Confrerie de la Chaine Des Rotisseurs
Garden State Bailliage
Garden State “Mob” Celebrates “Sopranos” Return
March 5, 2006
By Ernest Jaeger. Charge de Presse Provincial de Mid-Atlantic Honoraire
An unusually tough crowd was making its way into Trio, the recently opened and very well received new Italian restaurant in Martinsville, New Jersey. These men and their ladies in black wearing sun glasses and hats were far more demure than the alleged mob that supposedly runs New Jersey, but they were just as hungry.
The Garden State’s bailliage chose a lovely afternoon in spring to celebrate the “Sopranos” return to television. Members and guests were invited to dress as characters in the very successful television series. Prizes were given for the best costumes and everyone received cigars (chocolate) to help them get into their roles
The evening began with a Villa, Pian Della Villa, Franciacorta 2002 and passed hors d’oeuvres including seared sea scallops wrapped in prosciutto, horseradish crusted filet mignon crostini, and plum tomatoes stuffed with crab meat and avocado. Yes, it looked like our mob was going to eat very well tonight.
At the tables were we greeted by a first course of quail stuffed with spinach, pancetta and walnuts over mushroom risotto, accompanied by Barale, Langhe Nebbiolo, Bussia 2000, a wine with nice depth and levels of flavors.
A salad of mache greens tossed in a citrus vinaigrette with orange segments and goat cheese cleared our palates for a fish course of grouper, mussels and clams simmered in a saffron broth with julienne vegetables. A Morando Silvio, Monferrato Rosso, Neiro 1999 provided the perfect accompaniment to the rich broth and succulent fish.
As the meat course of porcini dusted beef tenderloin medallion with mushroom and truffle demi glace was served, a Benanti, Lamoremio 1999 was poured. The rich heartiness of the wine complimented the rich sauce of this dish perfectly.
A dessert trio featured hazelnut semifreddo, chocolate fudge brownie, and apple tart. The lingering sweetness of this decadent trio was still on our tongues as Bailli Robin Jacobs brought out executive chef Ken Salmon and his brigade for the group’s thanks. Our applause could not have been heartier if it were for Tony Soprano himself.