Taste the Piedmont for Slow Food Portland
You have probably heard of Slow Food, but have you heard of Slow Wine?
Slow Food was established in 1986 with the goals of supporting local food ecosystems and to preserve traditional and regional cuisine. Now, Slow Food International is building on a project that was started three years ago with a similar mission—Slow Wine.
With this movement firmly established in Portland, curious eaters and dedicated foodies have the opportunity for a hands-on, palate cleansing, experience with Slow Wine. Featuring six Italian winemakers from the Piemonte region of northwest Italy, come and learn about SLow Wine, and help benefit Slow Food Portland.
It’s happening at Nostrana from 5-10pm on Monday, March 18th.
Nostrana is delighted to welcome these six winemakers from four prestigious wineries, all from the Langhe region of Piedmont (aka Piemonte). It’s a region celebrated for its notable wines, including Barolo, a rich red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape, and its cousin, the more delicate yet no less flavorful Barbaresco. Piemonte is also revered for its rich and exemplary cuisine.
The winemakers are:
- Nicola Argamante & Loredana Addari of Podere Ruggeri Corsini
- Carlo Deltetto of Deltetto
- Paola & Valentina Grasso of Ca’del Baio
- Alessandro Barosi of Cascina Corte
Nostrana is hosting the event with Casa Bruno, and proceeds from the night will benefit Slow Food Portland. Twelve different wines will be available by the glass, bottle, and in flights. In addition, Nostrana will be making hand rolled tajarin pasta, and other classics from the region, including roasted meat-filled agnolotti dal’plin, feather-light potato gnocchi with truffle and sausage ragù—all classics from the region born to accompany these delicious wines.
And don’t fret: Nostrana is still open that Monday night to all customers. Hours for both Nostrana diners and the wine-curious are from 5-10pm.
Reservations can be made through the restaurant (503.234.2427).
Village Gardens First Annual Fundraiser
Join Nostrana’s Chef Cathy Whims as she supports Village Gardens at their first annual spring fundraiser. This is an inspiring opportunity to celebrate and learn about Village Gardens work to create a more just and healthy food system in Portland. The evening will include food from Chef Whims, community participant presentations, brief videos highlighting program successes, and a silent & live auction.
Bauccio Commons at the University of Portland
Friday, March 15.
6p-9p
Event tickets are $40 and include dinner.
For more information, visit Village Gardens information page.
Elisabetta Foradori & Silvio Messana Thursday March 7th
Nostrana is proud to welcome two superstar Winemakers to the restaurant. Elisabetta Foradori of Foradori Winery & Silvio Messana of Montesecondo will join us for a casual evening of wine, food and conversation.
First, a reception at the Rooster Bar from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Take an opportunity to meet the Winemakers in a relaxed setting as you enjoy their wines & antipasti from the Nostrana kitchen. A family-style dinner will follow. Join the Winemakers & Chef/Owner Cathy Whims for a selection of favorites from the Nostrana menu.
Reception 5:00-6:00 pm $20
Dinner 6:00 $60 including wine
Call for reservations 503-234-2427
Slow Food Portland With Anthony Boutard: Saturday, February 9th
Our good friend Anthony Boutard of Ayers Creek Farm shares insights & inspiration from his new book “Beautiful Corn: America’s Original Grain from Seed to Plate”. For more information, see the slow food website.
Cathy Whims & Montinore Estate to host Maialata: The Festival of the Pig
Chef Whims joins Montinore Estate owner Rudy Marchesi to host this age-old Italian celebration of the pig, a feast steeped in peasant traditions of community. Join them on Sunday, February 10th at 12:00 noon, along with their friends Jason French (Ned Ludd), John Taboada (Luce & Navarre) and Fred Carlo (Salumeria di Carlo) for an experience normally reserved for farmers, butchers & Italian villagers.
For more information and to reserve a place, go to the Montinore website.
Straight from Barbaresco! L’ora dell’ Aperitivo with Renato Vacca
Our friend Renato Vacca, owner & winemaker at Cantina del Pino in Barbaresco is visiting Portland this week. We are excited to have him join us on Tuesday, January 22nd from 5:00-6:30 pm for a Happy Hour here at the Rooster Bar. Enjoy Renato’s wines, great conversation with the winemaker, chef/owner Cathy Whims & wine director Douglas Derrick, along with some of your favorite Nostrana small plates. The cost is $15 and space is limited.
call Nostrana at 503-234-2427 to reserve.
January is Geometry of Pasta Month
One of Chef Cathy Whims’ inspirations is The Geometry of Pasta by Caz Hildebrand & Jacob Kenedy. This year’s Saveur 100 featured the book and Cathy’s comments about it. Through the month of January we’ll be featuring pasta shapes and recipes from the book. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to learn the latest and preview the menu on our website
Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2013
Join us at Nostrana for a celebration of the year past and the new year to come! We’re extending our normal Monday hours to 11:00 pm with a beautiful a la carte menu and happy hour will start at 9:00 as usual. Reservations are going fast, but the bar and pizza counter will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Chelsea Gem oysters, Dungeness Crab bisque, Smoked trout paglia e fieno, Rosso di Parma (roast beef eye of ribeye) and lots of bubbles are only a few of the items featured on a spectacular menu. The pizza oven will be fired up and of course all of your Nostrana favorites will be available.
We’ll look forward to seeing you!
Happy Holidays From All of Us at Nostrana!
Gift certificates will be available for purchase at the restaurant (or by phone) Monday December 24th from 10 am to 2 pm.
The restaurant will be closed for service on Monday December 24th and Tuesday December 25th, and will re-open for lunch service on Wednesday December 26th.
We wish everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday!
“The social event of the farmers’ market season” - Cathy Whims
Have we peaked your interest? Check out the Winter Solstice Pop-Up Farmers’ Market and Bazaaro at Tastebud restaurant this Saturday. Click here for more information. We hope to see you there!