BEEF HEART ANTICUCHOS - $8

A real Peruvian Anticucho is made with pieces of beef heart, marinated overnight in species and vinegar, skewered and delicately grilled. But you say BEEF HEART!!! NO WAY!!!  But, wait - before you dismiss this dish please read on:

Anticucho is more than a skewer with marinated meat. It is a tradition. It brings memories of cold nights outside football (soccer) stadiums, sometimes even more memorable than the match itself. It's something you ate as a child without questioning what it was made of. It's yet another example of the culinary amalgamation of cultures, from pre-Inca Peru via Africa. It's that unique smoky smell of cumin and panca chili that emanates from old coal grills. Perhaps more importantly, it is the main source of income for many legendary anticucho ladies, also known as anticucheras, who set up their carts every night in the same street corner, and have managed to raise families and send their kids to college through hard work and brilliant food - representing the Peruvian vision of progress better than anyone.

So, go ahead, try something different and delicious. You won't be disappointed!

And, of course, we have new arrivals at Mezzanotte as well. Here is this week's lineup:

Ruby red rich with purple reflexes. Intense and elegant aromas with red fruits and black pepper notes. Fine and elegant flavors, persistent on its toasted notes and rich of smooth and encircling tannins.

The aroma is fairly rich, with plum fruit laced with violets and some graphite shavings; there's also underlying peppery spice. On the palate it's medium bodied tending towards full, with bright plum cherry fruit supported by some acidity, but to a greater degree by peppery tannins that flow into a long peppery finish.

Madre is a perfectly balanced wine with a flavorful texture that fills the mouth with finesse but without a hint of aggression. This rich and powerful red has wonderful aging potential, as its abundant fruit and well integrated tannins soften with additional time.  

91 Points Wine Spectator, 90 Points Wine Enthusiast - The aromatic fruity character features notes of plums, ripe cherries, strawberries, small red berry fruits and cassis. Spicy hints and a light touch of thyme and cedar blend with the fruit in a charming finish. Displays a full bodied structure that is lush and enveloping on the palate, with soft tannins and a tight, vibrating texture, full of fruity notes. A long lingering aftertaste with balsamic and interesting notes of nuts and chocolate make for a fine finish.