Sip of the Day

When I opted to write about National Italian Beef Day, I had a Florentine Steak or Bistecca Alla Fiorentina in mind – a pan-seared Ribeye with olive oil and fresh rosemary is a perfect match for today’s sip. Lo and behold, a quick internet search educated me on the juicy and delicious sandwich well-known and loved by Chicagoans. If you’re not from Chicago and share my ignorance, an “Italian Beef” is kind of like a cross between a French Dip and a Philly Cheesesteak (though probably healthier than both) – it’s a lean cut of beef that’s been slow-roasted and seasoned with Italian spices and garlic, then sliced, piled on a roll with giardiniera (hot peppers) and/or sauteed Italian sweet peppers, and served au jus. Mouth watering yet? Mine is. And hey, it may be an unusual match for an exquisite bottle of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend Cabreo Il Borgo Toscana IGT, but the flavors meld perfectly — that is La Dolce Vita!