The Venue in Clearwater to host wine tasting and dinner auction

Taste of Italy Wine Dinner & Auction
at THE VENUE
to benefit 
Abilities Foundation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         The Abilities Foundation announces that The Venue will host A Taste of Italy Wine Dinner & Auction Wednesday, May 27, 2009.  "We pulled out all the stops for an all-Italiano sit-down at The Venue," said Frank De Lucia, CEO of the Abilities Foundation.  "We are featuring Chef Rob Uzzillia, RNDC district manager Steve Jaeger, Zonin regional manager Jim Bodkin, regional manager Jeff Hynes, and Zonin Family paisano Pietro Morelli.  Zonin is one of Italy's oldest and most prolific wine producers, and Jim hand-selected the dinner wines from among Zonin's finest wineries, ensuring us of pairings befitting a splendorous night in Italy."
The Venue is Tampa Bay's newest leader in entertainment and culinary elegance, a facility that serves as the backdrop for restaurants Takara and Viaggio, Ultra Lounge, Martini Bar, outside Deck Bar, Champagne Lounge, Wine Room, and Cabana Deck. .
 
The evening begins at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets price is $70 per person, which includes tax and gratuity.  Charitable proceeds benefit the Abilities Foundation.  The Venue is located at 2675 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater.  Space is limited.  For reservations, please call Frank De Lucia, 727-538-7370, extension 345, or buy tickets online at www.abilitiesfoundation.com.
 
The Abilities Foundation is a Clearwater-based, private, nonprofit, charitable organization that provides services to meet the employment, housing, and independent living needs of people with disabilities.  For more information about the Abilities Foundation, visit www.abilitiesfoundation.com, or call (727) 538-7370.
 
Taste of Italy wine dinner menu
 
Amuse Bouches
 
Prosciutto di Parma- Ligurian Olive Oil, Parmiggiano Reggiano, Fried Raviolini- Goat Cheese, Neuske Bacon, Smoked Tomato Venison Carpaccio- Seckel Pear, Gorgonzola Dolce, 25 year-old Balsamic
Frittata-Asparagus, Bel Paesce, Black Truffle
Zonin Prosecco Brut
 
First Course

Alaskan King and Dungeness Crab Crespelle
Fennel-Orange Salad, Crisp Baby Artichoke,
Mascarpone Sauce
'07 Altemura Fiano, Puglia
 
Second Course

Pancetta wrapped Monkfish
Rapini, Ceringnola, Pepperoncini, Tomato Broth
'08 Friuli Pinot Grigio
 
Third Course

Veal and Spinach Cannelloni
Traditional Tomato Sauce, Fonduta, Mache, Basil Oil
'06 Castello D'Albola Chianti Classico
 
Main Course

Osso Bucco Milanese
Saffron Risotto, Baby Zucchini, Parsnip, Braising Jus
'05 Rocca di Montemassi Sassabruno

Live Charity Auction
 
Italian wines, wine dinners, Mako Vodka,
Tampa Bay Rays luxury suite with limousine service,
3L of Castello D'Albola Chianti Classico

Dessert

Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta
Lemon Curd, Lemon Gelee, Lemon Zest, Crisp Tuile
Baccorossa
 
All dinner wines are available at discount prices.