The wines of Italy represent some the very best – and most difficult to understand – in the world. Although many of us feel comfortable with Chianti, the wines of Sardegna, Barolo, and Franciacorta may not land on our dinner tables quite as often. On Wednesday, March 20 2013, Hawthorn Restaurant uncorks the best of Italy, paired with the Italian culinary roots of Chef Riccardo Palazzo-Giorgio. And did we mention we are going to have Annamarie Clemente Franciacorta? Salute! Il Menu Uno Spuntino (Italia) Ca’ del Bosco ‘Annamarie Clemente,’ Franciacorta, Lombardia, Italy, 2003 Antipasto (Sicilia) Lumache Picchi Pacchi Snails braised with Tomatoes, Chilies, Basil & Mint Pala ‘Stellato,’ Vermentino di Sardegna, Italy, 2011 Primo Piatto (Emilia-Romagna) Tagliatelle al Limone Lemon Pasta with braised Veal, Hen of the Wood Mushrooms & Parmigiano Cream Remo Farina ‘Bianco di Custoza,’ Venezie, Italy, 2010 Piato di Pesce (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) Oven roasted Branzino with Wild Fennel & Prosciutto Terlano ‘Winkl’ Sauvignon Blanc, Trentino-Alto-Adige, Italy, 2011 Secondo Piatto (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) Capriolo in Salmì Venison marinated in Red Wine, Aromatic Spices & Potato Gnocchi poached in its own sauce Paolo Scavino ‘Bricco Ambroggio,’ Barolo, Piemonte, Italy, 2007 & Tolaini ‘Valdisanti,’ Tuscany, Italy, 2008 Dolce (Piemonte) Zabaglione with Fresh Seasonal Berries Colle dei Venti, Moscato d’Asti, Piemonte, Italy, 2011 Reservations required. Seating is limited. Please call 713.523.3600. Credit card required for reservation. $120 per person all inclusive. $120 per person