Buckle your seat belts for a continental road trip of European showstoppers to enhance your culinary and cultural tour du jour. These four restaurants represent the essence of their homestead country with mainstay dishes of origin, while Sean King of Michael’s On East and Michael’s Wine Cellar recommends a complementary varietal of vino to perfectly pair.

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DOLCETTO D'ALBA +CALAMARATA ALLA PESCATORA

“Ciao” from this new Tuscan standout—mastering authentic Italian specialties such as brick-oven pizzas, burratas and various Tagliere (fresh deli meats and cheese boards strictly D.O.P. imported off the boat from Italy). For the primi piatti, tie on a bib and grab a fork and spoon for the Calamarata Alla Pescatora—thick ring pasta mixed with cloves of garlic and an underwater party of calamari, mussels, clams, scallops and shrimp, seasoned with the juices of the fish, while swimming in a secret wine and tomato sauce recipe, and garnished with a sprig of parsley. Napulè Ristorante Italiano  WINE PAIRING  Dolcetto d’Alba “Sandrone,” Piedmont, IT, 2017  “Here I found a gorgeous display of blackberry preserves, sweet herbs, mint, lavender and floral undergrowth. On the palate, lean textures with a pop of vibrant acidity were offset by tart blackberry fruit and inner floral tones. It finished tart, yet fresh and zesty.” $21.95, Michael’s Wine Cellar


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CHENIN BLANC VOUVRAY + TARTINE DALI

“Bonjour” from this chic, European artist-driven café—serving classic French bistro fare such as tuna tartare, escargot and fluffy quiches baked fresh daily from its production bakery, C’est La Vie. Settle into the posh milieu and adjure for one of the carefully crafted tartines (open-faced sandwiches). The wholesome and savory Tartine Dali sits pretty on a house-baked crostini with a délicieux crunch, and topped with onion marmalade, steamed asparagus, smoked duck breast, sliced tomato, walnuts, mesclun microgreens and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Served with mixed green salad and garnished around the plate with fresh paprika.   Lolita Tartine WINE PAIRING  Chenin Blanc Vouvray, “Domaine Pichot,” Loire Valley, FR, 2017  “Very clean and fresh with a roundness on the palate of peach and pear notes, good acidity and a just off dry finish. A dish with sweet undertones will balance this semi-dry wine.” $17.95, Michael’s Wine Cellar

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RIESLING KABINETT + SCHWEINSHAXE

“Guten Tag” from this intimate, festive haunt offering traditional bratwursts, homemade potato pancakes, schnitzels and other Bavarian-style grub. But for a taste of tenderized pig shank, order the signature dish—Schweinshaxe—marinated pork knuckle in monstrous portions that fall right off the bone. Served with sauerkraut or red cabbage made from scratch and your choice of roasted golden potatoes or homemade Spätzle (spaetzle: German egg pasta) with bacon bits, mozzarella cheese and sautéed onions. Plan ahead or ask your server for availability—it is recommended the Schweinshaxe be reserved due to its popularity and limited availability of orders made fresh daily. Heinrich’s German Grill. WINE PAIRING Riesling Kabinett “Weingut Darting,” Dürkheimer Nonnengarten, HR, 2016  “Amazing QPR (quality-to-price ratio) for a very nice expression of a spicy, dry riesling, with a great, classic young nose and solid acidity backing up the stonefruit and pineapple from the clone.” $20.95, Michael’s Wine Cellar 


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Calamarata Alla Pescatora, $19.95, Napulè Ristorante Italiano, 7129 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-556-9639. Tartine Dali, $14,90, Lolita Tartine, 1419 5th Street, Sarasota, 941-952-3172. Schweinshaxe, $35, Heinrich’s German Grill, 8420 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, 941-
355-5453.

Wine pairings courtesy of Sean King, Wine Director of Michael’s On East & Michael’s Wine Cellar, 1283 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-955-2675.