Flight & Bite at Stanza

If you have been following me for the last year at all, you would probably know that I really love Stanza Italian Bistro and Wine Bar. The first reason I love them so much is because of their amazing amaro-forward bar program, but their food is a super close second.

Stanza Lasagna: buffalo mozz, mushroom, ricotta – $20

But, coming in 3rd is something very cool that Stanza and wine and spirits connoisseur, Jimmy Santangelo, is delivering up at the beautiful bar!

Every Wednesday night, you can scoot up to the bar and get a hands on chat — all focused on wine and food pairings. Each month, a new menu is created with different wine flights and tasty bites, along with some great libatious education!

A few weeks ago, I was able to do myself a favor and start my wine country vacation off (you know, before actually headed to Sonoma) with a few wonderful Flight & Bite selections.

Bite: House Smoked Gorgonzola with Golden Raisin Mostarda Grilled Shrimp Spiedino, Pesto Verde

Santangelo says, “Wednesdays are your chance for education and paired bites from the kitchen. Plus, the camaraderie in the lounge has such great energy, you just gotta come check it out.”

Scallop Crudo, Lemon Zest, Nori Vinaigrette

It truly was wonderful — Jimmy wasn’t at the bar that night, but our bartender, Kelson, was so incredibly knowledgable; I was really impressed. The small bites and wine pairings were so delicious and fun to learn about — and all super reasonably priced. You could do a few flights and bites pairings for your dinner and be satisfied and out the door without breaking the bank.

The selections change monthly, but Stanza is still serving up the February menu for a few more days. If you can’t get there right away, take this as a great example of what to expect:

^#1 Flight & Bite – Wine Flight 11⁷⁵^/Food Bite 6⁰⁰

Borgo Molino Millesimato Brut Prosecco Valdobbiadene, IT 2015*
Palmina Arneis, Santa Ynez Valley 2015*

Compressed Pear, Frisée, Tarragon Goat Cheese, Hazelnuts
Scallop Crudo, Lemon Zest, Nori Vinaigrette

^#2 Flight & Bite – Wine Flight 11^{00 /}Food Bite 8⁰⁰

Inama Soave Classico, Veneto, IT 2015*
Attems ‘Romato’ Pinot Grigio, Friuli IGT, IT 2015*

House Smoked Gorgonzola with Golden Raisin Mostarda
Grilled Shrimp Spiedino, Pesto Verde

^#3 Flight & Bite – Wine Flight 13^{00 /}Food Bite 14⁰⁰

Badia Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2012
Fatalone Riserva Primitivo, Puglia 2009

Housemade Conchiglie ‘Shell’ Pasta Bolognese
Steak Braciole, Smoked Pomodoro

Dessert Options:

Cannoli alla RicottaTwo Cannoli alla Ricottas $8⁰⁰Pair with either Cocchi Americano $7⁰⁰ or Meleto Vin Santo $12⁰⁰

Housemade Conchiglie ‘Shell’ Pasta Bolognese
Steak Braciole, Smoked Pomodoro

And of course, I couldn’t get out of there without ordering up a few of my favorite cocktails. Russ joined me a bit later and we got MORE food — because, you just have to. The Stanza Lasagna and the Cheesy Polenta are two of my favorites.