Wine from Tuscany
Sam & Luca Italian Bistro – Stopping For a Quick Bite and Italian Wine
Photo from Sam & Lucca Italian Bistro/Blaise Vitale
Background
On the way back from picking up Susan (wife) from the airport, stopped at Sam & Luca Italian Bistro at 1959 S. Power Road in Mesa, AZ. Heard from two different couples that this was one of the better Italian restaurants in the Mesa/Gilbert area. This is a family-owned bistro where every dish is inspired by their Italian roots with recipes being passed down from generation to generation. Their stated goal is to use simple and fresh ingredients to create meals that showcase their heritage with dish that are “pure, flavorful and made with love”. Who would not want to take part in a meal like this?
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
This was almost a “date night” catching up, as Susan was returning from ten days in California visiting family and taking care of her mother with doctor visits at age 97. We immediately started the dinner off ordering a bottle of 2022 Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso. Antinori is a large, very respected vintner in Italy making an array of wines. While viewing the view list that was good, chose this wine. It is a signature blend featuring Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah providing great and delightful notes of black cherry and silky tannins. The Antinori winery is based in Florence, with their history dating back to 1395. Not only are they one of the largest wine companies in Italy, their innovation and creativity played a significant role in the “Super-Tuscan” revolution of the 1970’s. This wine is moderately priced and is widely recognized. Great with any Italian dish ordered!
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Susan ordered the chicken piccata (sorry no picture) that was scrumptious and savory. I was not that hungry and started the dinner off with Caprese salad of fresh mozzarella, tomato, pesto, fresh basil and fig balsamic. The tomatoes were so fresh and firm and the mozzarella was equally spectacular with the fresh basil and balsamic.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Followed by their three meatballs made with veal, pork, beef and baked with marinara and mozzarella. These three meatballs were tasty and were absolutely filling. This was like being transported to almost any bistro in Tuscany. The wine and dishes were perfectly matched and excellent.
We conversed with the server “Bee” during the meal. Her service, effort and engaging personality only added to the meal. Toward the end of the meal, while sipping on our last glass of wine, the General Manager Josh Lippe came by to introduce himself. We had been discussing various events they hold during the year (wine tasting, wine pairing dinners, etc.) with “Bee” and she prompted him to stop by. Had a wonderful conversation about the direction and style of the restaurant and various events. We are signing up to keep informed of the next wine pairing dinner. Josh is the son of the owner and knowledgeable both about wine and the meals being offered.
We will look forward to returning and trying some of their specialty dishes soon!
Slainte,
Michael Kelly