Tuscan wine dinner in Long Beach; Yotam Ottolenghi talks with Russ Parsons

Oct. 20, 2014 8 AM PT

Michael’s on Naples Ristorante in Long Beach is hosting a special five-course prix fixe dinner honoring the wines of Tuscan producer Cantine Olivi on Wednesday. Owner Riccardo Olivi will be on hand to present the wines.

Michael’s chef David Coleman’s menu starts with beef tartare made with famous Chianina beef, with micro greens and aged Pecorino paired with Olivi’s “Zelìa Rosato” Syrah. Then comes squid ink pasta with Santa Barbara sea urchin and chickpeas with his Trebbiano/Malvasia blend. Devil’s Gulch rabbit leg wrapped in speck and stuffed with apple and figs is matched with “Memento,” a blend of Sangiovese and Syrah. And after, Olivi is pouring two vintages of “Tempore,” his Cabernet/Merlot blend, with roasted Colorado lamb loin. To finish, he’s serving a little vin santo with biscotti. The cost is $95 per person plus tax and tip. Call (562) 439-7080 for reservations.

Michael’s on Naples Ristorante, 5620 East 2^nd St., Long Beach, www.michaelsonnaples.com.

On Thursday, British chef and cookbook author Yotam Ottolenghi will be in town to talk about his new cookbook “Plenty More: Vibrant Vegetable Cooking from London’s Ottolenghi” with Times food editor Russ Parsons, author of “How to Read a French Fry” and “How to Pick a Peach,” as part of the continuing series of Live Talks Los Angeles.

Earlier in the day, Ottolenghi will be appearing at Joan’s on Third, signing books starting at 11:45 a.m.

The Israeli-born chef owns four Ottolenghi restaurants in London, writes a weekly column for the Guardian newspaper and appears regularly on the BBC. But in this country, he’s best known for his exuberant cookbooks — “Plenty”, “Ottolenghi” and “Jerusalem.”

The Live Talk is at 8 p.m. at All Saints Church in Beverly Hills. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $30 for a reserved seat and $50 for a reserved seat with a cookbook. Fork up $95 and you’ll also get a pre-event reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., which includes some dishes from the book. For tickets, go to Live Talks Los Angeles.

All Saints Church, 504 N. Camden St., Beverly Hills; Joan’s On Third, 8350 W. 3rd St, Los Angeles, (323) 655-2285.

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