The Shipwreck that Brought Stockfish to Venice: Baccalà e Naufragio Casalinga Style

December 9, 2012

Seated around long tables, in traditional Italian style, sixty people will learn about the fascinating story of salted cod, discovered in 1431 by the nobleman Piero Querini. The event, Baccalà e Naufragio Casalinga Style begins with an introductory talk by the poet gastronome Luigi Ballerini of UCLA, who tells of how, after shipwrecked off the coast of Norway, Querini tasted salted cod for the first time, offered to him by the natives. Returning to his country with large quantities of cod in tow, Querini presented this unknown fish to the Doge.

After hearing of this extraordinary adventure, guests will enjoy an early baccalá themed dinner, prepared by Marcella Spinotti, Antonella Cavalieri, Randi Malkin Steinberger, and Elisabetta Ciardullo of Think Italian! Events: polenta from Friuli, baccalà mantecato (creamy whipped salted cod), fried salted cod fillets, salted cod lasagna, baccalà alla vicentina. For dessert: pear tart, Christmas yule log (buche de Noel) and rum babà, and to drink, the complete line of Le Corti dei Farfensi wines, a small vineyard owned by Antonella and Marco Cavalieri and located in the small town of Moresco in the Marche Region of Central Italy.

Baccalà e Naufragio Casalinga Style

Hosted by Azzurra
Sunday, December 9, 2012 – 3-5pm
Santa Monica residence of Marcella and Dante Spinotti

Luigi Ballerini
Poet & Gastronome ~ will enlighten us with his words

Marcella, Elisabetta, Antonella and Randi
The Home Cooks ~ will prepare the food

Le Corti dei Farfensi
Winery from The Marche Region ~ will provide exceptional Gold Medal winning wines

Tickets $75 each ($50 is tax-deductible)
$130 two ($100 is tax-deductible)

Wines are generously offered by Antonella and Marco Cavalieri owners of Le Corti dei Farfensi.

Painting: Joseph Mallord William Turner, The Wreck of a Transport Ship c.1810