Feast of Saint Valentine
According to Britannica, St. Valentine was a Roman clergyman and physician who suffered martyrdom for proclaiming his love of Christ and ministering to persecuted Christians in 270 A.D., during the violent reign of emperor Claudius II Gothicus. From the High Middle Ages, the day commemorating his death has been associated with true love’s martyrdom, and the tradition of courtly love. To “re-member” ourselves in this tradition by traveling back in time, to the Rome of Valentine’s day, and to consider what it is to love sacrificially — that is an adventure worthy of a grand feast! No wonder that Valentine’s Day has been celebrated as a festival for lovers at least since the 14th century.
The Feast of Saint Valentine will be a progressive dinner (see menu below) honoring some of the great culinary treasures of Rome, and Italian cuisine. Prepared by celebrated professional chefs from the Triad NC area, and served up for 20 couples by a team of the area’s most earnest waiters and waitresses, this meal promises to be one you will long remember. Curated conversation between each course on the art and exigencies of being a Valentine will infuse the evening with gifts for your spirit that, we hope, will transcend the gifts for your senses.
———
Sample Menu (from 2024)
FEAST OF SAINT VALENTINE
Apertivo
Marinated Herbed Olive and Mozzarella Skewers
Tuscan Truffles
Prosciutto, Goat Cheese and Fig, crusted with Roasted Pine Nuts
Antipasto
Marinated Artichokes, Roasted Peppers ,Grilled Eggplant, and Prosciutto with Shaved Parmesan
Served with Crostini
Paired with Prosecco
Rustic Breads with Roasted Garlic Spread and Seasoned Olive Oil
Primo
Lemon Barley Soup with Fresh Rosemary
Paired with Pinot Noir
Mensae Primae
Osso Bucco
Contorno
Risotto Alla Milanese, with Asparagus
Paired with Barolo
Insalata
Mixed Greens with Arugala, Shaved Fennel, Tomato, and Parmesan, with Red Wine and Olive Oil Vinaigrette
Paired with Verdicchio
Fromage e Fruiti
Gorganzola with Poached Pears and Walnuts
Paired with Sauternes
Dolce
Tiramisu, with Dark Chocolate Drizzle
Italian Wedding Cookies
Coffee or Tea
Optional After-Dinner Vintage Port
