AN UMBRIAN NIGHT TO REMEMBER .... at New York's CHARMING " IL BUCO" Enoteca by Philip S. Kampe

HEAVEN in the MEDITTERANEAN exists at New York's " IL BUCO" Restaurant, located at 47 Bond Street.

Once an antique shop, IL BUCO, has grown into a 'Home away from Home' for food and wine lovers from throughout the world. The original owners, filmmaker DONNA LENNARD and Umbrian ALBERTO AVALLE, converted the antique shop into an ENOTECA, shortly after opening in 1994. Donna, now owns the restaurant.

Located on a cobblestone street, off of New York's beaten path, IL BUCO, is a charming Enoteca with an eclectic menu.

The award winning wine cellar is the creation of ROBERTO PARIS, an Umbrian childhood friend of Alberto Avalle. Over 400 wines, from small, lesser known producers prevail.

Plus, I noticed a farm table in the center of the wine cellar, with waiters serving eight people a special meal in the wine cave. What a novel idea!!

Sommelier PAUL LANG has taken over Roberto Paris's duty.

iL BUCO is a great spot.
You feel tucked away from Manhattan and transported to a friend's country house in Umbria. It is cozy, quaint and rustic.

The location was a perfect setting for ALESSANDRA PAMBUFFETTI and her husband, MAURO's presentation on their magnificent VILLA in Umbria.

VILLA PAMBUFFETTI is an amazing Villa, located just outside the walls of Montefalco.
Several bottles of "Caprai" GRECHETTO, ROSSO di MONTEFALCO and SAGRANTINO di MONTEFALCO were placed on the communal table, to be shared by all.

As a frequent visitor to Umbria and lover of Sagrantino, I was transported back to Montefalco.

Peasent bread dipped in Umbrian olive oil, made especially for iL BUCO was served along with local salami ( la quercia ham, homemade coppa and lardo), bruschette( ricotta, aarugula,trumpet royal mushroom) and olives from the Umbrian countryside.

After taking several sips of an Umbrian Caprai Grechetto, a magnificent Crochette di Baccala (cod) was served followed by Cachi con Finocchio ( persimmons, fennel, hazelnuts, mint, parmesan), a perfect mouth cleanser.

Onto the main course, Porchetta (roasted flying pigs farm pork, sauteed winter greens, Umbrian beans in olive oil). This five star dish was served with Umbria's most famous wine, Caprai's Sagrantino di Montefalco.

The Umbrian food orgy was followed with fromaggi (pecorino toscano and pienza) and blueberry mustarda), biscotti and caffe.

To experience the feel of Umbria, visit iL BUCO in New York or travel to Umbria and spend your vacation at the Four Star VILLA PAMBUFFETTI, complete with a cooking school and resident chef.

Visit http://www.ilbuco.com/ to learn more about this Fabulous restaurant.

Visit http://www.pambuffetti.com/ to book your Umbrian vacation.

PHILIP S. KAMPE

MARIA KAMPE

philip.kampe@thewinehub.com