Thursday night we had reservations for a special wine pairing dinner at Local and Company, a cool, attractive restaurant in Foley on Hwy. 59. Local features American cuisine and is located in the former Old Antique Mall which was originally an armory built 83 years ago. With wines featured from the Lake Como region in Italy, we were excited to explore the possibilities from the dinner menu. 5 courses, oh my! 

Sylvia Smith, one of the owners of Local along with Ephraim Kadish, presented her personal story of her time visiting and working in the Barolo area several years ago.  Her knowledge and personal anecdotes were delightful and very entertaining.  A limited crowd of about 45 people started the evening with a crisp white wine paired with clams over a potato purée. Of course, the seasoning and relish made the combo. Next up, halibut with an eggplant tapenade and Parmesan crisp was served with a glass of Barbera d’Alba Ruvei 2017. Thank goodness the wines were listed for us, or this novice would have been clueless.

A few more stories were presented by Sylvia and the knowledgeable pair from Alabama Crown Distributing. All three moved through the crowd, checking in and chatting as we explored the next course.  Wait for it……Quail! Perhaps the best preparation I have ever tasted, the tender bird was accompanied by an amazing secret sauce and a glass of Barbaresco 2013. 

As if that was not enough, a generous serving of veal over arugula with pine nuts, asparagus, and sauce arrived at our table. Again. Divine. As was the glass of Barolo 2016, the wine of the gods! I know, you are thinking about how much more can we possibly devour in one delectable evening?  Well, every bite of the lemon egg custard with blueberries was consumed along with a glass of a sweet, orange blossom-infused “Zagara” Moscato di Asti.  Ahhhh…Bellissimo! 

Local never disappoints for a casual lunch or special dinner.

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