Tempting "Wine-Lentine" Seduction Dinner

February 13, 2009 9:01 pm

Tempting "Wine-Lentine" Seduction Dinner

$Behind the Burner: Tempting \$

When Charlotte and Vittorio Assaf invited me to dinner at Brasserie Cognac last night, I had no idea I would be in for a flirtatious food and wine fete. Vittorio and Fabio Granato hosted this Zagat-sponsored event, an informational dinner prepared by Chef Florian Hugo. Of course, in honor of Valentine's Day, it was paired with the number one aphrodisiac of all: wine.

In attendance were the usual group of tall stunning women, especially Charlotte, who always add glamour to Vittorio and Fabio's elegant events. Yet this evening was exceptionally hot, thanks to "wine commentator" Alessandra Rotondi, who entertained the crowd— to say the least.

With a profound knowledge and experience in the wine industry, Alessandra has served as wine consultant and sommelier in many Manhattan restaurants. But it was her creative, seductive wine storytelling combined with her provocative wardrobe changes that made everyone gasp and blush throughout the night. She certainly fed many fantasies!

The dinner and wine pairings were superb:

Champagne Veuve Clicquot yellow Label,
N.V Brut
Welcome Cheese Puffs
Foie gras terrine and Tomato-Goat Cheese Tart

Ferrari Brut, Metodo Classico,
N.V. Trento DOC
Bisque De Homard
Lobster Bisque, Sautéed Mushrooms and LIght Whipped Cream

Gewurztraminer 2006,
Maison Trimbach
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Sautéed Forest Mushrooms, Aged Parmigiano and Veal Jus

Marchese Antinori, Chianti Classico DOCG,
Riserva 2004
Wild Stripe Bass "Matelote"
Filet of sea bass cooked "a la plancha" with a ragu of confit potatoes, pearl onions, scallions, clams and Red wine sauce

Baccorosa, Spumante Dolce,
Zonin
Rose and Raspberry Macaron
Litchies, light cream and berry sauce

Cognac XO, Hennessy
Pleasures of Chocolate

Throughout the night, Alessandra gave us narratives about her love life. She asked us to envision our desires while providing us with useful tips. For example, she told us that a man should impress a woman at the bar by ordering a sparkling wine instead of using the standard "Can I buy you a drink?" approach because bubbles have specific erotic connotations. She also told us that ladies can suggestively lure their men by asking them if they like the scent of the wine, then use a straw to sprinkle some of it on their body. Alessandra gave the crowd a very enticing demonstration that may have distracted the men from their dates.

Ladies can learn a lot from her charm and seductive sipping methods. Armed with the new moves that Alessandra taught us, I'm ready for my first victim!

Caroline Alexa McBride