Dario Cecchini to Prepare Special Five Course Meal at Mario Batali's Del Posto

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed)
Jan 18th 2011 at 5:31PM

On Monday, January 24th, Mario Batali's Del Posto restaurant in Manhattan will feature a unique five course meal specially prepared by by Dario Cecchini, world famous butcher and chef, who will travel from Italy for the event.

"Dario is the Maserati of butchers, the Bob Dylan of the Tuscan cow, the Jimi Hendrix of juiciness," an enthusiastic Batali told Luxist. "There is not one person more integrally involved in the true Italian beef experience than this single heroic figure. He can recite Dante and sing Verdi while taking a half a cow down to individual portions in an hour."

Often referred to as the "Michelangelo of Meat", Cecchini has a unique philosophy of respect for each and every part of the animal. He works with whole animals, beef and pork, utilizing each cut to its greatest potential, transforming what some might regard as lesser cuts into tasty dishes. Dario's consideration for the entire animal follows his family's traditions-they've been butchers for over 250 years, and at home they prepared the cuts that clients weren't interested in.

Cecchini's passion, hospitality and expertise have won him recognition from the likes of Alice Waters, Anthony Bourdain, Jamie Oliver and Prince Charles. His butcher shop, Antica Macelleria Cecchini and restaurants Solociccia, Officina della Bistecca and Dario+ in the Panzano village of Chianti, Italy, are well-known culinary destinations for food-lovers from all over the world.

The evening on January 24 will begin with a cocktail reception from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm featuring Del Posto Executive Chef Mark Ladner's selection of passed assaggi (hors d'oeuvres), Bellinis and Fontodi Chianti.

Guests will be seated at 8:00 pm in the Piemonte room at Del Posto for the five course meal.

Gallery: Mario Batali's Del Posto

A view of the interior of Del Posto from the lounge

The menu includes:

First Course
Sushi del Chianti
&
Ramerino in Culo (Beef tartar crudo and cotto)

Second Course
Cosimino in Salsa Ardente (Medici-inspired baked jumbo meatball served with spicy pepper sauce)

Third Course
Tenerumi in Insalata (Broiled beef and raw vegetable salad)

Fourth Course
Magro Fiorentino (Florentine roast beef)

Fifth Course
Carne in Galera (Braised beef with Tuscan herbs)

Guests will also enjoy wine pairings from Fontodi, included the Fontodi Chianti 2005 and the legendary Super Tuscan Flaccianello.

Tickets are $200 per person (inclusive of service charge and sales tax) and can be purchased by calling Del Posto directly at (212) 497-8090. Del Posto is located at 422 West 15th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues.

Tags: Alice Waters, Anthohy Bourdain, Dario Cecchini, Del Posto, dining, dining out, Jamie Oliver, Mario Batali, Mark Ladner, Prince Charles