IL Bambino Restaurant Review

I am very excited to write this entry for Wine Tasters! My name is David, my wife is Angela and we live in Astoria, NY. Today I will be reviewing Il Bambino in Astoria, Queens, NY. Il Bambino is a Spanish/Italian trendy restaurant.I hope to be reviewing restaurants in Astoria and other New York neighborhoods in the coming months. 

My wife and I arrived at Il Bambino around 7:45 PM. The temperature was 75 degrees and humid. Il Bambino has a backyard where you can eat. Because of the humidity we decided to stay indoors. When we walked in, the lights were dim but the staff attended to us immediately. The walls were covered with mirrors and wooden pigs, which is the Il Bambino theme. We were glad we decided to stay inside. The ambiance in the restaurant was fantastic. The restaurant was not crowded so we had our choice of seats. The menu was very simple to read and very descriptive. 1980’s and alternative music played in the background. We were now ready to order.

We first ordered the Cheese Plate – three cheeses for $10.00. Our choices were Manchego, Pecorino, and Gorgonzola Dolce.

The second round consisted of Red Pepper w/ Bacon spread with Stillman cheese crostini $6, Chick Pea Panzanella Salad w/ Feta Cheese - $8 and Fontina with Mozzarella, Pecorino, and Truffle Oil Panini - $9

Our choice of wine was a Jelu, San Juan, Argentina 2009 glass $8 | bottle $27, 100% Torrontes. The wine showed Honeysuckle and flowers with some minerality on the palate which was perfectly balanced by its level of acidity.

Source: http://ilbambinonyc.com

We first had the cheese plate and crostini.

Cheese Plate – Three Cheeses
The menu offers a choice of about 10 cheeses. The variety was good so the next time we head to Il Bambino, we can choose different cheeses to taste. The cheese plate was excellent. We also received Panini bread in small squares to put the cheese on top. The Manchego went well with the fig jam but disappointingly not the other cheeses. The Pecorino was sharp and tasty; very nice. I never had Gorgonzola Dolce cheese. I found the taste to be unique. The texture was creamy with hints of sweetness. However, you don’t get much for $10.

Next up was Stillman Cheese on top of Red Pepper w/Bacon spread Crostini
The crostini was spicy, a strong red pepper taste with a hint of bacon flavor. The color of the spread was orange. There was more spread then cheese which I was unhappy about because the cheese was awesome! I never had Stillman cheese before which was on top of the spread with a drop of balsamic vinegar on the cheese. Stillman cheese is a blue cheese but it is softer and less crumby than regular blue cheese. The combination with the crostini was great! The price of the crostini was $6. A little expensive but the quality of the crostini was excellent.

Now on to the Chick Pea Panzanella Salad w/Feta Cheeese
The salad came out with the dinner. My wife ordered the salad and she said it was very refreshing. The salad was a good size, not too big and not too small. The best part of the salad was the dressing. The dressing had a lemon taste which gave it that nice, refreshing sense. The combination of Chick Pea and Feta gave the salad a unique taste. Along with the fruit accents of the jello, it was an amazing combination. The two make an incredibly light and refreshing meal just on its own for a summer night. As with the other prices, $8 is a little expensive but was definitely worth it especially on a warm humid day.

And finally the Fontina with Mozzarella, Pecorino, and Truffle Oil Panini

This Panini was nearly perfect! The Fontina, Mozzarella, and Pecorino are a great combo. The cheeses are melted together and the truffle oil gives the Panini a special taste. The Panini is a good size and the amount of cheese in the sandwich is equally balanced. You can taste every cheese once you take a bite. The bread is toasted perfectly. The bread is toasted where it’s not too hard or burnt and compliments the texture of the melted cheese just right. The price is $9 which is not bad considering the size of the sandwich, which is quite generous.

Jelu, San Juan, Argentina 2009

I am not a wine drinker but my wife is. As previously stated, the wine partnered the Panzanella salad to a tee. Each element brought out the flavors of the other. The wine also complimented each one of the cheeses. This wine is all in all refreshing and compatible with quite a number of the meals on the menu! The price of $8 per glass is average for a trendy restaurant.

Overall the experience was great! We will definitely go again. I recommend it.

