Albero Restaurant Complete Study Guide Flashcards

Albero Dining Philosophy, Guidelines, and Operational Policies

  • Culinary Philosophy: Beneath the branches of Albero, flavors bloom like sunlit villages along the Italian coast—bright, spirited, and alive with zest. Each dish carries the romance of the Mediterranean: the sparkle of citrus, the warmth of olive oil, the vivid colors of market gardens and sea. Dining is not just a meal but a celebration—spirited, invigorating, and vibrant. Every bite feels like a seaside escape, and every glass raised captures the joy of Italy's coast in motion.

  • Course Structure & Dining Experience: The dinner menu is designed as a series of À la Carte offerings. For a complete dining experience, guests are suggested to make one selection from the First, Second, and Third courses.

  • Dietary Key & Classifications:

    • DF: Dairy Free

    • GF: Gluten Free

    • V: Vegetarian

    • VE: Vegan

    • Gluten-Free Options: Gluten-free pizza crusts are available upon request.

  • Allergy Notice & Kitchen Policies:

    • Albero is an established nut-free kitchen.

    • However, DU is not a nut-free facility, so there is no guarantee that traces of nuts are not present in the restaurant. Guests with concerns must speak to a Manager or Chef on duty.

  • Consumer Health Advisory: Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase the risk of foodborne illness, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. Certain menu items may be served raw or undercooked.

Albero Dinner Menu

Albero Dining Experience

First Course: Mezze, Starters, Salads & Soups

  • Crostini Amalfitana: Heirloom Tomato, Basil, Garlic Crostini, Balsamic Vinegar (Dietary: DF | VE)

  • Charred Vegetable Bruschetta: Grilled Focaccia, Charred Vegetables, Pecorino, Balsamic (Dietary: V)

  • Tagliere di Montalcino: Tuscan Cold Cuts, Lavosh, Italian Cheeses, Seasonal Pickled Vegetables

  • Caesar Salad: Romaine Hearts, Creamy Dressing, Grana Padano, Parmesan Croutons (Dietary: V)

  • Minestrone: Beans, Pasta, Vegetables, and Italian Sausage (Dietary: DF)

  • Sicilian Wedge: Bibb Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion, Olives, Pepperoncini, Italian Dressing (Dietary: DF | GF | V)

Second Course: Pasta & Pizza

  • Gnocchi al Pomodori: Potato Gnocchi, Pomodori Basil Sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano (Dietary: V)

  • Ravioli di Ricotta: Fresh Ravioli, Spinach, Ricotta, Tomato Basil Sauce (Dietary: V)

  • Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese: Fresh Handcut Pasta, Beef Ragout, Parmigiano Reggiano

  • Margherita Pizza: San Marzano Tomato, Mozzarella, Marinated Roma Tomatoes, Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Dietary: V)

  • Melanzane & Carciofi Pizza: Alfredo Sauce, Grilled Eggplant, Artichoke, Gorgonzola, Balsamic, Arugula (Dietary: V)

  • Quattro Stagione Pizza: San Marzano Tomatoes, Salami, Mortadella, Pepperoni, Parmigiano

Third Course: Specialty & Entrees

  • Tuscan Sirloin: Marinated Sirloin Steak, Grilled Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes (Dietary: DF | GF)

  • Halibut Mediterraneo: Seared Halibut, White Bean Stew with Tomato and Basil, Garlic Crostini (Dietary: GF)

  • Pollo al Limone: Herbed Chicken, Grilled Radicchio, Sun-dried Tomato Polenta, Lemon Caper Sauce

  • Risotto alla Zafferano: Shrimp Scampi, Saffron Risotto, Green Peas, Carrots, Mascarpone (Dietary: GF)

Dinner Desserts

  • Lemon Zeppole: Brioche Fritters, Lemon Pastry Cream, Powdered Sugar (Dietary: V)

  • Crostata: Apricot Tart, Shortcrust Pastry, Whipped Cream (Dietary: V)

