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Victor Rallo Jr., owner of Basil T’s Italian restaurant in Red Bank has travelled to Italy to add a hand selected signature wine to his 3 time award winning wine list.  Mr. Rallo has chosen one of Italy’s most chic and prized red wines, a Ripasso Valpolicella.  

“Rispasso” means “to pass through a second time, to overhaul.”  It implies polishing up, perfecting.  When applied to Valpolicella wine, Ripasso signifies that the wine has been refermented in contact with Amarone, the region’s most prestigious red.

“I knew what I was looking for in my first Rallo wine: quality, value, a wine to enhance my food, a wine to please my customers,” Rallo said.  He went on to add, “I even knew the specific type of wine, but I had to find the right partner in Italy to make it to my specifications.”

“It has the power of Amarone and the grace of Valpolicella,” according to Mr. Rallo.  “It is made from Corvina and Rondinella grapes.  These are two important varietals, very local, very Italian.  My wine is aged for at least 18 months in large oak casks, also very traditionally Italian.”

To find the right supplier, Victor traveled to the Lessini Hills, just east of the Lake Garda near the fabled city of Verona.  He interviewed several wineries.  When he met Mara Castellani and her father, Sergio, of the Corte Mary Estate in Marano di Valpolicella, Mr. Rallo knew that he had found the right associates.  

“This is an exciting wine.  It is concentrated, intense, and flavorful.  It will age well, but I like it as it is, young and very lively.”
   
Rallo Valpolicella Classico Superione Ripasso will be available at Basil T’s and Undici Restaurants in September.  You can enjoy this full, warm, rich, dry red with roasts, cheeses, or pasta dishes.

Soon to follow will be Victor Rallo, Jr’s dry white wine selection and an ultra premium red.  We will keep you posted.  

To see the full wine list for Basil T’s, visit http://www.basilt.com/

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week™ presented by BestWeekends.com and sponsored by Jersey Mike’s, Grey Goose Vodka, and Zagat Surveys is shaping up to be the event of the year at the Jersey Shore. Nearly 40 restaurants have already signed up for the event scheduled for November 6-15, 2009.   Basil T’s in Red Bank is one of the participating restaurants on the Jersey Shore.

“The response has been great”, said Jim Flynn, Chairman of Restaurant Week, “with business the way it has been, I think an event that promotes restaurants and dining out, is being welcomed everywhere.”

Red Bank consumers will be pleased to know that during Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will offer a three course meal with three appetizer, three entrée and three dessert choices for either $20.09 or $30.09. “It is a wonderful way to re-visit your favorite restaurants or try new ones”, says Flynn.

The week starts with the Kick-Off Party on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. Live bands, happy hour drink prices, free food and giveaways will help kick-off the week. Advance tickets go on sale at all Jersey Mike’s locations on September 15^th.

Saturday, November 6, 2009 from noon-3pm, Harpoon Willy’s, The Draughting Table and others will host “Burgers, Bloodies and Brews” with three burger, three Bloody Mary and three beer choices available at a special price.

“Brunch at the Beach” is scheduled for Sunday, November 7, 2009 and will be hosted by Mixx in Manasquan, Avenue in Long Branch and others. Hosts will offer brunch at special prices for Restaurant Week. WOBM’s “Brunch with Bruce” will broadcast from Avenue.

On Saturday, November 14, 2009 from noon to 3pm, Undici and Sickles Market in Rumson will present “Wines and Cheeses of Italy”, a tasting of regional wines and cheeses. $15 cover.

Edgar’s Pub in Manasquan will host “The Great Jersey Shore Martini Contest” on Sunday, November 15, 2009 from noon to 3pm. Area bartenders will compete for the best martini at the Shore. $20 cover.

Throughout Restaurant Week our Happy Hour Hosts, Shipwreck Grill in Brielle, Watermark in Asbury Park and red in Rumson, will be offering special drink prices from 4-6pm.

For BYOB restaurants Liquor/Wine Store Hosts, Spirit of ’76 in Manasquan, Egan’s in Sea Girt and Spring Lake and Ocean Wines and Liquors will offer special pricing on your favorite spirits.

The Chateau Inn & Suites in Spring Lake and The Inn on Main in Manasquan will offer special Restaurant Week rates for out-of-towners who want to enjoy Restaurant Week.

“There is still time for restaurants to sign-up”, said Flynn, “but we are fast approaching closing dates for some of the publications in which we will advertise.”

For more information visit www.jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com.