Scale 1-10 (1 is gross and 10 is stupendous)

Location: 8
Décor: 8
Food: 9
Service: 9
Price: 7
Overall: 8.5

Il Bambino Menu
Restaurant Location:
3408 31st Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11106-1433
(718) 626-0087


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Tuscan Wine Tasting

I had the pleasure of working with Bill Tramontano on the 14th annual Brooklyn College Wine Tasting this past April. Bill, the provost at the college, is a fabulously knowledgeable wine enthusiast and oenophile.  He provided a very enjoyable and edifying time for all of us. Phil Gallagher, a professor at the college, worked with me to make sure the wine tasting was all that it could be. I've reprinted here the article I wrote in the Faculty Circle Newsletter describing the event.

A Taste of Tuscany: 14th Annual Brooklyn College Wine Tasting

Over 24 ebullient Faculty Circle members and guests were treated to a superb Tuscan wine tasting hosted by our own provost Bill Tramontano on Thursday, April 29th.  Bill, a life long wine enthusiast and oenophile brought the enraptured crowd through a guided tour of the Tuscan wine country through a sampling of some of its outstanding wines.  Aided by a map of Tuscany, we were whisked away to the magical land of the Tuscan sun.  At Bill's request the wine was complemented with a superb Pecorino Tuscano Stagionato as well as a exciting Tuscan chestnut honey.  The tradition is to serve wine with honey drizzled over the cheese.

The tasting consisted of one white and six reds.  Reds heavily predominate in the Tuscan region.  I've included my personal tasting notes. The seven fights were, in order of tasting: 

Fontaleoni Vernaccia di San Gimingnano 2008 - This Vernaccia is a dry, crisp, lively white that I found refreshing and pleasing to the palate.  This is a perfect wine to drink on a long, hot summer's day; which I did when in Italy two years ago.

Le Fonti Chianti Classicao 2007 - Chianti is made from the Sangiovese grape, which is the main grape of central Italy.  This Chianti seemed a tad rough and unbalanced at first but later softened and pleasant.  It has a medium color, a short nose and an adequate finish.

Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006 - The Vino Nobile had some real depth and complexity, and paired well with the Precorino. I picked up cherry and perhaps even blueberry notes with a nice finish.  It was not as big as I thought it would be but had good structure and sufficient body.

Mocali Rosso di Montalcino 2008 - A baby Brunello, as it is sometimes called, possessed a fine minerality, a softness and balance that was very enjoyable.  I picked up modest cherry notes and smooth tannins.  This is a delicious Sangiovese wine.

San Filippo Brunello 2004 - I very much enjoyed this wine. It is softly elegant, well stgructured with a long luscious finish.  I picked up deep berry flavors and even some hint of citrus; stupendous with the Tuscano Stagionato and chestnut honey.

Soffocone di Vincigliata Toscann IGT ("Super Tuscan")_ 2007 - A ruby red color, cherries and  spices, mid to full-bodied, nice acidity, fine tannins. Super Tuscans are wines that do not follow the traditional blending laws of the region and can be blends of other grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon.  I found this wine to be very enjoyable and perhaps the least "Italian."

Travignoli Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina Riserva 1999 - Very appealing, relaxed yet with lively sweetness. The iconic Tuscan dessert wine.

We are looking forward to Bill's next wine tasting which may take us to the northeastern area of Friuli, the home of many outstanding Italian wines.  In contrast to Tuscany, Friuli is known for its outstanding whites.

Many thanks to Bill for his excellent and exciting presentations of some of Tuscany's finest wines.

Memorial Day, 2010: Rosso di Montalcino, Blumeri Rosso, Vernaccia

We celebrated Memorial Day with our traditional family barbecue with friends and family that had a decidedly Tuscan and Italian theme.  For antipasto we offered Italian Olives, Pecorino Toscana with drizzled Tuscan chestnut honey, a creamy Asiago and a platter of assorted Italian meats (Genoa salami, cappicolla, mortadella, prosciutto), home made roasted red peppers and a round Sicilian bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil for dipping. I complemented this array of delights with a Rosso di Montalcino, Valdicava 2007 that was just ready to be enjoyed.  This is what one might describe as a massive Rosso.  My good friend Alden described it graphically with his hands flailing upwards, unable to find a word that captured the wines expansive quality.  It had a luxurious nose, quite strong to start but more muted with time.  Red cherries led to a mild but seductive spiciness. It possessed a distinct sense of body and structure.  The feel was smooth and luscious with a long, relatively delicate finish.  This Rosso combined size and delicacy in a superb manner with fine tannins.  Rosso di Montalcino, Valdicava makes it clear why the Rosso is sometimes called a "baby Brunello." Our sister-in-law, a decidedly but critical red wine lover, fully enjoyed this Rosso as did Mary and Alden. 

