Varanese Restaurant, located at 2106 Frankfort Avenue, will host its popular annual “Tradition vs. Innovation Wine Dinner” on two nights this year – Wednesday, February 24 and Thursday, February 25 - with a reception at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:00pm each night. Both evenings will include guest speakers John Johnson, Sommelier and Owner of The Wine Rack and Aaron Dawkins of Republic National Distributors, and a six round battle between traditional and innovative wines from Italy, France, New Zealand, Argentina and the U.S. Each of the six courses will be paired with a wine representing the old world style of winemaking and a wine showcasing the latest trends. The cost per dinner is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations for either night are required and can be made by calling (502) 899-9904 or emailing letsdine@varanese.com.

The menu for both nights includes:

First Course
Sparkling
Taittinger – Champagne, France
Vs.
Domaine Carneros – Napa Valley, California
Oyster on the Half Shell with Green Apple Puree and Cherry Caviar
Baked Oyster on the Half Shell Topped with Creamy Mornay and Tobiko Caviar

Second Course
Sauvignon Blanc
Michel Redde - Sancerre, France
Vs.
White Haven – Marlborough, New Zealand
Spicy Miso Broth with Udon Noodles, Five Minute Egg, Baby Bok Choy, Hon Shimeji Mushrooms
And Black Garlic Sauce

Third Course
Chardonnay
Joseph Drouhin - Macon-Lugny, France
Vs.
Bonterra “Roost” Biodynamic – Mendocino, California
Smoke Chicken Risotto
Topped with Shaved Beamster Cheese and Snow Pea Tendrils

Fourth Course
Pinot Noir
The Furst – Alsace, France
Vs.
Cambria “Clone 4” – Santa Maria Valley, California
Slow Braised Pork Osso Buco
Served over Rosemary Roasted Red Skin Potatoes
Finished with a Wild Mushroom and Pinot Noir Sauce

Fifth Course
Sangiovese
Donna Laura “Ali” – Tuscan, Italy
Vs.
Silverado – Napa Valley, California
Grilled Double Cut Lamb Chop
Served with Giant Lima Beans tossed with Tuscan Kale and Stewed Tomatoes
Finished with a Balsamic Reduction

Sixth Course
Malbec
Chataeu Du Caillau – Cahors, France
Vs.
Colome Estate – Salta, Argentina
Espresso Flourless Torte
Served with Raspberry, Cracked Pepper and Marshmallow Ice Cream
Finished with a Warm Raspberry-Chocolate Sauce