Had dinner again at Panevino in Livingston and it is still good. Since my office moved to Livingston it has been a frequent lunch destination, though it is often mobbed at lunch. And I did have dinner last spring out in their garden which is very pleasant. But last night's dinner prompted this post.
Enjoyed a glass of Banfi Principessa Gavi and a glass of Col D'Orcia Rossa Montalcino.
We had the calamari, very tender with two nice sauces, traditional marinara and a herbed aiola; the grilled shrimp on cannelloni beans with pancetta, just the right amount of olive oil garlic and very fresh parsley and a tricolori salad. Greens were crisp and dressing just right.
There selection of wines by the glass is decent, with a good cross section from Italy and California. With the appetizers I chose the Banfi Prinipessa Gavi; which was crisp and flavorful as it should be. On my last visit I recall being disappointed by the Pinot Grigio but that may have been just me. You will find more discussion on the wine below.
For our entrees Nell, my daughter had the Lasagna, which she said was good, not excellent, we reminisced on the best Lasagna we ever had. Hers was in Italy in the hills of Tuscany, mine was homemade by an Italian girl friend so many years ago. With the entree I had a glass of the Col D'Orcia Rossa Montalcino, which was a pleasant surprise, very rich, full body, with great fruit and just the right amount of tannin. On further research I find that this wine got a 90 points from Wine Advocate.
Their wine list by the bottle is quite good, but I have never been with a party large enough to try this.
For dessert we enjoyed the Panna Cotta with fresh berries. It was delicious.
For a what is actually a corporate restaurant, Restaurant Associates, Panevino gets good marks in my book.
Banfi Principessa Gavi is available at many wine shops around New Jersey
"Considered the premier dry white wine of Italy, Principessa Gavi compares favorably with the world's noble wines. Superlative with a distinct personality, Principessa is fruity, fresh and crisp with a gentle acidity and balanced finish. An ideal accompaniment with all shellfish, it also marries well with fish, veal and grilled chicken, as well as with the delicate flavor variations of Japanese cuisine." From the Producer
