Is pizza your passion? Does a heaping bowl of pasta make your world go ’round? Well, The Italian Arizona Vice Consulate just announced a tasting event that is sure to send your taste buds over the top. Starting tomorrow, Friday, June 10 through Sunday, July 31, diners have the opportunity to take part in Arizona’s first-ever Italian culinary tour in celebration of the 150th birthday of the Italian nation. Many of Arizona’s top Italian restaurants are offering special three-course prix fixe menus, from $20 to $45, to celebrate the tasting event. Participating eaties span the Valley, including Avanti, Pomo Pizzeria, Tomaso’s, Veneto Trattoria Italiana, Andreoli Italian Grocer, La Fontanella, Gianfranco, Arrivederci (two locations), Pasta Brioni, Local Bistro, Aiello, Parmigiano, Vincitorio, Lorenzo Pizza e Pasta, Il Poggio d’Italia, Joey’s California Bistro, Tutti Santi (three locations) and more.
The special menus will provide a taste of several Italian regions, including the northern, central and southern Italian regions. For more info, including a complete list of participating restaurants, menus and pricing, visit http://www.italianazvc.org/.
Check out this sample menu from Pomo Pizzeria in Scottsdale:
ANTIPASTI
Affettati Misti
Assorted Cured Prosciutto San Daniele Principe 18 Month, Creminelli Meats and Italian Cheese, Chef’s Choice
– or-
Carpaccio
Organic Bresaola (Cured Beef), Fresh Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, Lemon Vinaigrette
PIZZA NAPOLETANA
Principe
Tomatoes San Marzano DOP, Mozzarella Fior di Latte, Prosciutto Crudo Parma Principe 18 Month,Fresh Arugula E.V.O.O.
– or –
Bufala D.O.P.
Tomatoes San Marzano DOP, Imported from Napoli Bufalo Mozzarella D.O.P with Parmigiano Reggiano, Fresh Basil E.V.O.O.
DESSERT
Millefoglie
Layered Puff Pastry (thousand leaves) with Pastry Cream and Flavor with Amarena Fabbri wild Cherry
– or –
Semifreddo alle Mandorle
Traditional Italian Dessert Term for “Half Cold” Very Light Cold Mousse Topped with Amaretto Cookies
2 Glass of Sangiovese
Caffe’ Espresso Medaglia d’Oro
Arizona’s First Italian Culinary Tour
