Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1)  The 7th Annual CityFeast, held on Sunday, January 29, at 6:30pm, is a fun-filled evening hosted by five restaurants in Boston’s North End: Antico Forno, Terramia, Lucca, Taranta and Tresca. Tickets include a five-course dinner with wine pairings at the choice participating restaurant, and proceeds will benefit Joslin’s High Hopes Fund, which provides support for research, clinical care and education for diabetics and their families.

This year, the event will also feature a raffle for a new black Vespa at Antico Forno. The Vespa was donated by Carla Gomes, the founder of CityFeast. Carla began this event to show her dedication and appreciation to Joslin after her son David was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on his first birthday. David has received care at Joslin for over 18 years.

Tickets are priced at $150 each; of which $100 is tax deductible. Due to high demand, reservations are limited, and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. For more information on CityFeast or to purchase tickets visit: Http://­www.­joslin.­org/­cityfeast

I have been to a couple of these events and it is a fun and delicious event for a worthy cause. You can read my review of last years's CityFeast here. I hope to be at this year's event as well and maybe I will see some of my readers there.

2)  Embarking on a health kick again this year ? Haru is here to help the cause without depriving your taste buds with two new specials for the months of January and February.

Forget the high-calorie cocktails and indulge in the Shiso Slim ($6), a semi-innocent pleasure. This sparkling “skinny” cocktail shakes up Voli Lemon vodka, St. Germain, pink grapefruit and yuzu juices, muddled shiso leaf and a splash of soda. Nix the carbs and go fish. Treat your mind and body to the new Haru-Style Sashimi ($15). This sashimi “flight” of tuna, salmon, yellowtail and fluke also features a selection of toppings including spicy snow crab, shiso and signature sauces. The Haru-Style Sashimi is served with a side salad of broiled eel and cucumber dressed in a citrus-soy.

3)  On February 2, at 7pm, Towne Stove and Spirits will host a very special evening with the Castello di Ama winery. Established in 1972 and located in the heart of the Chianti Classico historical zone, Castello di Ama’s D.O.C.G. wines showcase the beauty of the Sangiovese grape from the heart of Tuscany.

Owner and winemaker Marco Pallanti will team up with Towne’s Culinary Director Lydia Shire and Executive Chef Mario Capone to present the following:

Reception
Castello di Ama Rosato 2009
Housemade Cotechino Sausage with mostarda and spoon of salmoriglio
Grilled Oysters Florentina
Saffron & Anchovy Fry Bread
Seated
Castello di Ama Al Poggio 2004
Smoked & Cured Swordfish with blood orange fennel salad topped with extra virgin olive oil from the estate
Fried Rabbit with mustard oil & white beet agnolotti del plin

Castello di Ama Chianti 2007
(two vintages)
Blade Steak with copertina di spalla, black truffled Chianti butter, stewed cavolo nero & chestnut gnocchi
Dessert
Torta Sabbiosa with warm poached winter pear & zabaione
Cappuccino

Cost: $150 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservations are required and may be made by contacting 617.247.0400.