For entrees, beside the usual burgers (beef, turkey, salmon) and franks we had a beautiful and tasty Tuscan salad, grilled vegetables (portobello mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant), and a fresh pasta salad with farfalle, peppers and artichokes.  I broke out a 2003 Schiopetto Podere Dei Blumeri Rosso.  This is a Rosso from more nothern climes in Colli Orientali.  It is a blend of 70% Merlot, 10% Cabernet and 20% Refosco.  The nose was a tad muted.  The color was deep ruby.  It was delicate with deep tannins, beautiful balance and a fine smooth finish.  I had a distinct sense of concentration and inwardness to this wine in contrast to the expansiveness of the Rosso di Montalcino.  The influence of the Merlot was quite evident.

For the white wine lovers I presented an outstanding Tuscan Alata Vernaccia Di San Gimignano, 2008. Vernaccia is a famous Tuscan grape.  This Alata Vernaccia had a distinct yellow/gold color with a medium body so rare in most whites.  This was no Pinot Grigio! We picked up hints of citrus, peaches, and kiwis underscored by a crisp minerality; it was not too dry but very lively on the palate.  The medium body gave it substance and a gravitas that was very enjoyable.  Although our friend Ed did not favor this wine our daughter-in-law was a big fan. For my taste, this white stands out.  I recall drinking Vernaccia when in Italy two years ago.  This wine brought me back to many pleasing memories.

Mary and I had a very exciting time this Memorial Day.  Thank you all for coming to our shindig.  Also a shout out to Milan of Young's Fine Wines and Spirits for his assistance.

Organic Wine

I've been asked on a few occasions to write about organic wines.  Well, here are a few notes that may be helpful.

Organic wine is wine that bears the USDA organic seal.  It must be made from grapes that are grown organically and give information about the certifying agency. It cannot contain any sulfites, although it may have some naturally occurring sulfites.  Wines grown with organic grapes but not considered organic wine, on the other hand, can contain added sulfites. Keep in mind it is difficult to have no sulfites in wine since it is a byproduct of fermentation. There are three basic categories to look for:

• 100% Organic (wines made with 100% certified grapes), 

• Organic (wines that have at least 95% of ingredients from organic sources), 

• Made with Organic Grapes (wine that is, at least, 70% organic).  

 The second and third categories of  wine can contain added sulfites. 

Why drink organic wine?  

Well, unfortunately, grapes are one of the most sprayed crops grown.  Many wine lovers are interested in finding alternatives to conventional wines.  Organic wines may be healthier, more flavorful, have greater local (terroir) character and sometimes may be less expensive.  It is certainly worth the effort to try some organic wines to see what you think.  For starters you can try wine from some of the following producers:

Ecowine.com may be a place to start. They offer some interesting buys and seem committed to the organic process.

Benziger Family Winery is a California based winery that has for over thirty years used biodynamic, organic and sustainable farming methods to produce their wine.

The Organic Wine Company offers a sophisticated and intelligent site that is both educational and consumer oriented. You can order wines from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, California, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile. It's worth the visit.

Organic Wine Press attempts to make shopping for organic wines simple and easy. They offer organic wines from around the world. The wines are all Organic and No Spray. Gift baskets can also be ordered. 

There are many, many more organic wine alternatives. I've only listed a few that may be good starting points for you.

For those of you who want to read about organic wines and issues pertaining to them the Organic Wine Journal may be just up your alley. The Journal offers wide ranging articles about organic wines, wine growing and other issues focused on the organic wine experience.

In the end, don't neglect the fact that wine tasting is for pleasure. Whether the wines are organic or conventional, drink those that you like. Don't sacrifice taste for ideology. I'm sure you will find a good organic wine if you take the time to look. Fortunately, today's market supports a very wide range of accessible organic wines. 

Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir 2007

I picked this wine up at Young's Fine Wines in Manhasset.  Kim Cladwell recommended it as a very reasonably priced Pinot Noir.  It is from Jim Clendenen, a well-respected vintner in Santa Barbara County.  I recall that the price was somewhere in the upper $20 range.  But I'm not sure of the actual price.

