Grappa Italian Restaurant

Location & Contact:

Description:

Nothing could be more foreign to the American palate than grappa, the Northern Italian brandy distilled from the grape skins, stems, and seeds left over from winemaking (what the French produce as marc). By tradition, a poor man's drink, grappa can pistol-whip the palate of the neophyte. Rustic, often fiery,
it smells of hay, earth and God knows what else.

Today, top winemakers and distillers from all over Italy artfully craft their grappas, often distilling them from a single grape variety, or even a single variety from a single designated vineyard. Some are aged in wood anywhere from six months to a year. The result is a smoother, more insinuating product that can be downright elegant, while still retaining the spirit's primary characteristics. Grappa has an intensity, a pristine quality, and an underlying simplicity. Grappa is strong, but it leaves the taste buds refreshed.

In Short
Dine overlooking the lights of Main Street in what used to be the old Alpine Prospector Lodge. A rich Tuscan interior design features lush vines and swags with grape leaves. Start with the calamari friti appetizer served with lemon caper aioli and fresh marinara. Main courses include regional Italian favorites like chicken saltimbocca, osso bucco and lasagna made with lamb tenderloin. Top off a meal with creme brulee, tartufo or glass of grappa.

Price Range:

$$$$ over 30 per meal

Reservations:

yes