Chile, that long narrow ribbon of a country along the southern Pacific, has an appealing cuisine that reflects history, topography and its ethnic culture. If you want to discover something of the Chilean style, keep your passport in the safe and head over to Freso Restaurant on Sunday night when chef Gretchen Menser will be preparing an ambitious Chilean dinner. The Bolivan-born, European-reared Menser is an imaginative and extraordinary chef who excels particularly (I have found) at Latin and Iberian themed special dinners. To cite just two of the six courses to be offered on Sunday:
Local Peconic Bay Scallop Cervice with Cilantro, Cucumber, Jalapeno and Lime Vinaigrette
Braised Pork Shank with Black Beans, Avocado, Chilean Pebre Sauce and Crispy Corn Tortillas.
The wines that accompany dinner are Chilean of course, but not the everyday, inexpensive ones you see on store shelves. The estate-bottled wine pairings have been specially selected by Domaine Franey, the East Hampton wine shop. Jorge Perez, a representative of importer T. Edward Wines, will be there to present and discuss the two whites, three reds and one dessert wine being poured.
Cost is $75 (plus tax and tip), Sunday, November 21st, 6 pm
Fresno Restaurant, 631 324 8700.
