Gemelli's Wine Dinner is More Than Just Food & Drink

Ristorante Gemelli's upcoming wine and food dinner, slated for March 11, is more than an opportunity to help foodies determine what wine goes best with what food.

It's also a way to provide new and loyal patrons a unique dining experience, says Co-owner Patricia Consentino, whose restaurant has hosted 50 of these events in the past decade.

"It's all geared to making our guests feel like they're having a dinner party at a family table," Consentino told Patch, explaining the eatery typically sponsors a half a dozen events each year and each one requires an all-new menu and wine pairing effort. The March event's pairing list was created by Omni wines.

"We get a lot of new customers as well as many regulars who have come to these throughout the years," said Consentino.

The event can host between 70 to 80 patrons and reservations are required as it's not a walk-in event, she added.

Those interested in attending don't need to fast beforehand and should expect much more than a great meal and great wines

"Be prepared to have a great time and feel like a part of the family," said Consentino. "Our wine dinners go above and beyond the traditional "talk about the wine and dig in" model. There's laughter, dancing and more. Think of it as a wine party," she added.

The dinner event, which cost $85 per person plus tax and gratuity, will take place from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The was created by Ristorante Gemelli's culinary team of co-owners George Cosentino and Patricia, along with chef Jose Romero. Each dish is expertly paired with unique wines from various regions of Northern Italy, said Costentino.

A wine expert will be on hand to discuss each pairing, and live entertainment will also be provided by Italian-American singer Nancy Corvino. Reservations, which require a $20 deposit, are available by calling 631-321-6392.