Pino's Perfect Pairing

Pino’s Contemporary Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar hosted a four-course food & wine pairing as a Skal Pittsburgh chapter member-only event Tuesday, February 20, 2018. Pino’s in Point Breeze provided a perfect intimate setting for members. This loving atmosphere is great for friends and families to gather. Pino’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant and established by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Joe and Jen Mico of 21 years. Joe and Jen are both committed to life-long learning and innovation.

The Pairings

Wine specialist, Jen Mico shared her passion and knowledge of wine with each course. Jen completed her 3rd level of expertise at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Her interest lies in the smaller wineries and lesser known varietals.

1st Course

Baked Oysters Rockefeller paired with a Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie. This wine comes from the western part of France known as the Loire Valley, which has an abundance of mineral-rich soil optimal for vine growth. Jen related the wine’s mineral content to oyster’s zinc, iron and calcium.

2nd Course

Cod Risotto with wild mushrooms paired with La Perdrix (Roussanne/Grenache Blanc) another French wine from the Rhone Valley. Chef Pino guided us through his cooking style for the risotto and its delicate taste.

3rd Course

Seared Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast paired with Marchesi Biscardo Corvina from Veneto, Italy – a perfect complement to roasted meats. It is deep-ruby red with violet highlights.

4th Course

The group particularly enjoyed the dessert pairing, which featured Red Velvet Ice Cream & Chocolate Cake with a Barossa Valley Shiraz. The shiraz is an unlikely dessert pairing; however, Jen was able to connect the spices of the wine to the rich chocolate flavor.

Pittsburgh’s Quintessential Italian Experience

The quintessential Italian experience combining historically accurate traditions to modern kitchen trends. Chef Pino and his team work hard to provide an authentic Italian dining experience with well-crafted dishes. Highlights include: