I learned to make Pasta and Raviolis last week over a glass of fine N
orthern Italian Red Wine and Antipasto. This treat was one of the special "Wilmington Tour Tastings" at The Wilmington Inn and Tavern in Wilmington, Vermont. This one featured the Piedmont Region (aka Piemonte) of Northern Italy and was presented by Chef Ismail assisted by Innkeepers John & Rachael Pilcher along with our wonderful waiter Ray. Piedmont was at the forefront of the Slow Food movement - so appropriate for this occasion. The Wilmington Inn's focus is on farm to table dining although the feature was northern Italy, most ingredients were purchased locally.
Part of the charm of this dining experience is that Chef Ismail demonstrates how to prepare part of the meal. This night he took us through the steps of making homemade pasta. Then constructing the veal raviolis that were to be the nights main course. Chef Ismail timed his presentation in a manor that allows you to dine and watch as he demonstrates his culinary techniques. He did not rush his work and we enjoyed seeing how our meal was prepared - without having to do any of the actual work ourselves!
The main dining room was a sell out for this one price dinner which included, an antipasto of raw veggies served with anchovies and a "hot bath" of garlic, oil and anchovies. I was just slightly hesitant, since I can be a bit finicky however, this was marvelous. Then on to a second course of freshly picked, grilled zucchini squash, heirloom tomatoes and breaded eggplant served with a delightful cream garlic reduction for dipping. Yummm!
Our third course was Risotto garnished with fresh herbs and more heirloom tomatoes. Then on to the feature.....ground local Vermont grown veal and rice stuffed fresh pasta ravioli's. These were presented with a light brown veal sage sauce. Outstanding, light and full of flavorful. Last but not least our meal was topped of with a zabaione and fresh fruit. The light cream sauce and the fresh local berries were the perfect ending to a five course dinner. This incredible dinner accompanied by two wine choices from the specific region left us well nourished and fully entertained. 
The fixed price of only $35.00 per person was also a nice ending.
Yet....our night had not ended.....we retreated to a wonderful Inn suite with a separate living space. The color cable TV, and comfortable new beds have been added to the Inn over the last year. The in-suite bathroom featured a large two person Jacuzzi tub. The large sky light above the tub made it even more inviting on this starry summer night.
Although our brief stay in Wilmington was coming to an end, we still had a great surprise at breakfast. Homemade blueberry pancakes, a veggie frittata , and really good coffee. Our overall experience was one of a true Inn stay. Warm friendly hosts, marvelous food, and a great relaxing nights rest in a fun area that we could explore. We highly recommend that you venture across Route 9 into Wilmington, Vermont and experience the Wilmington Tour Tasting Chef Dinner at The Wilmington Inn.
© 2012 
