A couple of weeks before Christmas (and before Omicron exploded), my wife and I had the chance to get together with friends at a nice Italian restaurant in Pitman. Though we’ve enjoyed dining there in the past, it had been quite awhile since we had visited. Of course it is a BYOB. If you like wine and have as many good BYOB restaurants as we do in South Jersey, it seems silly not to choose one of them. Anyone disagree? Im not saying we won’t eat at a restaurant that isn’t a BYOB, but I hate paying two or three times as much for wine as the ones I have in my cellar (often just as good or better). More on the wine later. But first, the food…
The Restaurant
Maninno’s Cucina Italiano is located on Broadway (the main street in Pitman) just a few doors down from their pizzeria.
The Appetizer
We chose their Calamari Dorati (imported calamari flash-fried to perfection with Arrabiata Sauce). I did not get a good photo of this app, but it was delicious. My wife and I both enjoyed it with the Turdo Persara.
We also enjoyed a nice house salad of mixed greens, grape tomatoes, shaved carrots, and Mandarin oranges pictured below.
The Entrees
For my entree, I chose the Pasta al Forno (Penne Rigatti, baby spinach, sun dried tomatoes, eggplant, basil, fresh mozzarella, and Pomodoro sauce). I would definitely order this again, though I would ask them to go easy on the mozzarella, next time (I have lactose intolerance).
My wife chose the Sunday Gravy/Pasta with spaghetti, sausage, and mushrooms.
We both enjoyed our entrees, pictured below.
The Wines
I brought a bottle of Hawk Haven Chardonnay and a bottle of Turdo Vineyards Persara. Our friends also brought a bottle of New Jersey wine (a Meritage from Renault).
- Hawk Haven 2020 Chardonnay Reserve Clones 76 & 95-A very nice Chard that is lightly oaked in neutral French oak; a creamy mouthfeel and notes of pear and vanilla.
- Turdo Vineyards Turis 2018 Persara-Their great red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese. It is still one of my faves with delicious raspberry and vanilla notes and smooth tannins.
- Renault Meritage-I got to taste this one, too; smooth cherry notes. A Meritage is typically a blend of two or more of the following: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec, or Petit Verdot.
Make yourself a New Year’s Resolution:
Download a copy of New Jersey Uncorked: A Snobfree Taste of NJ Wine at Apple’s iBook app. Get it now for only $8.99 ($4.00 off).
Coming Attractions
- The much anticipated opening of a couple of new NJ wineries, including Stokelan Winery in Medford when it opens sometime in 2022! This is one of several wineries that may be opening in 2022.
- Revisiting Valenzano Winery
- Trainwreck Distillery in Mount Holly
- Tonewood Brewery in Oaklyn
- Versi Vino-The wine bar in Maple Shade
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