Gourmet At Your Service – presented by The Sandy Butler

The Sandy Butler will host “From Italy, with Love” Italian wine dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. The dinner will feature four specially crafted courses prepared by Chef Michael Ragusa, paired with fine Italian wines from the Tuscan winery Terralsole. Featured guests Mario Ballog from Terralsole and Norman Love, founder of Norman Love Confections, will offer guests insight into their respective passions for creating fine Italian wines and ultra-premium, handcrafted artisanal chocolates.   

Winemaker Mario Bollag of Terralsole will showcase some of the vineyard’s award-winning “big reds” as The Sandy Butler’s Chef Michael Ragusa complements the experience with exquisite Italian cuisine, each of the four courses being expertly crafted around each glass. The first course includes beef caspaccio, paired with a 2004 Terralsole Brunello. For the second course, guests will enjoy fresh grilled swordfish with stuffed calamari and savory seafood broth, paired with a 2005 Terralsole Syrah Solista. The third course Veal Osso Bucco with saffron risotto, paired with a 2005 Terrasole Cab Franc Blend, Pasticcio. The evening ends with a special fourth course from Norman Love, featuring some of his finest confections, paired with a 2005 Terralsole Merlot, Coldoro.

“While enjoying Chef Ragusa’s gourmet Italian cuisine, our guests will receive valuable insight into the art of making fine wine and chocolates from two world-renowned experts in their industries,” said Jason Nelson, The Sandy Butler general manager. “In addition, guests will learn more about appropriate food and wine pairings, especially helpful for those entertaining during the holiday season.”

The price for the four course dinner and wine pairings is $75 per person. For reservations, call 239-482-6765, ext. 1. 

Have you made your reservation for the second annual Halloween party and wine dinner at The Sandy Butler? The party is Halloween night, Oct. 31, with dinner beginning at 7 p.m. The cost is $55 per person. Guests wearing a costume will receive at $5 gift card to the restaurant. The first course will feature pumpkin bisque with duck confit paired with a 2007 Merlot “Velvet Devil.” The second course is pan-seared monk fish with butternut squash gnocchi paired with a 2007 Chardonnay “Eve.” The third course includes lamb goulash paired with a 2007 Cabernet “Château Smith.” Reservations are recommended as seating is limited, 239-482-6765.

Mere mortals beware, Halloween at The Sandy Butler will be a spellbinding affair. As darkness falls on Halloween night, The Sandy Butler will transform into a “spooktacular” sight. 

“Chef Michael Ragusa is stirring up some wicked fresh gourmet brew, featuring mysterious cuisine from Romania paired with cryptic red and white wines that are sure to be a frightful delight,” said Jason Nelson, The Sandy Butler general manager. “Eerie music, dancing, costumes and wicked good times await at The Sandy Butler’s haunted Halloween estate.”

The bewitching hour is 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, Halloween night. The cost is $55 per person. Guests wearing a costume will receive at $5 gift card to the restaurant. Reservations are recommended, 239-482-6765.

About The Sandy Butler:
The Sandy Butler defines the gourmet experience, offering authentic specialty foods and the finest culinary products in a unique and upscale atmosphere. A gourmet dining and shopping destination, The Sandy Butler boasts a 150-seat upscale restaurant offering superior service with seating available indoors or on the veranda. “The Sand Bar” features a sophisticated, spacious bar for enjoying cocktails and appetizers. The adjacent gourmet market features fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly-prepared entrees, organic foods and products, fresh baked goods, a full-service deli and vitamins and supplements. In addition, the market features “The Butler’s Signature,” The Sandy Butler’s exclusive line of authentic products including salts, seasonings and oils that are sold exclusively at The Sandy Butler and marketed to other restaurants and markets throughout the United States. A locally-owned business, The Sandy Butler also offers catering services and private dining. For more information, visit www.sandybutlerstore.com. Also, follow The Sandy Butler online on Facebook or twitter.com/thesandybutler.

Each month at The Sandy Butler Restaurant, we host a wine dinner exploring various culinary genres, complemented with delicious wines from around the globe.

Join us Wednesday, Sept. 30 for an exclusive Chilean wine dinner. The evening begins at 7 p.m. for only $50 per person.  

Call 239-482-6765 to make your reservations today!

 First Course

Pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass topped with a Tropical Chilean Carica Fruit Salsa on a bed of Mint and Lime infused Couscous, Paired with a 2008 Vina Requinagua Chardonnay, Curico Valley, Chile

 Second Course 

Slow Roasted Herb Pork Belly with Root Vegetables, Paired with a 2007 Vina Requinagua Carmenere Reserve, Curico Valley, Chile

Third Course

Coconut Shell Banana Creme Brulee, Paired with a 2007 Late Harvest Dessert Wine, Chile