Tomatoes the Stars at Annual Osteria Dinner

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