Angelena’s to spotlight San Marzano tomato during five-course dinner

San Marzano tomatoes hanging on a vine. [Photo by Matthias Boeckel]

A celebrated ingredient of Italian cuisine will take center stage this summer as Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano hosts a one-night-only food and wine event dedicated to the famed San Marzano tomato.

Scheduled for Thursday, July 16, at 5:30 p.m., the special culinary experience will showcase the versatility, history and flavor of the prized Italian tomato through a five-course tasting menu created by Executive Chef Ian Gillette and paired with carefully selected Italian wines.

Widely regarded as one of Italy’s most treasured agricultural products, San Marzano tomatoes are grown in the fertile volcanic soil surrounding Mount Vesuvius near Naples. Known for their sweetness, low acidity and rich flavor, the tomatoes have become a staple ingredient in Italian kitchens and are prized by chefs around the world.

“This dinner is a tribute to one of Italy’s most treasured ingredients,” Gillette says. “San Marzano tomatoes are the foundation of so many beloved dishes, and we are excited to showcase their full potential in a way that’s both authentic and innovative.”

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy a guided tasting experience highlighting the tomato’s culinary significance while learning about its cultivation, history and role in Italian cuisine. Each course will be paired with wines selected by Angelena’s wine expert, Matt Nichols, featuring varietals from several of Italy’s most renowned wine regions.

Glass of red wine. [Photo by Cup of Couple]

The evening begins with Hamachi Crudo, featuring San Marzano acqua pazza, pickled green strawberries, cucumber, Calabrian chili, Sicilian olive oil and Maldon sea salt. The opening course will be paired with Berlucchi ’61 Extra Brut Franciacorta DOCG.

The second course highlights roasted eggplant served with stracciatella cheese, summer tomato sugo, pesto Genovese and toasted pine nuts, accompanied by a 2021 Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva from Tuscany.

For the third course, guests will enjoy grilled octopus served with cannellini bean purée, smoked San Marzano conserva, preserved lemon, oregano and crispy breadcrumbs. The dish will be paired with a 2022 Cottanera Etna Rosso from Sicily.

The fourth course features grilled Gulf prawns served atop saffron carnaroli risotto with charred San Marzano tomatoes and blistered cherry tomato vinaigrette. The pairing is a 2024 Elena Walch Schiava from Trentino-Alto Adige.

Dessert will offer a unique interpretation of the featured ingredient with a San Marzano and strawberry crostata served alongside basil gelato. The final pairing is a 2024 Giacomo Bologna “Braida” Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG from Piedmont.

The cost is $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and includes all five courses and five wine pairings. Because the menu has been specially designed for the event, no substitutions will be available.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

For reservations or more information, visit Angelena’s website.