  • Panna Cotta: Vanilla Panna Cotta, White Chocolate, Strawberry Basil (Dietary: GF | V)

Albero Lunch Menu

Lunch Starters

  • Arancini: Fontina Stuffed Arancini, Salsa Verde, Tomato Sauce, Pecorino Cheese (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Honey Gem Salad: Sweet Lettuce, Pickled Shallots, Heirloom Tomatoes, Toasted Breadcrumbs, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, Herb Dressing (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Radicchio & Artichoke Salad: Arugula, Salami, Sicilian Olives, Piquillo Peppers, Pecorino Pepato, Pepperoncini Vinaigrette (Dietary: Gluten Free)

  • Croquette: Fried Herb Goat Cheese, Breadcrumbs, White Balsamic Cherry Tomato Jam, Micro Greens, Basil Oil (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Neapolitan Artichoke: Grilled Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Balsamic Crema, Olive Tapenade, Marinated Sundried Tomatoes, Grilled Ciabatta (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Arugula & Golden Beet Salad: Frisse, Crispy Pancetta, Heirloom Cherry Tomato, Shaved Fennel, Goat Cheese, Champagne Vinaigrette (Dietary: Gluten Free)

Lunch Entrees

  • Herb Crusted Halibut: Stewed Tomatoes, Olives, Basil, Garlic, White Wine (Dietary: Dairy Free | Gluten Free)

  • Butternut Squash Ravioli: Cream Sauce, Grana Padano, Herb Oil (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Balsamic Braised Short Ribs: Beef Short Ribs, Gremolata (Dietary: Dairy Free | Gluten Free)

  • Vegetable Lasagna: Grilled Vegetables, San Marzano Garlic Tomato Sauce, Bechamel, Italian Cheeses (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Grilled Ribeye: Caramelized Radicchio, Rosemary Demi Glace (Dietary: Gluten Free | Dairy Free)

  • Cannelloni: Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni, Tomato Basil Sauce (Dietary: Vegetarian)

Lunch Sides

  • Potatoes: Rosemary Roasted Fingerling Potatoes (Dietary: Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Vegan)

  • Risotto: Sundried Tomato and Mushroom Risotto (Dietary: Gluten Free | Vegetarian)

  • Garlic Rapini: Steamed Rapini, Garlic Confit Olive Oil (Dietary: Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Vegan)

  • Polenta: Creamy Mascarpone and Brown Butter (Dietary: Gluten Free | Vegetarian)

  • Roasted Carrots: Salsa Verde (Dietary: Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Vegan)

  • Farro Risotto: Roasted Red Beets, Goat Cheese (Dietary: Vegetarian)

Lunch Desserts

  • Chocolate Tart: Whipped Caramel Ganache, Chocolate Curls (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Mascarpone Cheesecake: Macerated Wild Berries (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Tiramisu: Espresso Dipped Lady Fingers, Whipped Mascarpone Cream, Cocoa Dust (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Lemon Meringue Cake: Sponge Cake, Lemon Curd, Toasted Meringue (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Bomboloni: Italian Donut, Citrus Pastry Cream, Powdered Sugar (Dietary: Vegetarian)

  • Cannoli: Mascarpone, Ricotta Cream, Chocolate Sprinkles (Dietary: Vegetarian)

Albero Wine List: Red Wines

Murphy Goode Pinot Noir

  • Murphy Goode Pinot Noir

    • Grape: Pinot Noir

    • Region: North Coast, California

    • Notes & Characteristics: Elegant red fruit, spice, and velvety texture.

    • Food Pairings: Earthy and rich dishes, including roasted chicken, duck breast, wild mushroom pasta, veal, grilled salmon, charcuterie, and soft cheeses.

  • Rottensteiner Pinot Noir

    • Grape: Pinot Noir

    • Region: Alto Adige, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Elegant, high-altitude wine with bright acidity and earthy undertones.

