his Saturday, Sept. 9, the award-winning Carnevino Italian Steakhouse will host a dinner battle between two storied Mediterranean cuisines: Spanish and Italian. Representing Spain, Anthony Sasso from New York City’s Michelin-starred Casa Mono and La Sirena Ristorante will battle Carnevino’s very own Arnold Corpuz, representing Italy, for a seven-course menu and wine pairing.
This dinner represents the newest installment of the guest chef dinner series at Carnevino Italian Steakhouse at The Palazzo. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Sasso and Corpuz created a menu highlighting classic dishes from each country, pitting them together in a single course for guests to enjoy. The menu includes twists on traditional Spanish and Italian dishes such as crudo, escabeche and canellones. The dessert course will be prepared by Pastry Chef Ashley Pietrafeso.
Sasso’s inspiration comes from his deeply rooted Spanish heritage that shaped his upbringing and career. After returning from multiple trips to his family’s small village in Catalunya, Spain, Sasso became an ambassador of classic Spanish cuisine and local Catalan specialties, incorporating them into his work as executive chef at two Michelin-starred New York City restaurants. In 2008, Sasso became one of the youngest chefs to be recognized by the Michelin Guide, obtaining his first of eight consecutive Michelin stars for Casa Mono.
The multi-course menu for this special evening will feature:
First course:
Camarón Crudo – Raw gamba, heirlooms, olive oil spuma, and rice chicharrón
vs.
Ricciola Crudo – Preserved kumquat, peppers and squid ink
Second course:
Razor Clams “Casa Mono-style” – Garlic, parsley, lemon and Casa Pareja
vs.
Razor Clams “Carnevino-style” – ‘Nduja, corn, herbs and citrus
Third course:
Escabeche – Spanish mackerel, boquerones, eggplant and pepinos
vs.
Pesce Scapece – Squash, grilled eggplant, basil and orange
Fourth course:
Albondigas – Pork meatballs, squid ink tomato sauce and clams
vs.
Polpette – Veal meatballs, fresh herbs and pomodoro
Fifth course:
Canelones Rellenos – Morcillo, sweet corn béchamel and blood sausage Bolognese
vs.
Manicotti – Mixed mushrooms, chicken liver and black truffles
Sixth course:
Pequeña Costilla - Olive oil-poached pork belly, jamón jus, and bravas hash
vs.
Costolette – Red wine-braised short ribs, gnocchi and fontina fonduta
Seventh course:
Flan – Tonka bean, macerated strawberries, Sherry caramel and Marcona brittle
vs.
Bonet – Glazed figs and pomegranate
The price is $185 per person and includes wine pairings and gratuity. Click here to purchase tickets. Limited seating is available.
Upcoming guest chefs will include Nancy Silverton and Shirley Chung. Silverton serves, along with Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich, as co-owner of Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, California and Singapore; Mozza2Go and Chi Spacca in Los Angeles; and founder of the La Brea Bakery and Campanile Restaurant. Chung is a former “Top Chef” contestant.
