Vigilucci’s Sparks the La Jolla Wine & Dine Scene
Daniel Brunner, the manager of the 7th Vigilucci’s restaurant in San Diego County, this one a palatial villa in La Jolla, likes to show the personal wine collection of Roberto Vigilucci. It’s in a private dining area, and contains lovely Italian collectables like Gaja, Sassicaia, aged Antinoris and Amarones. The wine list for patrons is only a little less impressive with a lengthy collection from the most popular varietals in the world with the emphasis on Italian.
The latest triumph for Roberto is at Fay and Prospect and is described as serving “the finest steaks, fresh seafood, chops and pasta,” for lunch and dinner. A different risotto of the day distinguishes the cuisine by chef Giorgio Coverde. Our evening’s risotto dish incorporated beef tips, tuna, scallops, shrimp and mixed vegetables, simmered in a light tomato cream sauce.
Roberto was brought up on his mother’s cooking in their Tuscan kitchen, and when his travels brought him to San Diego County, he saw a need for authentic Tuscan cuisine and opened the first Vigilucci’s in Encinitas in 1994. Today, in addition to Encinitas and La Jolla, you can find a Vigilucci’s in Oceanside, two in Carlsbad, two in Leucadia as well as Vigilucci’s Catering. But none of the others compares with the magnificence of the La Jolla location. I was struck by the authentic Murano glass, used as hanging lighting over the tables.
The bar area, at once intimate yet dramatic looking in its showcase presentation, is home to a lively happy hour from 4 to 6pm with complimentary appetizers. Daniel and the District Manager, Maurizio Carbone introduced me to a striking wine from Campania, the 2005 Terradora Aglianico.
The Aglianico grape is red with the highest rating in the Campania area, a long stretch of terroir that touches Naples and the Mt. Vesuvius, a volcano that is still active today. Almost black in color, it tasted a lovely chocolate, earthy flavor. It’s another under-the-radar Italian wine, still inexpensive for the quality of taste. For more on Vigilucci’s, access the restaurant’s website at www.vigiluccis.com.
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Days of Wine and Roses in Temecula Romance is alive and well in the vineyards of Temecula Wine Country as those wineries with a restaurant component are busy planning an evening to remember, not only on Thursday, February 14th, Valentines Day, but the day after and on Saturday night the 16th. South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa: A romantic setting in the Vineyard Rose with spectacular food pairings for their award-winning Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet and “Black Jack” Port.
The “cupids” on staff will take care of your every need. $98 per person. Call in the RSVP at 951-587-9463. Thornton Winery: Three locations to choose from with perfectly paired food and wine, with tray passed appetizers and Thornton NV Cuvee Rouge Champagne. View the menu on line at www.thorntonwine.com. $80. per person. RSVP at 951-699-0099. Falkner Winery: A spectacular 4 course dinner in the Pinnacle Restaurant with Falkner’s best wines.
Choice of beef or fish, plus port and champagne. $95 per person. Reserve at 951-676-8231. Ponte Winery: Choose from 5 seating times and 3 evenings! In Ponte’s Barrel Room, tables for two, soft music and aging red wines. 5 course menu with sea scallops, lamb osso buco and other delectable cuisine. $95 per person. 800-931-6617.
Keyways: Master Chef Steve Hamlin again works his magic on Thursday and Friday, 7pm starts 7 course tapas inspired meal with paired wines in each course. Call 951-302-7888 for price and reservations. Wiens: A unique “Rhythm and Passion” show on Saturday, February 16 at 6pm. 4 course dinner, two drinks and a Latin Dance Performance plus Salsa lessons. $85 per person. Call for more at 951-694-9892.
The Local Sip
• The Westgate Hotel downtown San Diego presents an unforgettable Valentine’s Day dinner Thursday the 14th starting with a champagne reception at 6pm. Choose from Alaskan King Crab or Beef Tenderloin. It’s in the magnificent Le Fontainbleau Room. $79 per person. RSVP and more details at 619-557-3655.
• The Wine Spot, downtown Carlsbad has a wine dinner on Valentine’s Day, with wine pairing to enhance the cuisine. $75 per person. Call 760-434-9463.
• Il Fornaio in Del Mar continues its “Festa Regionale” of Italy’s cuisine districts. This time it’s Lazio, from February 4 thru 17. The featured reds contain the Aglianico varietal, featured in another article above.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the top five wine commentators on the web. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