    • Food Pairings: Seared salmon, roast poultry (duck or chicken), lamb chops, earthy mushroom-based risotto, and mild cheeses like Brie or Gorgonzola.

  • Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

    • Grape: Pinot Noir

    • Region: Sonoma, California

    • Notes & Characteristics: Elegant, fruit-forward with silky tannins.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, savory dishes, including duck breast with cherry sauce, lamb racks with herbs, roasted pork tenderloin, truffle pasta, and mushroom risotto.

  • Marchesi Antinori Peppoli

    • Grape: Sangiovese

    • Region: Tuscany, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Food-friendly, vibrant red wine featuring cherry, violet, and smooth tannins with high acidity.

    • Food Pairings: Tomato-based pastas, grilled red meats, cured meats (prosciutto/salami), pizza, and aged cheeses like pecorino.

  • Giacosi Fratelli 'Canavere'

    • Grape: Barbera d'Alba

    • Region: Piedmont, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: High-acid, structured red wine with notes of black currant, spice, and tobacco.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, savory, and rustic dishes, tomato-based pasta, grilled sausages, braised meats, and aged cheeses.

  • Ricossa

    • Grape: Nebbiolo

    • Region: Barbaresco, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Structured Italian red with high tannins and bright acidity.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, fatty foods, earthy flavors, slow-cooked meats, beef ragu, risotto with porcini mushrooms, truffles, roasted meats, and aged cheeses.

  • Antiche Cantine De Marchesi

    • Grape: Nebbiolo

    • Region: Barolo, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: High tannins and full-bodied nature; requires pairing with dishes that balance its intensity.

    • Food Pairings: High-fat, savory, and umami-rich dishes such as braised beef, truffle risotto, aged cheeses, and rich pasta dishes with meat ragu.

  • Cantine Colosi

    • Grape: Nero d'Avola

    • Region: Sicily, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Full-bodied Sicilian red with vibrant fruit notes.

    • Food Pairings: Hearty Italian dishes, grilled meats, and aged cheeses.

  • Il Fauno di Arcanum

    • Grape: Red Blend (Tuscan Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc)

    • Region: Tuscany, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Features dark fruit, cedar, and savory notes.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, herbaceous proteins and earthy dishes, including grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, beef tenderloin, venison, truffle risotto, and aged cheeses.

  • Tenuto San Guido Le Difese

    • Grape: Red Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese)

    • Region: Tuscany, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Fruit-forward, savory character with bright acidity.

    • Food Pairings: Rich meat dishes, grilled steak, hearty stews, pork tenderloin, wild boar ragù, and classic beef burgers.

  • Murphy Goode Cabernet Sauvignon

    • Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon

    • Region: North Coast, California

    • Notes & Characteristics: Full-bodied, dry red wine featuring notes of black cherry, vanilla, and toast.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, savory foods.

  • Castelprile Prelius

    • Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon

    • Region: Tuscany, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Fruity forward and earthy profiles.

    • Food Pairings: Grilled steak, lamb, venison, pasta with bolognese sauce, aged cheeses, and roasted vegetables.

  • Tenuta Sette Ponti Poggio al Lupo

    • Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon (blend featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Alicante)

    • Region: Tuscany, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Full-bodied, structured Tuscan red.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, intense foods, grilled red meats, lamb, game (such as wild boar), and aged, hard cheeses.

  • Masciarelli Marina Cvetic

    • Grape: Montepulciano

    • Region: Abruzzo, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Robust and food-friendly.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, savory dishes, lamb, aged cheeses (Pecorino), beef fillet, pasta with boar ragu, and hearty tomato-based sauces.

  • Tenute Silvio Nardi

    • Grape: Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)

    • Region: Brunello di Montalcino, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Intense tannins and complex flavors.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, savory, and robust dishes, grilled Porterhouse steak, roasted lamb, wild game, mushroom risotto, and aged pecorino cheese.

