Figue Mediterranean Launches June Summer Culinary Tour with Focus on Italy

CHICAGO - May 31, 2013 - PRLog -- La Quinta, Cal. (June 1, 2013)—Figue Mediterranean Restaurant (47-474 Washington St.; 960-698-9040) has bid adiamo! to its growing community of enthusiastic food lovers with the June launch of its Summer Culinary Tour, a summer-long celebration of Mediterranean cuisine. The tour offers area residents and visitors the chance to escape, be it only for some evenings, without leaving the comforts of a beautiful, comfortable restaurant in the Desert.

“This June, we want our valley locals and visitors to enjoy an enlightening and delicious food tour of Italy without having to travel,” said Lee Morcus, owner of Figue. “Figue is just the place to enjoy this amazing food and wine among a lively community of food enthusiasts. We’re a relaxed restaurant where people can be themselves, order a simple meal or a multi-course feast, and always have a great time while enjoying outstanding food,” he said. “Everything we make is prepared from the finest, freshest organic, sustainably produced ingredients. We source our food locally and regionally whenever possible.”

Figue Enoteca Bar Month-Long Specials
Throughout the month of June, the Figue Enoteca Bar will feature a special selection of small plates, wines, beers and cocktails (all priced from $5 to $9).

Figue Dining Room Specials
In the dining room, from June 1 through June 16, guests can enjoy a special 3-course rustic Italian prix fixe menu, priced at $38 per person, paired with wines for an additional $15 or $25 per person.
From June 24 through June 30, the dining room features a remarkable 5-course tasting menu, “Ahhh Venice! A Culinary Gondola Ride through Venice”, priced at $75 per person, with added wine pairings for an additional $25 or $35 per person.

This month-long food and wine tour of Italy wouldn’t be complete without special events and Figue is offering interesting, hands-on activities that will delight participants.

Palmina Wine Blending, Wednesday, June 19, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Figue hosts a unique Palmina Wine Blending event led by Sommelier Celeste Cotta, 11:30 a.m. to        2:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 19.  Cotta will enchant and captivate Figue’s guests as she educates them on the nuances of blending wines that make them distinctive and delicious. The event includes a special 3-course lunch; the price per person is $75. Reservations must be made in advance by calling the restaurant at 760-698-9040 or online at eatfigue.com/june.htm.

Italian Cooking Class, Saturday, June 22, noon to 2:30 p.m.
Executive Chef François de Mélogue will lead an Italian Cooking Class, with theater seating at the Charcuterie Bar, noon to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 22. Participants will learn to make classic Italian dishes and enjoy a 3-course lunch. The price is $75 per person. Reservations must be made in advance by calling the restaurant at 760-698-9040 or online at eatfigue.com/june.htm.

An authentic and delectable Italian food celebration: menu details
Figue Enoteca Bar Specials – Small Plates  $9; Beers from $5; Wines from $7
Guests who wish to enjoy a casual get-together at the Figue Enoteca Bar can create a meal unto itself with the Enoteca Italian Menu that features Italian small plates, special Italian wines, beers and Italian-inspired cocktails. Small plate selections include Arancine, Saffron Risotto Croquettes with Fontina Cheese; Porcetta Panini, Spit Roasted Pork Sandwich; Crostini de Scampi al Lardo e Rosmarino, Italian Shrimp Crostini; Saltata di Cozze all Fiore, Steamed Mussels with Tomato and Basil; Panzanella, Tomato and Bread Salad; and Polpette al Barese, Little Meatballs from Bari. Small plates cost $9 each.

Beverage selections on the Enoteca Italian Menu include craft cocktails such as the Figue Negroni, with Feighling Fig Vodka, Campari and Orange; the Angelo Azzurro, with Cointreau, Lemoncello, Gin, Cinzano Sweet Vermouth; the Italian Dream, with Due Chardonnay Vodka, Italian Basil, House made Pink Grapefruit Juice; the Limone Sorbetto, with Prosecco, House Made Lemon Sorbet, Mint & Lemons. Craft cocktail specials are $9 each.

Italian beers include Birra Moretti ($5); Birificio Baladin ‘Isaac’ Belgian Style White Beer ($22).

Italian wine selections, by the glass, include La Marca Sparkling Prosecco; Danzante Pinot Grigio, 2011; Piero Mancini Vermentino, 2011; Badia a Coltibuono ‘Cetamura’ Chianti, 2011; and Donna Fugata ‘Sedara’ Nero de Avola, 2010. Wine specials range in price from $7 to $9 per glass.

Two Prix Fixe Menus
For his two prix fixe menus, Chef François has assembled a distinctive collection of authentic dishes that would captivate travelers when participating in a deluxe food and wine tour of Italy, one of the world’s greatest culinary destinations.

The grand finale of the June culinary tour of Italy is “Ahhh Venice! A Culinary Gondola Ride through Venice”. This 5-course tasting extravaganza, priced at $75 per person is served from June 24 through June 30. The prelude to the journey is a Classic Bellini & Prosciutto With Melon. The first course is Carpaccio: Chilled Tuna, Olive Oil, Baby Arugula, Mache, Reggiano. The second course is a Risotto: Mount Shasta Porcini, Pancetta and Peas. The third course is Guazzetto: A light Shellfish Stew of Spot Prawns, Mussels & Clams. After a Campari Sorbetto intermezzo, the feast continues with the fourth course of Snackini:  Lamb and Goat Cheese Meatball, Grandmas Tomato Sauce, and then the fifth course, Primi: Wagyu Filet Mignon Picante with Salsa Verde. Sumptuous desserts (Dolci) complete the journey: Citrus Tiramisu and Chocolate Hazlenut Bombolinis.

For more details about Figue Mediterranean’s Summer Culinary Tour, please call the restaurant at 760-698-9040 or visit the website at eatfigue.com/june.htm.