Rustic Roman Chef Hansen’s Dinner

For the first of our monthly Chef Showcases, April 12th, at the Calgary store, Hotel Arts Chef Jan Hansen (who grew up in Edmonton, eating Italian at the original store), prepared a five-course meal, in rustic Roman style, for thirty guests.  Made with ingredients found at the store, and a lot of love and nostalgia drawn from Chef Jan’s recent trip to Italy.

Wine pairings (and a crash course on wine-tasting) from Mike Bigaletti, Willow Park Wines, played exciting compliment to the family-style feast. Guests enjoyed a beautifully balanced Charred Octopus Salad, followed by a palate-cleanser of Vodka/Prosecco Lemon Sorbet. For main course, fork-tender braised Piedmontese Beef Short Rib and rustic Black Kale Soffritto, served with a deliciously rich Butternut Squash Risotto.

For dessert, a delicate Ricotta Lemon Tart, with Barolo-Poached Pears & Vanilla Cream.

We look forward to hosting the next Chef Showcase, May 17, with Chef Duncan Ly of the Vintage Group. Ticket info. coming soon – keep an eye out, here, and on Facebook and Twitter for details.