Sunday March 28th, 2010
2pm
31-86 37 Street
A friend told me about a Croatian food and wine pairing at their favorite wine bar, Winegasm. I was intrigued, and at the cost of $45 for a 6 course pairing, couldn’t think of a better way to spend (yet another) rain soaked Sunday. Taking the train from lower Manhattan to Astoria should speak to the fact that it’s a great neighborhood gem. A long high-top communal table separates the bar from a few private tables, and in warmer weather the wall opens out to sidewalk seating. The owners are very knowledgeable and friendly, and the tastings are laid back. It feels like you’ve been invited to someone’s home for the afternoon. Rather than listening to someone speak about what you’re eating and drinking, each course was introduced briefly with the focus on enjoying. The wine was from the portfolios of Oenocentric and Vinum USA and the food was prepared by the owner’s mother – and nothing is better than “mom” food on a Sunday.

First Course:

• “Bakalar” – Adriatic cheese, prosciutto, and olive platter
• Wine: Toljanić Žlahtina 2008

Second Course:

• Octopus salad with potatoes
• Wine: Zlatan Hvar Pošip/Maraština Blend 2008

Third Course:

• Black squid ink risotto
• Wine: Bibich Debit 2008

Fourth Course:

• Ćevapi” - Lamb/Pork/Beef grilled sausage served with pita and red pepper tapenade
• Wine: Bibich Riserva Babich/Lasin/Plavina Blend 2006

Fifth Course:

• “Fuži” with veal sauce – Istrian bow tie pasta
• Wine: Lirica Plavac Mali 2007

Dessert:

• “Palačinke” and “Fritule” – carmel filled crêpe, bread dough fritters with powdered sugar
• Wine: Kozlović Muškat 2006

GOOD FOR: WINE BAR, WINE TASTINGS, CLASSES, DATE NIGHT, SMALL GROUPS, OUTDOOR SEATING, SMALL PLATES