June Postcards from Alba Restaurant and Wine Bar It's summertime! The weather's been beautiful, the patio's open, and more fresh local produce comes in every day. We have lots going on this month - a great Tuscan wine dinner, new menus, an informative and delicious wine tasting class, plus several new wines and cocktails for you to come in and try. Click here to visit the Alba website

June Wine Dinner - "A Taste of Toscana" Wednesday, June 16, 2010 With its abundant olive oil and vegetables, Tuscan cuisine embodies the beauty and simplicity of the Italian diet and lifestyle. Tuscan cooking presents simple tastes prepared with expert mastery. The skill of Tuscan cooks is legendary, and preparation of even the most time-consuming specialties is carried out with loving care. Alex's experience at Il Cibreo, one of Florence's most acclaimed restaurants, has given him special insight into the Tuscan style. Tuscany ranks alongside Piemonte as the most honored wine growing region in Italy. Sangiovese and its various clones go into the widest range of wines of the region, from the simplest Chiantis to the most refined and elegant Brunellos. Tuscan wines have a long, great tradition, and are prized throughout Italy and around the world. ANTIPASTO Caldi Misti d’il Cibreo Assorted antipasti as prepared at Florence’s Il Cibreo 2006 Il Borro Lamelle Chardonnay ¤ ¤ ¤ PRIMO Tonno “Chiasso” Thinly sliced raw tuna, celery heart salad, Tuscan herbs, lemon, and olive oil Corte alla Flora Giuggiolo 2007 Optional: Il Borro Pian Di Nova 2007 ¤ ¤ ¤ SECONDO Anatra con Olive Roast duck with olives Podere San Giovanni Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano 2006 Optional: Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2004 ¤ ¤ ¤ DOLCE Torta Rustica Cornmeal, almond, and hazelnut cake with fresh berries Felsina Vin Santo 2000 $55.00 per Person Optional wine supplement: $20 For reservations call 303.938.8800 or visit www.albaboulder.com

Wine Tasting Class - Wednesday, June 23 Italy's white wines are much lesser known than her bold, red cousins. They deserve greater attention because they are both delicious and comparatively affordable. Italian whites have a character all their own. Crisp, soft, and acidic, they are made to accompany food, not overpower it. Even Italian wines made from grapes popular elsewhere, such as Chardonnay, take on a slightly different, richer character when grown in Italian soil. Today's Italian winemakers are taking varieties such as Gargnega, Cortese, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Friulano, and others to new levels of excellence. Join us as we taste and discuss some beautiful examples of white wines from northern Italy. Space is very limited, so please reserve early. If you attend the class and stay for dinner, you'll receive half-off on any bottle of wine on our list. Cost: $15 per person For Reservations: Call 303.938.8800

Reminder - Please vote in the Zagat Survey The Zagat Survey is now compiling its guide to Colorado’s best restaurants. We're hoping that you, as a valued customer, will take the time to vote for Alba and your other favorites. It’s free to register and vote, and Zagat will send you a free copy of their guide to America's Top Restaurants. The deadline for voting is June 6, so please vote as soon as you can. Thanks for your support! Click here to vote online

Coming July 7 - The Big Night Dinner Join us for an evening of great food, wine, and music as we celebrate the 1996 film “Big Night.” We’ve selected five of the best dishes from chef Primo’s multi-course menu, along with a perfect wine pairing to complement each course. ANTIPASTO Antipasto Misto Crostini, roasted peppers, olives ZUPPA Garganelli in Brodo Fresh house made pasta tubes in a savory broth PRIMO Timpano Pasta, meatballs, eggs, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a pastry crust SECONDO Pollo e Salmone con Verdure Misti Roasted chicken and salmon with mixed summer vegetables DOLCE Dolci Misti Miniature pastries, cannoli, bomboloni $49.00 per Person Optional Wine Pairing: $30 For reservations call 303.938.8800 or visit www.albaboulder.com