Transport yourself to Tuscany through a Wine Dinner on Chicago's State Street

You know how some folks say that the mere whiff of a fragrance or long-forgotten song can take transport them back to a place in their past? Well, for this passionate foodie, just reading about the ingredients in a dish, the foreign spelling of a food I loved in what now seems like a past life, does the same. That's why I'm especially psyched about the "Tuscany Wine Dinner" being hosted Thursday, March 3, at the always-scrumptious Osteria Via Stato at 620 N. State in downtown Chicago.

Listen to this: "Join us... for a trip to the Tuscan countryside where seasonality, sensibility and simplicity are central to the cuisine. With an abundance of local vegetables, seafood from the coast and game from the woodlands, this central region of Italy is also known for its beautiful landscape, rich artistic legacy and some of the most sought-after wines in the world." As someone who lived for a short time in the Tuscan city of Florence--and who's spent time traveling throughout the idyllic, cypress tree-lined Tuscan countryside for both work and pleasure--this description takes me back to some of the most memorable times in my life.

Osteria's 7 p.m. dinner, which starts at 6:30 with a reception, includes a five-course, family-style dinner with paired wines ($65, not including tax and tip) created by outstanding Osteria Chef David DiGregorio, who's absolutely passionate about meals inspired by the freshest, locally grown and seasonal ingredients. He's equally passionate about Italy, and spends time traveling throughout the country to make sure the dishes served at Osteria (and at its adjoining sister restaurant, Pizzeria Via Stato) are as authentic as you can get on this side of the Atlantic. Check out the menu for the "Tuscany Wine Dinner":

TO START & TO PASS
Crispy Fried Sage Leaves, Chicken Liver Crostini, Tuscan Kale & Guanciale Tavern-Style Pizza, paired with Cosimo Maria Masini Sincero NV

ANTIPASTI
Roasted Parmesan Crusted Fennel, Wild Boar Ragu with Polenta, and Winter Panzanella Salad, paired with Cosimo Maria Masini Daphné 2007

PRIMI (first course)
Chianti Risotto with Wild Mushroom, Handmade Pappardelle with Slagel Farm Rabbit Ragu,
paired with Riecine Chianti Classico 2007 & Cosimo Maria Masini Nicole 2007

MAIN COURSE
Braised Bone-In All-Natural Neiman Ranch Short Rib, paired with Riecine La Gioia 2005

CHEESE & DOLCE
Pecorino Toscano, Housemade Panforte & Sincero Wine Jelly Housemade Gelato, Italian Cookies & Chocolates, paired with Riecine Sebastiano 1999

I don't get sentimental about much, but this menu nearly brought tears to my eyes, as it takes me back to the time I spent living in Florence--and the many meals I had with wild boar (called cinghiale in Italian) and chicken liver crostini (absolutely the ONLY way I'll ever eat liver--or fegatini, as the Florentines called it). Can't wait to travel back to my beloved Italy by way of my tastebuds next Thursday night!

For reservations to the March 3 dinner, call Osteria's Carrie Poulsom at 312/642-8450.

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Maureen Jenkins s a food/travel writer and communications professional who's visited more than 30 countries and territories, lived in Florence, Italy -- and is spending the year in Samois-sur-Seine, a charming village near Paris, France. The self-proclaimed “urban travel girl” talks travel, food and wine – abroad and in Chicago – in “TCW Travel Connection.” Read more of her thoughts on living globally at UrbanTravelGirl.com.