Last week, Uvaggio hosted its latest Somm Slam at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club. Typically, the series pits Uvaggio’s Head Wine-O Heath Porter against local sommeliers in a wine-pairing dinner battle; previous competitors have included somms from 50 Eggs and The Genuine Hospitality Group.
This time around, though, the competitor hailed from New York: award-winning sommelier Patrick Cappiello. Cappiello currently serves as Wine Director for Rebelle as well as Pearl and Ash on the Bowery. Supporting the two in the kitchen were Uvaggio’s Tanner Gil and Top Chef talent Grayson Schmitz. Needless to say, guests were in for a treat.
For those unfamiliar with Somm Slam, here’s how it works: Each somm receives the evening’s menu in advance and must find the perfect wine to pair on description alone — they do not get to taste the dishes. Diners get to try both wines with the dish and vote after every course. The votes are then tallied, and the round’s winner is announced. Whoever wins two of the three rounds gets the trophy at the end of the night.
Despite some stiff competition, Porter emerged victorious and Uvaggio got to keep the trophy in Miami. The first two rounds went to Porter, while Cappiello got the final W. In the end, though, the real winners were the diners. Here’s a look at the night’s menu:
1st Course
Welcome Bubbles Reception
Selection of charcuterie, cheeses and nibbles
2nd Course
Baby Gem “Wedge” Salad
Cashew-carrot emulsion, dill, mint, pickled carrot ribbons, radish, toasted pistachio, sev
3rd Course
Tuna Tartare
Blood orange, roasted gold beets, pickled red beets, cucumber, frisée, mustard vinaigrette
4th Course
Espresso-Porcini Crusted Veal Chops
Wild mushroom ragù, winter squash-hazelnut purée, salsa verde
5th Course
Mulled-Wine Panna Cotta
Vanilla bean, mulled-wine jelly, mulled-wine syrup
For Somm Slam news as well as updates on other events, visit uvaggiowine.com or follow Uvaggio on Facebook. Check out our photo gallery below for a closer look at the evening’s festivities.