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Wine Wednesday: Wine, Dinner, and Apollo 13

By Caitlin Klein in Food on May 18, 2011 7:20PM

2011_05_lynfred5.JPG This one is going to be popular with wine lovers and space nerds alike: Lovell's of Lake Forest is hosting a Fattoria Viticcio Wine Dinner this Friday. If the name Lovell sounds familiar, that's because the restaurant is owned by astronaut James Lovell (who is, of course, Tom Hanks' character in the 1995 film Apollo 13). The restaurant displays artifacts from Lovell's time at NASA and from the filming of Apollo 13. It gets even better - the executive chef is Jay Lovell, James Lovell's son.

$75 will get you a 6-course dinner with wine pairings at this Friday's event. Each course has its own individual pairing. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6:30 with the dinner starting at 7:00. Lovell's is within walking distance from the west Lake Forest Milwaukee District/North Line Metra stop. Check out the menu below. Reserve your spot before you show up so the hostess doesn't have to tell you, "Houston, we have a problem." Hardy har har.


Fattoria Viticcio Wine Dinner Menu
Wines from the Toscana Region, Italy

Warm Goat Cheese with Tomato Concasse Morel Musroom Tart with Vermouth Sauce Smoked Chub on Pumpernickel with Lemon Cream Bisol Desiderio Jelo Cuvee Rose Brut


Toasted Almond and Baby Arugula Salad with Strawberries
Almond Vinaigrette
2009 La Meirana Gavi, Broglia

Oven Roasted Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Lasagna
2007 Bere IGT

Grilled Lamb Chop
Spring Ragout of Fava Beans, Peas and Asparagus
Dust of Cheese and Cream, Lamb Reduction
2007 Viticcio Riserva, Chianti Classico

Seared Pecorino Primo Pistachio Cheese
Encrusted with Ground Pistachio, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2006 Monile, Estate Bottled

Almond Tart with Apricot Jam
2003 Vin Santo Dolce Arianna


Lovells of Lake Forest is located at 915 South Waukegan Road, Lake Forest 60045. 847.234.8013