Secco ready to host author and pasta party

Carytown favorite Secco Wine Bar will host author Domenica Marchetti and a one-time-only pasta-inspired menu next week.

June 10, 2011; 2:15 PM • by RVANews staff

“Rarely does an occasion come along,” says Matt Brehony of Secco Wine Bar, “for us to close.” While most businesses thoroughly dread even the mere thought of closing their doors, Secco is welcoming the opportunity next week.

On Tuesday, June 14 the Carytown wine bar and restaurant will close between 5:30pm – 8:00pm to celebrate the recent release of Domenica Marchetti’s cookbook, The Glorious Pasta of Italy. “She’s a great writer, and a very nice person,” says Brehony. “It’s the first time we’ve done something like this.”

What Secco will do is host Marchetti’s visit to Richmond to promote her new book. In addition, Head chef Tim Bereika, who studied pasta-making in Italy’s Tuscany region, has created an impromptu, unique, and distinctly pasta-centric menu for both omnivores and pescetarians. “Tim’s experience making pasta,” says Brehony, “seemed like a natural fit.” One dish will be homemade ricotta gnocchi with a tomato sauce that has been smoked over olive wood.

Secco holds approximately 30 patrons, and so Brehony expects that tickets, which attendees can only purchase at Fountain Bookstore, will sell out by weekend’s end.

Individual tickets cost $75, and couples may dine for $120. Both prices do not include tax and tip, but one copy of Marchetti’s book will be provided with each package.

Checkout the full ridiculously delicious menu (and wine pairings) here (PDF).