  • Stonestreet

    • Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon

    • Region: Alexander Valley, California

    • Notes & Characteristics: Mountain-grown Sonoma County characteristics with dark fruit, tannins, and high acidity.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, fatty, and protein-heavy dishes, grilled ribeye, prime rib, lamb, mushroom risotto, or aged cheddar.

  • Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo

    • Grape: Red Blend (Sangiovese-based)

    • Region: Tuscany, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: High acidity with notes of cherry, plum, and spice.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, savory dishes like grilled ribeye, braised lamb shank, wild boar, or roasted meats.

  • Orin Swift 8 Years

    • Grape: Zinfandel (Zinfandel-driven blend)

    • Region: North Coast, California

    • Notes & Characteristics: Full-bodied California red blend with notes of dark fruit, spices, and oak.

    • Food Pairings: Rich, grilled meats like ribeye steak, braised lamb shanks, BBQ brisket, hearty tomato-based pasta, aged cheeses, and dark chocolate desserts.

Albero Wine List: White Wines

Fontanafredda Cortese

  • Fontanafredda

    • Grape: Cortese

    • Region: Piedmont, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Crisp, fruitful, high-acidity, and aromatic white wine.

    • Food Pairings: Delicate seafood, fragrant pesto pasta, and fresh cheeses.

  • Pighin

    • Grape: Pinot Grigio

    • Region: Goriziano, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Crisp, dry Italian white wine with bright acidity and notes of pear, banana, and acacia.

    • Food Pairings: Light, fresh dishes, seafood (grilled shrimp, shellfish), herb-roasted chicken, vegetable risotto, prosciutto, or fresh pasta with cream or pesto.

  • Pala Soprasole

    • Grape: Vermentino

    • Region: Sardegna, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Aromatic white wine with citrus, floral, and mineral notes.

    • Food Pairings: Seafood, particularly calamari, seared scallops, shrimp, clams, and light white fish dishes.

  • Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc

    • Grape: Sauvignon Blanc

    • Region: North Coast, California

    • Notes & Characteristics: Crisp, refreshing, and full of citrus and tropical fruit notes.

    • Food Pairings: Seafood, grilled poultry, and salads.

  • Marchesi Antinori Conte della Vipera

    • Grape: Sauvignon Blanc

    • Region: Umbria, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Bright, aromatic white wine with high acidity, notes of passion fruit, grapefruit, and a distinct mineral, herbaceous finish.

    • Food Pairings: Versatile food wine; pairs best with grilled or roasted fish, shellfish, and ceviche/poke.

  • Murva

    • Grape: Friulano

    • Region: Friuli, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Dry, aromatic wine with high acidity and mineral notes.

    • Food Pairings: Fatty, savory, and nutty flavors, specifically prosciutto, salami, cured meats, grilled seafood, fatty fish (salmon), nutty cheeses, and difficult vegetables like asparagus.

  • Mastroberardino

    • Grape: Falanghina del Sannio

    • Region: Campania, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Crisp, aromatic wine with high acidity.

    • Food Pairings: Seafood and light antipasti.

  • Pasqua

    • Grape: White Blend

    • Region: Veneto, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Rich, savory, and mineral-driven with citrus, honey, and white stone fruit notes.

    • Food Pairings: Seafood, delicate fish, roasted chicken, and risottos.

  • Murphy Goode Chardonnay

    • Grape: Chardonnay

    • Region: California

    • Notes & Characteristics: Versatile, fruit-forward wine with a lightly oaked, creamy profile.

    • Food Pairings: Rich seafood (lobster, crab, grilled shrimp), roasted chicken with herbs, and creamy pastas.

  • Elena Walch

    • Grape: Chardonnay

    • Region: Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Crisp, high acidity, and moderate body.

    • Food Pairings: Mediterranean cuisine, fresh fish (trout, salmon), and creamy pasta dishes.

  • Chalk Hill

    • Grape: Chardonnay

    • Region: Sonoma Coast, California

    • Notes & Characteristics: Rich, creamy, and often oak-influenced profile.

