The Cincinnati Bailliage returned to the Prima Vista Restaurant on April 17 for their annual spring celebration dinner. This popular Italian eatery with an exquisite view of the city, is perched on a hill in western Cincinnati. Chevalier and Bronze Star of Excellence recipient Pat Gaito founded the restaurant in 1989. Under his close direction, it quickly became known both for its breathtaking view and its incredible northern as well as southern Italian cuisine. Twenty years ago, Chevalier Gaito sold the restaurant to Frank and Joan Lenhard who have continued the restaurant’s remarkable tradition.
Owner Frank Lenherd greeted everyone as they drove up to the restaurant and directed them into a private parking area. Upon entering the restaurant, members placed exceptional bottles of wine onto two large tables where they could be shared throughout the evening. Passed appetizers of sausage strudel and crostinis were enjoyed followed by salad, main, and dessert courses. The highlight of the evening was grilled lamb loin with brown butter truffle oil vinaigrette which went exceedingly well with a number of the Italian wines including some exceptional Brunellos and Barolos.
At the conclusion of the evening, the Cincinnati Bailliage members in attendance gave a hearty round of applause to the Lenherds and Chef Chris Prince. All agreed that Bailli George Elliott and Vice Chargée de Mission Carmen Parks did an outstanding job of intermingling sensational ambiance, fabulous cuisine, superb wines, and the camaraderie of the Chaîne members.
Graig Smith, Vice Chargé de Presse