I went through such a selection process when I recently screened several Italian style restaurants in theCoachellaValleywith its posh desert communities and panoramic resorts.Many coastal Southern Californianstake the short 2 hour drive to experience the scenic wonders and sophisticated lifestyle that is the desert experience.So I was prepared for an authentic Italian dinner with an old world bottle of wine at Sirocco, in the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa at Indian Wells.I got a lot more.
Bouncing out of the kitchen to greet me was Executive Chef Gregorio Calderin, indeed a gregarious, passionate, hands-on cheffrom a farming family where his Italian wife was raised. Many family cooking secretsare shared by Chef Gregorio with his diners at Sirocco.First question I asked him was the meaning of Sirocco.”It is a name for the winds that blow throughItalyfromAfrica.They usually bring change and we take that idea here with our menu.It changes seasonally. Right now we have a a lot of braised meats and polenta beds.They make nice, warm comfort foods.”He went on to talk about what he feels diners are looking for these days.”They are a lot more health conscious and want to know where the food comes from.Sirocco offers complete freshness.Either we make it here or we have it brought in daily from our farmer-suppliers.”
I was fascinated by little niceties that are a Sirocco signature, like home made Italian style sorbet for palate cleansing just before the main entree, a coffee /tea presentation with crystal, truffles and if ordered, cognac.When finished, each diner receives complimentary biscotti.
My menu selections included:Spinaci Al Tangerino, Risotto Allo Zafferano e Gamberi and finally, Fazzoletti Al Bolognese, chef’srecommended family recipe with house made spinach pasta and Kurobuta Pork Ragu.Oh so sweet, and just like his “Nonna” made it.
The wine selection was just as special:a rare Masi Mazzano Amerone Valpolicello Classico 2001, one of the best wine years inItaly.
Sirocco is a dinner-only restaurant notable for its awards including four diamonds and a Wine Spectator Best of Award.
The Wines ofSta.RitaHills
TASTE OF WINE profiled the Sta. Rita wine district betweenSanta Barbaraand Paso Robles, with about 61 vineyards producing mostly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.The early morning marine layer, the right soils and rising elevations make itclearly compatiblefor these Burgundian favorites.
As noted, some 21 wineries presented themselves at a Sta. Rita Hills Road Show inSan Diego at Marina Kitchen.
Two standouts happened to be side by side at the event for good reason.Aaron Walker of Pali Wineis Pali’s winemaker, and is also the son-in-law of my other pick, Hitching Postco-owner Gray Hartley.Pali is worth a visit toLompocand their winery for its uncompromising Pinot Noir quality.I found the value impressive for the price.Try the 2012HuntingtonPinot for $22.Hitching Post gained unexpected fame when Sideways, the movie, used the restaurant and winery and, of course, the main character, Miles, loved their Pinot Noir.Try their 2011 Highliner, a top of the line Pinot Noir for $40.Web sites are:www.paliwineco.comandwww.hitchingpostwines.com.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator.His columns can be viewed atwww.tasteofwinetv.com.He is one of the top wine commentators on the web.Reach him atmangiompc@aol.com.
