I have always been intrigued by cultures and customs from around the world. Like most lovers of all things food and wine, Italy is a trip on my bucket list. I cannot imagine the utter euphoria of that level of freshness in handmade pastas, breads and big, bold Amarone wines.
Italian food culture is built around family and friends. To that, I can totally relate. When invited to Princi Italia for an Italian feast, there was no better way to truly enjoy and appreciate the experience than with family and friends.
The Experience
As all delicious experiences begin, we began with cocktails and wine. I enjoyed an Old Fashioned, (my favorite cocktail ever), then a glass of True Myth. A Paso Robles wine, True Myth has a bold nose, fruit forward and full bodied. It’s very easy to drink and enjoy. It paired beautifully with several courses of the meal.
As we enjoyed our cocktails, Tara, our event coordinator, told us about the restaurant, it’s history and our meal for the evening.
Our first dish was a wood-fired oven baked Tomato Basil Flatbread. I really enjoyed the simple, rustic flavors with that nice bit of char around the edges indicative of the baking method.
Our second course was Shrimp Amalfi with Parmesan Basil Polenta. I am a huge fan of pairing polenta and seafood. The shrimp were fresh, and were simply dressed with a nice light sauce. The presentation was gorgeous. Let’s look at this one again shall we?
Next we enjoyed this beautiful Tortellini Fonduta with Black Truffle Butter. You know how I feel about truffles in any shape, form or fashion; Big, big fan of this dish.
Meatballs Al Forno was the next offering. The meatballs were tender and the wine was exceptional with this dish.
Two versions of the Caprese Salad followed; one with a nice pesto and the second featuring another favorite, Burrata. Give me a baguette, a ball of Burrata, a drizzle of Truffle Oil with Fresh Cracked pepper and a good bottle of wine and I will be your lifelong BFF. My favorites.
Following the salads was perfectly grilled Scottish Salmon with Fennel and Blood Orange sauce over Cauliflower Gratin. If there is truly a way to enjoy cauliflower, I would wager this is it.
Next was a fantastic Orecchiette with in-house Italian Sausage, Rapini, Chili Flakes and Parmesan.
My favorite dish of the evening was the Braised Pork Shank over Italian Sausage Risotto. I teach advanced pasta classes at several locations throughout Atlanta and although Risotto is a rice dish, I typically include it in the classes as its FUN to make. It’s one of my favorite classes to teach and good Risotto is a true labor of love. The presentation was again, stellar.
Another wonderful labor of love is handmade gnocchi. This South Texas Wild Boar Gnocchi with Shaved Parmesan Reggiano was a tasty example.
The grilled chicken was topped with Pears, Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onions and sprinkled with a hint of Thyme.
The last entree of the evening was an elegant plate of Fettucini de Mare, brimming with fresh crab and shrimp.
The grand finale brought two dazzling desserts; A Lemon Curd Tart with Pistachio Crust topped with Raspberries…
…and this decadent Tiramisu.
Let’s take a closer look. ULTRA decadent.
My Princi Experience
The first thing I realized about Princi, is they treat their guests the same as I treat mine. They make certain you are well fed, never leave hungry and provide a warm atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy each other’s company over a beautiful meal.
Here’s to good food, good wine and great friends and great times. Saluti Princi.
About Princi Italia
Atlanta – Midtown
77 12th Street NE #6A
(@ Crescent Avenue)
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-709-2058
LunchMonday – Saturday 11 am – 3pm BrunchSunday 11 am – 3pm |
DinnerSunday 3 to 9pm DessertView Our Dessert Menu (pdf) |
Executive Chef Brandon Early
*Thank you to Princi Italia for providing all food & beverages for the evening. Although these offerings were complimentary, all thoughts, opinions, words, over indulging and drooling are strictly my own. For more information and a complete listing of locations and hours of operation, please visit http://www.princiitalia.com.
The Front Porch Gourmet 