For the second year in a row, the Cincinnati Bailliage chose an Italian venue for its St. Patrick’s Day dine around event. Alfio’s Restaurant in the Hyde Park section of Cincinnati, is jointly owned by Scott Lambert who takes care of the front of the house and Executive Chef Alfio Guilisano. Chef Guilisano grew up in Bueno Aires were the largest immigrant population is Italian. He witnessed the intertwining of Italian and Argentinian cuisine throughout his youth and has embraced these two cultures in his dishes.
The favorite Argentinian dish for our dinner seemed to be the spinach and spicy pork empanadas while the veal short rib ravioli in a truffle Marsala sauce topped the Italian offerings.
Between the appetizers and salad course, we were serenaded by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s Men’s Glee Club. This highly accomplished choral group, which promotes brotherhood, charity, and community service, has been a Cincinnati tradition for many years.
Once again, Vice Chargée de Mission Carmen Parks came through with a gem of an event that allowed us all to express our appreciation for the Irish with exquisite food, good friends, and of course superb wine.
Graig Smith, Vice Chargé de Mission