We got to visit this lovely spot, The Purple Tongue, a winery that will turn your tongue purple with great tongue, and make you more social, just like a giraffe (with purple tongue, and known to be a social animal). How cute and creative is that name? We were there for a fun and tasty event, and we got to try some of their dishes, paired with wines. Sounds great, I know!
We were welcomed with Nature’s Reserve, Millesime Natural Sparkling, Per Nat, Chardonnay 2021 from France. It went perfectly with the first tasting course, Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, and Rosé Balsamic Reduction. It was such a great starter, very fresh with perfectly ripen tomatoes. Perfect way to wake up the taste buds with some sparkling wine and fresh Caprese Salad.
The second course was Fluke Crudo with Radish, Yuzu, Citrus, and Chili, paired with Donnafugato SurSur Grillo, 2021 from Italy. The Fluke was nicely sliced, fresh and plump. All the vibrant color made it even more exciting. The combination of citrus and chili was amazing. The wine has beautiful aroma with fresh, savory palate, and notes of juicy fruits. Paired nicely with the dish.
The third tasting course was Meatballs, made with Beef, Pecorino Romano, Garlic, Herb, and Ricotta Pomodoro Sauce, paired with Baron Duval Medoc, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 from France. The meatball was so tender and juicy, packed with flavor. It had a nice sweetness from the tomato and cheese. The wine had notes of fresh red berries with hints of spice, rich and easy to go down. Paired perfectly with the meatballs!
The fourth tasting course was Short Rib Slider, also paired with Baron Duval Medoc, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 from France, which makes sense for the dish. The slider is made with Braised Short Rib, Spicy Fried Onions, Picked Red Onions, Garlic & Herb Aioli, on Brioche Bun. The short rib was tasty, and the acidity from the pickled onion enhanced the sweetness of the meat. It was a nice little meaty slider. I must say, the Pork Ube Bun Slider from Kalye was a bit better, but what can I say, I love sliders of all kinds…
The last but not least, dessert! To my surprise, it was a Matcha Tiramisu! It is made with Mascarpone blended with Fine Japanese Matcha, finished with Shaved Dark Chocolate. The tiramisu was so good, I loved the matcha flavor! It was fluffy, creamy, and so comforting.
And the pairing? I would have loved some dessert wine, but then that might be overpowering for the tiramisu. So, they offered Coffee and/or Tea. My hubby got a coffee, while I requested a cup of tea. The tea was made from Serendipiti Tea, NY-based artisanal Specialty tea. I believe they are organic.
My hubby’s coffee came with brown sugar and milk in a tear-drop shaped container, so elegant. The milk gave that foam on top at the end, which was awesome. The coffee was really nice, I might’ve enjoyed that a bit more than the tea…
They have one gender-neutral bathroom, roomy, clean, and well stocked. The floor had a unique design that goes well with their giraff theme.
We had such a nice event here at The Purple Tongue. The wines and food were all great. I believe it is a family-run business, which is extra sweet. We will be sure to return for more!
The Purple Tongue – 410 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036