Benissimo: the best Italian food in Marin?!

Who knew that the little Italian restaurant on Tamalpais Drive in Corte Madera could be so good? I've driven and walked by Benissimo hundreds of times—it’s been there since 1987—but it only occurred to me to check it out for the first time this past Saturday.

 

It was nearing 8 pm by the time we approached the restaurant. It was so nice to be seated right away on a Saturday night—especially without a reservation. The host (probably one of the owners) was kind enough to offer us a bigger table near the back or a small table up front. I wanted the table near the front by the window.

The restaurant was bigger and more spacious than it looks from the street. About half the tables were occupied, so it wasn't very noisy (which was a relief).

We brought a bottle of 2006 Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy with dinner and put it on the table as we sat down. A server arrived a few short moments later with wine glasses—and not with attitude because we brought our own wine. He proceeded to open the bottle while he told us the specials.

The specials sounded amazing, but so did so many dishes on the menu (the four different kinds of risotto, the short ribs, the lamb, the pastas).

After tasting the Cab, I knew I had to order red meat. The wine was lush and jammy and full-bodied with silky tannins. It had sweet blackberry, black cherry, earth, and vanilla flavors and a long, rich finish.

The wine paired perfectly with the short ribs, polenta and sautéed veggies.

My boyfriend ordered the seafood risotto and it, too, was absolutely delicious.

The service was great without being intrusive—the server actually checked in a few minutes after we received our entrees (sadly, this has not been the norm recently) and cleared our plates shortly after we had finished. We were too full to consider dessert, but I bet they have a tasty tiramisu.

My only complaint was the portions are quite large; I overate because it was so good. But overall, it was a terrific experience and quite possibly the best Italian food in Marin!

P.S. Corkage was only $15 but it's waived on Tuesday nights. Cheers!

Chenin Blanc does not equal jug wine

On Tuesday evening, I arrived for a twilight tennis match with a bottle of 2011 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier in hand. It had been such a hot day, and the idea of drinking something cold and refreshing after my match was something I looked forward to. 

A few other players brought wine, but my bottle was a hit--no pun intended. It was gone before I could refill my glass and it sparked a conversation about Chenin Blanc and its unfortunate association with jug wine.

Chenin Blanc used to be widely planted in the 1970s. It was a high-yielding variety that could thrive in the most unforgiving of conditions; thus it was mass-produced and easy to chug. Today, only a teeny tiny number of California vineyards are still planted to Chenin. 

The varietal on it's own can be one-dimensional and overly acidic, which is why it has become so unpopular over the years. But when produced in small batches and with the addition of Viognier for weight and complexity, Chenin Blanc can outrank any jug wine by a long shot. 

The Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier is light, bright and fresh.  It is a lovely blend with citrus, peach, and honeysuckle notes. 

The twist-off cap makes it a great bottle for picnics, BBQ's and post-match parties. I found it at Trader Joe's for $10.99!