Scientists have found evidence that grapes have been growing in Moldova as far back as 6 to 25 million years ago, but you don’t need a time machine to explore the country’s wine culture — just a reservation for this week’s wine dinner at Forage. Chef Eric Cooper and wine guru Stan Hilbert are working their magic in Cambridge this week with the flavors of the Eastern European nation sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, with some fun and funky wine pairings like Cucumber & Barley Salad with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes, Yogurt Dressing and Sumac Salt paired with 2022 Talb de Onițcani/Rcațiteli, Novak; and Smoked Boar Loin with Roasted & Fresh Bell Peppers, Creamy Polenta & Feta Cheese and Garlic Infused Honey paired with 2021 Feteasca Rara “Freedom Blend,” Purcari. Check out the full menu below.
Reservations are available between 5:00 and 8:45pm to dine in the air conditioned dining room or out on the patio (reserve ‘em here); dinner is $110 per person. You can also opt to take your wine and dinner home instead by ordering here for $160 (serves two people). Moldovan wines aren’t available on a lot of bottle shop shelves around these parts so if you taste something you like be sure to take a few bottles home at retail prices. Give them a call at 617.576.5444 if you have Qs, and sign up for their weekly newsletter on the website to stay in the know on all the Forage facts.
OMNIVORE
Fennel Broth Poached Char
New Potato Puree, Fennel
2021 “Taking Root” Blanc de Cabernet, Radacini
Cucumber & Barley Salad
Fresh Cherry Tomatoes, Yogurt Dressing, Sumac Salt
2022 Talb de Onițcani/Rcațiteli, Novak
Smoked Boar Loin
Roasted & Fresh Bell Peppers, Creamy Polenta & Feta Cheese, Garlic Infused Honey
2021 Feteasca Rara “Freedom Blend”, Purcari
Green Apple Cake
Cornelian Cherry Sorbet
2021 Viorica, Kazayak
VEGETARIAN
Summer Squash
New Potato Puree, Fennel
2021 “Taking Root” Blanc de Cabernet, Radacini
Cucumber & Barley Salad
Fresh Cherry Tomatoes, Yogurt Dressing, Sumac Salt
2022 Talb de Onițcani/Rcațiteli, Novak
Charred Eggplant
Roasted & Fresh Bell Peppers, Creamy Polenta & Feta Cheese, Garlic Infused Honey
2021 Feteasca Rara “Freedom Blend”, Purcari
Green Apple Cake
Cornelian Cherry Sorbet
2021 Viorica, Kazayak
