I rarely drink; it spins my head and blurs my words, leaving me to sound goofier than I typically do. Unlike most foodies I know, I don’t particularly like this feeling. Tonight was no different, even though I only drank two glasses.

We started at Tria, where I chose a bold red from a region I’ve never visited:

AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE “IL VIOLA,” TENUTA LE QUERCE, ‘04 (Basilicata, Italy) Al-ya-nee-co is the star of southern Italy: definite tannin, sweet cherry fruit, violets, tar and leather

My Italian friend got:

NEGROAMARO “SANTI MEDICI,” CASTEL DI SALVE, ‘07 (Apulia, Italy) Bright and fruity Black-raspberry flavors with sweet Spice from native grape of the heel of the boot

BARBERA D’ASTI, ARALDICA, ’05 (Piedmont, Italy) Pride of Piedmont—juicy, immensely quaffable, unabashedly delicious with soft blackberry fruit

The aglianico was too bold for me sans food, but the negroamaro was just right. To accompany the drinks, we ordered bruschetta with gorgonzola and fig. I obviously had nothing to do with the ordering, but have to admit that I really liked it. Could it be that my tastes have changed and that the blues have suddenly become appealing?

Had I any idea that we would continue the evening at Matyson, I’d have surely slipped my camera into my purse. Started off with fried Virginia oysters with corn & bacon chowder, tomato coulis. Gasp. Then on to Serrano Wrapped Alaskan Halibut with cauliflower & potato puree, curried melon vinaigrette. Wow. Cumin Roasted Duck Breast with charred corn & wild mushroom empanada, goat cheese, huitlacoche-citrus coulis. Sublime. I’ve remained speechless. Don’t know now if it’s the wine or the food. Who knew that ‘corn smut’, a fungus, could taste so good? Great American chefs, apparently.

The dinner was perfect. I love trying new foods; especially when they’re works of art. The most interesting thing about this short bus ride to ‘Italy’ tonight was that it actually connected me to more exciting ‘American’ sensibilities. Funny how that works. Lots of mystery in my life these days. Grazie mille!