Jim Clendenen started Au Bon Climat (a well exposed vineyard) in 1982 after being an assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa and then spending time in both Australia and France.  Au Bon Climat, under Jim Clendenen, is known for excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  Germany's leading wine magazine, Wein Gourmet, in 2004 named Clendenen “Winemaker of the World;” and in 2007, Jim was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America.”  You can read about the vineyard and Jim Clendenen on his excellent web site.

My tasting notes show that this wine is a great entry-level Pinot Noir.  It is very well balanced with a silky smoothness that is very appealing.  It has nice plum notes, level acidity and a fullness in the mouth without being syrupy. It is pleasingly dry.  I found myself really enjoying every taste.  It's a classy wine that shows itself above most wines at this price range.  I give this a very high rating.  It's nice to have a Pinot Noir that is inexpensive but gives the "feel" of the more expensive labels.  Give this one a shot or more like a glass full. Thanks Kim.

Portuguese Red: Vale Do Bomfim

On this Blessed Easter 2010, Mary picked up what was to us an unknown Portuguese red wine, Vale Do Bomfim 2007 from the renowned Douro Valley.  Mary had decided to go with a rich baked ziti for the main course at dinner.  A nice hearty red seemed to be a natural as an accompaniment.  I wasn't sure what to expect having never imbibed this particular wine.  Before getting into the tasting notes perhaps a little background is in order.

Vale Do Bomfim is produced by the Symington family.  The Symingtons have been a major producer of Portuguese port wine for many years.  The family can trace its port producing history through 13 generations.  In addition, they manage two major wineries, Bomfim and Sol in Portugal's Douro Valley.  The family history is of interest. I suggest you go to Primium Famillae Vini to read a fascinating history of the family and its commitment to quality wine.

The wine itself is a blend of five Portuguese grapes:  Tinta Barroca (58%), Tinta Roriz (15%), Touriga Nacional (14%), Tinto Cao (8%), and Tinta Amarela (5%).  I decanted for about an hour.  I will try a longer process next time around.  This blend of grapes is very satisfying and a fine accompaniment to the baked ziti.  It has a deep, pleasing red color, nice legs, and a nose that is full but short.  It is sensually seductive with a slight astringent whiff at the top.  The taste is of strong red cherries and berries and an assertive spiciness.  The spice was not dominant, however. At one  point, I thought I noted both the aroma and taste of chocolate. It is well structured with good tannins.  The overall sense is of balance and solid medium body.  It feels good in the mouth, not too big, not too small but does come in at a hefty 14.5%.  My only criticism is that of the other red Portuguese wines, they lack a certain complexity that would put them in a class with the world's great wines.  Having said that, I totally enjoyed the blend and look forward to future purchases.  It is a bargain, as so many Portuguese wines are, at about $12.00 a bottle.

This is a winner.

Santo Stefano 2008 Pinot Grigio

I'm not a Pinot Grigo fan.  So much of what passes as acceptable is rather weak and tasteless.  But there are exceptions.  The other night, Mary produced a wonderful dinner consisting of a pan fried veal chop with sweet peppers and onions, with a sweet potato and mushrooms as perfect side dishes.  The wine at hand was a Santo Stefano 2008 Pinot Gregio.  This wine comes from the Veneto region.  It was a very pleasant surprise.  It was crisp, lively, with nice fruit and an almost honey flavor.  The finish was long and elegant, very fresh and exciting.  At first taste the fruit exploded to the roof of my mouth and lingered downwards.  It was straw colored with an odd pinkish hue.  Very different.  The Wine Grapevine  reviewed it very favorably:

"The De Stefani family have been tending their vines and producing wines for four generations in the Veneto region.Their Pinot Grigio is produced from grapes from their Pra' Longo estate and their belief is that the clay soil there, combined with its proximity to both the sea and the mountains, gives the wine a unique character and produces impressive complexity and depth of flavour. Its delicate and elegant nose offers attractive fresh fruit, which follows through to a rich, smooth, full-bodied palate. Although the sumptuous fruit dominates, there is underlying nuttiness to add interest and it feels smooth and well-balanced throughout the long, flavoursome finish."

I recommend this wine.  It's enjoyable and gives much more than the usual Pinot Gregio.  You will enjoy the price, as well.