The meal began with a house made Crostino of chicken liver served on toasted bread. The velvety smooth chicken liver was paired with the aromatic white Vermentino by Poggio Morino.
The next course consisted of a hearty vegetable bread soup called Ribollita, which was a perfect companion for the stormy island weather beating at the garage doors. The soup was served with a traditional Tuscan style bread, which is made without using salt. While it is uncertain why the Tuscans did not use salt in their bread, many believe that it is because of a high salt tax. Either way, the end result is a wonderfully crisp crust with a dense, surprisingly sweet interior. This course was paired with a Prima Strada favourite, a classic Chianti by Castiglioni Frescobaldi.
The soup was followed by what was, in my opinion, the best dish of the evening. Pappardelle alla lepre e chanterelle is house made pasta with braised rabbit and chanterelle mushrooms for those of you not fluent in Italian. The tenderness of the rabbit and the meaty quality of our local chanterelles created an unbelievable dish. And not to be overshadowed, the meal was paired with a knockout wine. The Bolgheri DOC from Tenuta Argentiera Donoratico was simply outstanding. After decanting for hours, this wine was one of the smoothest reds I have ever tried.
And finally, the dessert course was a Panforte Senese. Unlike any other cake I have ever had, this can only be described as a pepper cake done Siena style. Full of hazelnuts, candied orange zest and spices, it was both crunchy and chewy with a rich caramel taste. Served with a scoop of gelato, it was the perfect way to end our Tuscan tribute.
The Tuscan dinner was our last Long Table of 2011. But have no fear, the Long Table Dinner series will resume on January 25 & 26, 2012! You don't have to wait until January for another special meal at Bridge Street. We are putting the finishing touches on a very special multi-course Italian New Years Eve menu. Details soon.To stay updated on all of our events, visit http://pizzeriaprimastrada.com/ to subscribe to our newsletter. It takes only a few seconds and guarantees that you will be the first to know about Prima Strada news and events.
Although it is hard to believe that it's the last week of September already, this month's Long Table Dining Series has come and gone. If you are unfamiliar with what the Long Table Series is, I'm going to break it down for you.
On the last Wednesday and Thursday of every month at Bridge Street we host a four course meal accompanied with three wine pairings all focused on a particular region of Italy. The tables seat 24 guests and reservations are a must (to reserve email 
This month's region of choice was Sardegna, one of Italy's Mediterranean islands. To begin the night, diners were treated to an Insalata Pomodoro with heirloom tomato, shaved percorino, red wine vinaigrette, basil, and red onion. I managed to snap a photo of Andrew bringing one over to the table before it was devoured. This course was paired with a Cannonau di Sardegna from Santa Maria la Bombarde.
Next on the menu was Calamari Ripieni, which is squid stuffed with anchovy, breadcrumbs, pecorino, garlic, and parsley served with salsa verde. For this course the wine was Vermetino di Sardegna from Argiolas.
And just like the rest of Italy, Sardinians love their pasta. The calamari was followed by a hand made Malloreddus, which is a saffron pasta with sausage and tomato sauce. The sausage was gorgeous, with a slight hint of orange flavour coming through. The chefs work hard to get the pasta to the table while guests sip on a Montessu from Argicola Punica.
Are you left feeling like you missed out? Have no fear because the Long Table Dining Series happens every month! Next month's region will be Umbria and will be held on October 26th and 27th at Bridge Street. (Insider tip: Oct. 27th will also be our Conservation Candlelight Dinner with BC Hydro. We will be conserving energy by lighting the room by candles!) It is bound to fill up quickly so once you know are committed to attending email 