    • Food Pairings: Buttery seafood (lobster, scallops), roasted chicken, creamy pastas, and nutty cheeses.

  • Nickel & Nickel

    • Grape: Chardonnay (Carneros)

    • Region: Napa Valley, California

    • Notes & Characteristics: Balanced wine with oak presence and bright acidity.

    • Food Pairings: Rich seafood (lobster, crab, scallops), roasted chicken, creamy pasta dishes, and soft cheeses.

  • Jermann

    • Grape: Chardonnay

    • Region: Friuli, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Fresh and fragrant with high acidity and mineral notes.

    • Food Pairings: Delicate seafood, creamy pasta, white meats, and soft cheeses.

Albero Wine List: Sparkling Wines & Rosé

Benvolio Prosecco

  • Benvolio Prosecco DOC

    • Grape: Glera

    • Region: Veneto, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Crisp, fruity notes and high acidity.

    • Food Pairings: Seafood (shrimp, salmon), prosciutto-wrapped items, soft cheeses like burrata or brie, and fruit-driven desserts.

  • Michele Chiarlo Nivole

    • Grape: Moscato Bianco

    • Region: Moscato d'Asti, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Sweet, lightly sparkling wine with low alcohol and delicate sweetness.

    • Food Pairings: Fruit-based desserts, creamy pastries, mild cheeses, panna cotta, lemon ricotta cannoli, and peach pie.

  • Nino Franco Rustico

    • Grape: Glera

    • Region: Valdobbiadene, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: High-quality Prosecco Superiore with notes of pear, citrus, and white flowers.

    • Food Pairings: Light appetizers, seafood, and fried dishes.

  • Monogram Saten Franciacorta

    • Grape: Predominantly Chardonnay

    • Region: Franciacorta, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Creamy, silky texture (due to lower bottle pressure) and delicate, fruity, and floral notes.

    • Food Pairings: Excellent pairing with delicate seafood and refined starters.

  • Piper-Heidsieck

    • Grape: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier

    • Region: Champagne, France

    • Notes & Characteristics: Crisp acidity and toasty notes.

    • Food Pairings: Salty, fatty, and creamy foods that match its acidity.

  • Louis Roederer

    • Grape: Chardonnay / Pinot Noir

    • Region: Champagne, France

    • Notes & Characteristics: High acidity and complex profile.

    • Food Pairings: High-quality, delicately flavored foods, raw seafood, Bellota ham, and creamy cheeses.

  • La Gioiosa Millesimato

    • Grape: Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir, Glera, Pinot Blanc

    • Region: Treviso, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Versatile sparkling rosé for delicate, fresh, and slightly savory dishes.

    • Food Pairings: Fresh oysters, sushi, seafood risotto, prosciutto, creamy cheeses (burrata), and light Mediterranean appetizers.

  • Cleto Chiarli di Vecchia Modena

    • Grape: Lambrusco

    • Region: Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Highly versatile, dry, and acidic sparkling rosé/light red wine. High acidity and effervescence act as a palate cleanser through rich dishes.

    • Food Pairings: Fatty, salty, and savory foods.

  • G.D Vajra Rosa Bella

    • Grape: Rosé of Nebbiolo / Barbera

    • Region: Piedmont, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Vibrant, fresh Piedmontese rosato with crisp acidity.

    • Food Pairings: Light antipasti, fresh goat cheeses, seafood, Mediterranean dishes, vegetarian meals, charcuterie, and light pasta.

  • Feudo Montoni Nerello Mascalese

    • Grape: Rosé of Nerello Mascalese

    • Region: Sicily, Italy

    • Notes & Characteristics: Bright aromas of strawberry, cinnamon, and blood orange. Palate reveals dark cherry, chocolate, smoky depth, and a stony minerality.

    • Food Pairings: Meats, seafood, vegetables, and cheeses.