Francesco Antonucci
Denis Fitzgerald
Remi
NYC

Marilisa Allegrini
Allegrini Vineyards
Fumane di Val

Leonardo LoCascio
Winebow Importspolicella, Italy

Saturday, September 21, 7:00 P.M.
Members $95, guests $120

Francesco Antonucci pays homage nightly to the food and drink of his beloved Venetian home at his stylish Midtown restaurant, Remi. Like the beguiling city of Venice itself—depicted in a striking mural that runs the length of the restaurant—his food is elegant and intriguing.

The talented, ambitious Antonucci brings over 20 years of professional experience to the table each night. After attending culinary school in Venice, he got his first job with El Toula, the famed Italian restaurant chain. He worked his way up to the top post, then made his way to the States. First stop: Valentino, the top-rated Italian in Santa Monica. Next he joined forces with film producer and restaurateur Dino DeLaurentis at the DDL food show and DDL Bistro in Trump Tower. Antonucci worked his magic behind the stoves at Alo Alo as well, but then in 1987 decided it was time for his own place. Antonucci teamed up with designer extraordinaire Adam Tihany, and together the two opened the original Remi on the Upper East Side.

The cozy neighborhood spot relocated three years later, and it's been a runaway hit ever since. New York's Gael Greene called it "a top Italian" offering "some of the best bites in town." Food that good needs to be shared—around the world. Santa Monica got its Remi in 1990, followed by Mexico City, and then Tel Aviv. Earlier this year, Antonucci appointed Denis Fitzgerald executive chef of the original New York Remi. Fitzgerald, a CIA grad and New York native, has worked at Aureole, Oceana, River Café, and Lutèce. Fitzgerald held executive chef positions at Il Cantinori and Above before coming to Remi.

The wines for this evening, all from Allegrini Vineyards, will be presented by Marilisa Allegrini and Leonardo LoCascio of Winebow Imports. Allegrini Vineyards is a premium wine producer in the Veneto, located in the premier Valpolicella region. The family's winemaking roots go back several generations in the Fumane di Valpolicella, and as of 2002, their wines have received 17 Tre Bicchieri awards from the Gambero Rosso.