Monday afternoon Plate Magazine, a chef and restaurant publication out of Chicago, brought a group of local chefs, and a few writers, together for a lunch at Lucia in Oak Cliff honoring the beloved pig and featuring products from Italy, including Speck ham, Asiago cheese and wine from Alto Aldige.
The room was buzzing as Cocchi Americano Cocktails were poured for the group as they gathered. A refreshing mix of Cocchi Americano, an herb and citrus infused Muscato, with soda and orange rind– a perfect aperitif. Some of the invited chefs included Taco and Dunia Borga from La Duni, Scott Gottlich (Bijoux, Second Floor), Teech (Tei-An), Jill Bergus (Lockhart Smokehouse), and Dude, Sweet Dude’s Katherine Clappner.
The idea behind the lunch was to introduce chefs to these great Italian products, trying them over lunch, as well as give them an opportunity to sit back and enjoy a great meal. Quite the lunch to start a work week.
Once seated, happy chefs enjoyed Cantina Terlano Pinto Bianco with plates of salumi and crostini, including heavenly Eggplant Asiago, N’duja, Chicken Liver, Prosciutto Piccolo, Black Pepper Salame and Soppressata.
Spaghetti with Spicy Tripe Stew, Speck and a perfect egg followed as the second course, along with house made bread for dipping into the yolk.
A main course of Porchetta with a fennel, arugula and red onion followed, paired with a fruit forward J. Hofstatter Pinto Nero Mevzan.
Sanguinaccio or pig’s blood pudding ended the meal, with a silky texture and a taste just like rich and creamy chocolate pudding.
