On October 16th over 50 DZ Restaurant guests eagerly arrived to Boca Bistro for The Meet the Chefs of DZ Restaurants Dinner headlined by DZ Restaurants owner David Zecchini and the DZ Restaurant Executive Chefs from Forno Bistro, Chianti Ristorante, Boca Bistro and Pasta Pane. Walking through the doors of Boca Bistro, guests were immediately met by a bouquet of rich aromas coming from the kitchen.
The evening began with a friendly gathering of guests entering the private dining room which brimmed with vintage elements and distinctive charm. Guests were thereafter treated to a diverse five-course menu paired respectively with wines from each restaurant’s wine list.
Prior to each course’s preparation, each executive chef demonstrated to guests aspects of the dish’s preparation and discussed the menu selection to offer insight behind each pairing.
Owner of DZ Restaurants David Zecchini introduced the evening with a genial and hospitable welcome and a toast of La Poema Brut Cava. The vibrant aromas of ripe peaches, and pears, accompanied by layers of flavor including orange rind and spice, complimented the Hunter Style, Bean Soup that was brimming with a variety of beans, pork, bacon, herbs, and tomato.
Glasses were full and spirits were high when Boca Bistro’s Executive Chef Roslyn Zecchini, invited guests to explore the second course; a selection of fine tapas paired with a deep purple, dense, and rich, Artazuri Tinto Rosso. The selection of fine tapas featured a pulled pork croquette, a chorizo manchego rice ball, a grilled farm bread topped with quail and bacon jam and a bite-sized finale, a pumpkin and goat cheese croquette that combined the creamy consistency of pumpkin and goat cheese with an aggressively tangy core of soft cheese.
Next, Executive Chef Fabrizio Bazzani of Chianti Il Ristorante demonstrated with an traditional Italian pasta maker how to create a traditional hand pinched tortelli with a sweet, spiced and cheesy squash filling — finished with brown butter and sage. The dish was complimented with a delectable, ruby red wine from Italy, Barbera d’Asti DOCG that was rich in aromas of red plum, cherry, black pepper, and clove. Guests raved over the authenticity of this dish, and the journey on which Chef Fabrizio took guests back to his Italian roots.
The fourth course left guests sighing with adoration for Executive Chef James Frese of Pasta Pane. Braised Kobe Beef cheeks that were meltingly tender over a creamy pumpkin polenta and paired with a big, ripe, full and lush wine, 6th Sense Syrah. Each guest conspicuously eyed their neighbor’s plates; hoping someone would leave a bite or two. Needless to say, this didn’t happen as empty dishes were cleared form the table to make room for dessert.
To conclude the evening, Executive Chef Serafino Zaccone with special guest “Mamma” Theresa prepared a delectable mixed fruit tart, blended with an Italian pastry cream and topped with an apricot glaze that was followed by a glass of a clean, light and delicate Moscato.
Though it was a weekday evening, it did not hinder the spirits and appetites of guests who unashamedly disregarded their imminent morning routines.
Best of all, the executive chefs are already discussing making this a new annual fall event! If you missed getting a taste of what DZ Restaurants has to offer at this year’s Meet the Chefs’ Event be sure to make reservations early next year or join us for one of our other many events we have planned for the upcoming months.
