quick Response Code (QR-Code) can be scanned with a scanner app on your smart phone to take the reader directly to the Omaha Branch web site.

PR ESI DEN T: Tom Murnan............................................... murnantom@gmail.com V ICE PR ESI DEN T / SECR ETA RY: Mark Stokes.............. mark_stokes@aig.com T R E ASU R ER: Les Zanotti................................................ zanol@cox.net W I N E CELLA R M AST ER: Les Zanotti............................ zanol@cox.net M EM BERSH I P CH A I R M A N: Duke Matz........................ dmatz@darland.com

B OA R D O F D I R E C T O R S : Derek Burdeny

Todd Lemke

Tad Singer

Mike Wilke

Joe Goldstein

John Matthews

Mark Stokes

Les Zanotti

Steve Hipple

Duke Matz

Dave Thrasher

Tom Murnan

Lowell Wilhite

KEEP IN TOUCH! Please notify Club President, Tom Murnan, 402.740.4802 or via email at murnantom@gmail.com to let him know if you are interested in hosting an IWFS event.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE MEMBERS WILL BE POSTED ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Like us on FACEBOOK (IWFSOmaha): facebook.com/IWFSOmaha and follow us on TWITTER (IWFSOmaha): twitter.com/IWFSOmaha All versions of Wine & Food Gazette are published monthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha, NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. The opinions expressed in this publication, except as specifically stated to the contrary, are solely the opinion of the author and do no necessarily represent the views of the Board of Governors of the Americas. The International Wine & Food Society, LTD., the publisher and any officer, director, member or agent thereof. The international Wine & Food Society does not endorse advertisersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; products and is not responsible for damages incurred from the use of such products nor does it guarantee such products.