Casa Luca’s new Sunday Sips Wine Tasting Menu takes diners on a tour of Italy.
By Erica Moody
Fregula Sarda (Photo by Erica Moody)
Fabio Trabocchi’s rustic Italian restaurant Casa Luca rolled out a new tasting menu last Sunday, to the delight of those craving fresh cuisine paired with delicious wines. Executive chef Erin Clarke and sommelier Sarah Bengston created the unique three-course $48 per person menu to give diners a taste of Italy’s distinctive regions – the menu will be tailored to a different region or grape varietal each month. The first stop for Sunday Sips was the island of Sardegna.
Insalata di Ricotta Salata & Pane Carasau (Photo by Erica Moody)
The menu began with a light, refreshing salad, Insalata di Ricotta Salata & Pane Carasau, comprised of arugula, pickled red onion, black walnuts, ricotta salata and sheep’s milk cheese on a crispy Sardinian flatbread. Paired perfectly with Argiolas, “Costamolino”, Vermentino 2013.
Spaghittus cun Cancioffa (Photo by Erica Moody)
The second course, Spaghittus cun Cancioffa, was a housemade saffron spaghetti with baby artichokes, melted onions and mustela Sardinian dry cured pork loin. Paired with Sella e Mosca, Cannonau, Riserva 2010.
The third course was the winner: Fregula Sarda with toasted semolina couscous, dorade, middleneck clams, slow roasted tomato and spicy shellfish brodetto. Paired with Cantina Santadi, “Shardana“, Carignano 2007
Pistachio Semifreddo (Photo by Erica Moody)
Though separate from the Sunday Sips menu, we highly recommend saving room for dessert at Casa Luca. The Pistachio Semifreddo (Sicilian pistachio frozen custard with cocoa nib crunch) and the housemade limoncello are standouts.
Ciambellone di Nonna Palmina (Photo by Erica Moody)
The Ciambellone di Nonna Palmina (warm hazelnut coffee cake, caramel gelato and vin cotto) is also divine.
What region do you think Casa Luca will feature next month? Follow on Twitter and Instagram at @CasaLucaDC and #SundaySips to find out!
