Tomatoes the Stars at Annual Osteria Dinner

Blog news River North
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Now revered as one of summer’s most versatile fruits, the tomato was once the hapless scapegoat of lead poisoning and aphrodisiac affections. To commemorate the now-celebrated tomato season (June to October), Osteria via Stato in downtown Chicago hosts their fourth annual multi-course dinner featuring the heirloom fruit. Join third-generation owner Nick Nichols of Nichols Farm & Orchard on Wednesday, September 23 for passed hors d’oeuvres and a full meal with wine pairings from Chef David DiGregorio, featuring tomatoes on every course. “Our early summer rain benefited this year’s harvest; the dry midsummer develops flavor and prevents cracking,” said DiGregorio.

As for the wine pairings, tomatoes as the primary ingredient aren’t the most wine-friendly by default, since they have quite a bit of acidity. At next week’s dinner, expect crisp, dry wines alongside the raw tomatoes. The main course features both a red and a white pairing.

Osteria Via Stato
620 N. State St.; (312) 642-8450
Tomato Dinner: 6:30pm, $68
Dinner: 5 – 10 p.m. Mon – Thurs; 5 – 11 p.m. Fri & Sat; 5 – 9:30 p.m. Sun