Sharyn and I arrived in New York City ready to kick off our fun filled weekend with the Decadent White Truffle Dine-Around presented by Wine Spectator hosted by Michael White.

It was the most decadent and indulgent evening of fine dining during our long weekend getaway, although every meal we enjoyed at the Food Network NYC Wine & Food Festival was incredible.

After a quick cab ride we arrived at the first of Chef Michael White’s four restaurants that we would visit that night…

Morini Osteria Romagnola oozes old world charm.

According to Daily Candy; “The new osteria (translation: an eatery with an emphasis on maintaining a steady clientele) celebrates the riches of Emilia-Romagna, birthplace of Bolognese and region where White met his dapper mentor, Gianluigi Morini.”

We were some of the first patrons to dine at this new restaurant, and it is a destination I would like to visit again and again.

Wine and white truffle appetizers flowed while we enjoyed a few glasses of Ferrari Brut NV.

There were ultra thin shavings of white truffles on everything!  We really liked the Polenta with Fonduta, Mushrooms and Truffles which was rich and creamy.

My favorite tidbit was the Truffle Beef Tartare.

It was difficult to stop eating to save some appetite for the continued feast.

Eventually we moved on to Convivio where we sat with a few of the couples along for the ride and the meal of a lifetime.  It was fun to celebrate with them while drinking Feudi Di San Gregorio Taurasi Piano Di Montevergine 2001 (say that 5 times really fast?).

When our second course of the night arrived, everyone at the table gasped in awe at the Braised Rabbit Tortelli with Brown Butter and White Truffles.

It was beautiful to gaze upon.  Drenched in white truffle shavings and exuding a heavy earthy aroma.

We knew we were special to receive something prepared with so much love.  I savoured every bite while wishing for more.

Next we shuttled over to our third destination, Marea, to feast on lovely Wild Butter Poached European Turbot, braised savoy cabbage, capon broth and white truffles.

This meal was perfectly paired with Anselmi Capitel Croce 2008 that we sipped while dining at a table for 3 with Bruce Sanderson, Senior Editor & Tasting Director of Wine Spectator.

The last stop on the dine-around was at Alto, a sheik place where the walls are literally made of wine.

Two courses were served at Alto, the first was a scrumptious Roasted Loin of Veal in Albufera Sauce with Foie Gras and White Truffles.

This was paired with Travaligni Gattinara Riserva 2004. The creamy Foie Gras was divine with the shaved truffles and tender veal loin, like a little bit of heaven in every bite.

I had the opportunity to meet Chef Michael White after he explained to our table how he hand selects only the finest Italian white truffles.

Chef White estimated that he has already shaved over $1,000,000 in truffles.  I bet he will shave millions of dollars more in the years to come!

Although Sharyn and I thoroughly enjoyed the savory courses, my favorite truffle drenched dish was the White Truffle Sundae with Salted Caramel, Gianduja, and Fior de Late Gelato.

It was creamy and dreamy, slightly sweet, somewhat savory, and laden with truffly goodness.  A perfect end to a perfect evening.

We wandered away to catch a cab to the hotel with our bellies full, and happy to know that the festival proceeds are going to worthwhile charities.

Thank you to Michael White and his spot on staff who served us that night.

Brad

Other Food Network NYC Wine & Food Festival Articles…

• OMG! I’m on a Food Network Commercial and more Celeb Pics from the NYC Wine & Food Festival
• A Crantastic Morning at the Cranberry Marketing Committee “Harvest to Plate” Press Event
• Confessions of a Baconaholic: Is Chuck Hughes a Baconaholic on His Day Off?
• Pinch Me, I Must Be Dreaming About the Food Network NYC Wine & Food Festival
• :> Smiling All the Way to the 2010 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival <: