Copyright Vanessa Rogers Photography 2015
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Part of the appeal of Marco Corricelli’s Osteria Celli—why we named it among the year’s best new restaurants—is Corricelli’s hands-on approach. Like with life, it’s the little things that matter. As the chef-owner, he’s there every day, getting his hands dirty, kneading pasta dough, chopping herbs and stately guiding his kitchen as a captain would a ship. A convivial tableside visit with a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano or a taste of the latest red he’s got from a family-owned vineyard in Sardinia are both imbued with the excitement of a kid riding a bike for the first time, and it’s clear where his passions lie.
His wine dinners, usually once a month on a Monday, are his way of sharing his latest finds with the customers he cares so much about. He takes pride in discovering high-quality, small-production vineyards from throughout the boot. The next one, on March 7, will focus on every budding oenophile’s favorite region, Tuscany. But the five-course meal will not be paired with big Barolos or Chiantis. Instead, the wines, sourced from Fattoria le Pupille, with its owner Clara Gentili on hand (well, she’s the daughter of its founder and is now heavily involved in the winemaking process), will feature complex blends and lesser-known but equally sophisticated grapes—Robert Parker has rated most above 90.
The cherry on top of the gelato? With Corricelli’s menu written that night to complement each of those flavors, with perhaps a ricotta gnudi in rich butter-sage sauce or a hearty spaghetti with a vibrant cuttlefish ragu, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind treat.
To plan a visit:
Osteria Celli’s wine dinners
Generally once a month, five courses with wine pairings for $100
For reservations, call (239) 267-1310.
For information on upcoming dinners, see osteriacelli.com.
Read Hot Dish Wednesdays and Fridays online and every month in Gulfshore Life.