XIX sets schedule for Cellar Selection, dinners

Happy Monday all. Let me do one posting off a release, then transcribe and post at least one of the interviews I did last week with a Philly burbs winemaker. If any of you read this release and know of other connections I can make that will advertise regional restaurants and any wine events, please let me know. Either add a comment or send me an e-mail at editorp@comcast.net. -- Paul


Wine lovers will feel right at home at Broad Street’s premiere sky-high dining destination, NINETEEN (XIX) at Park Hyatt at the Bellevue (200 S. Broad St., 215.790.1919). Beginning April 1, sommelier Richard Slutter will introduce weekly Cellar Selection Wednesdays and a monthly Perfect Pairings Wine Dinner, wine-centric events meant to educate and delight both novice and expert oenophiles.

Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Slutter will guide guests through a themed tasting of five to six wines for $20. Cellar Selection Wednesdays will also include light fare from XIX Chef Marc Plessis and each week, one person will take away of bottle of one of the nights featured wines.

Planned Cellar Selections include:
* April 1: Pinot Noir from around the world
* April 8: Old World vs. New World
* April 15: Summer white wines
* April 22: California Zinfandel

XIX’s Perfect Pairings Wine Dinners will be a monthly event. The first will take place on Wednesday, April 15, at 6:30 p.m. For $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity, diners will enjoy a meal guided by Slutter, featuring such dazzling libations as Moet Chandon Rose Nectar Imperial, Argyle Pinot Noir Reserve and Santa Julia Torrontes. A special tasting menu will highlight the qualities of each wine.

Conveniently located at Broad and Walnut Streets on Philadelphia’s beautiful Avenue of the Arts, XIX has fast become one of the city’s premiere destination restaurants thanks to its seasonally-conscious New American menu and spectacular decor – not to mention the sweeping views of downtown from its premier location. Formal but never stuffy, it is an ideal place to celebrate great wine and great food. For more information on Perfect Pairings or Cellar Selections, or to make a reservation, please call 215.790.1919 or visit the Web site at www.nineteenrestaurant.com.