Where Wine Meets Food

At Cantina Per Vini, the made-from-scratch eclectic fare changes regularly. Their summer menu promises to “wow!”

By: Beth Newcomb
Date: 06/26/2008
Summer means different things to different people.

For some, it’s a time to take advantage of the weather and head to a favorite dining destination, a place where a special kind of camaraderie is in full bloom, a place where they’re a “regular.” They might venture into a new region of wine or try some lighter fare to match the balmy weather.

For others, summer an opportunity to explore a place they’ve never been before, perhaps discovering a new favorite.

Ideally, that new favorite place would include a perfect assortment of delicious boutique wines—hand selected by the owner—along with an extraordinarily satisfying choice of menu items exquisitely prepared and begging to be savored under a summer moon.

There’d be an elegant seating area, enclosed by a lush assortment of greenery that provided the perfect alfresco setting in which to enjoy a meal. The canopy overhead would offer protection from the elements, and market-style bulbs would twinkle softly in the evening breeze.

After all, most of us want to be able to enjoy a new favorite place no matter what the weather, especially during the summer.

If you have never visited Medina’s Cantina Per Vini, don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes—a new favorite place.

After just over a year in business, owner Tina Perillo has already established her lovely restaurant as an elegant respite full of contemporary touches that create a modern, refined backdrop for a menu full of exquisite cuisine.

The rich interior boasts sumptuous browns on the chairs and walls, crisp white linens on the tables, and a minimalist décor that appears to have leapt from the pages of Metropolitan Home magazine.

The menu is a reflection of the artistic appeal of the interior. “We’ve created a number of new items for the summer season and are bringing in a great new selection of wines,” explains Tina, who handpicks every wine on the expansive list of vintages.

There are also 25 martinis on the drink menu, including the ever-popular Cosmopolitan, the tart Lemon Drop, and the Holly Rancher—a blend of Three Olives grape vodka, white grape juice, and a sugared grape garnish.
Summertime is typically when lighter wines make the most prominent showing. Tina recommends the Leese-Fitch Chardonnay from California. It’s a dryer white and a bit on the oakey side, but she considers it a highly approachable Chard.

“The Reusher-Haart Piesporter Reisling is very user-friendly,” she comments. “It’s on the sweeter side and we are the only restaurant in the area to carry it. I like to tell people that after one sip, they’ll be hooked. It really satisfies the urge for a sweet white wine.”

A nice Italian sparkling wine is the Zardetto Prosecco. It’s dry and refreshing, and guests may order a split for just $10. “In Italy, it’s customary to enjoy Zardetto and espresso in the morning, instead of coffee,” Tina says.
“It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy one of our wines on the patio,” Tina encourages. “Ours is the largest in Medina County.” A jazz band, featuring Danny Mazzacco, is scheduled to play most weekends.

Try the Mas De La Dame from France. “This wine screams summer,” she smiles. “It’s served cold, but it doesn’t lack body. It’s well-rounded and refreshing.”

Of course, now that you’ve chosen the perfect vintage, no trip to Cantina Per Vini (which means “cellar of wines” in Italian and also happens to include Tina’s name) would be complete without something from the exciting summer menu.

New selections will be added throughout the summer, and Tina says that every guest should ask about what’s new when they arrive. Everything on the menu is made from scratch—including the salad dressings. “This is an experience,” Tina says. “We don’t want you to rush out the door. When you visit, make plans to stay with us for a little while. Good food should be savored.”

Tina worked with her chef to introduce the kind of creative fare for summer that guests have come to expect from each visit. Look for Frog Legs served picatta style; a number of new blackened fish selections; Chicken Marsala with risotto cakes; Arctic Char with lime rice; and the delectable Chocolate Raspberry Broulet Bomb for dessert.

Also on the menu is the Goat Cheese Salad, featuring bib lettuce, pistachio nuts, and goat cheese that’s been breaded and pan seared so it’s somewhat melty inside. Dry cherries serve as the garnish and the whole thing is drizzled with an olive tapinade in garlic oil.

Move to either the Chilean Sea Bass or the 10-ounce Bone-In Filet. The sea bass is grilled and served Oscar style with real lump crabmeat and béarnaise sauce. It also includes grilled asparagus.

The filet is a new feature at Cantina Per Vini. “This cut is best served medium rare,” Tina offers. “The filet is dry-aged with the bone on which significantly enhances flavor and texture.” Your steak comes with the house potato and asparagus.

Guests who wish to forgo the pleasure of dining on the spacious patio might wish to reserve the Stella booth (named for Tina’s dog), instead. It provides spacious privacy and a complete view of the dining room. “It’s the best seat inside,” Tina insists.

If you want to dine inside.

Cantina Per Vini is where wine meets food and is located on Route 18 in Medina, at 3571 Medina Road in the Reserve Square Plaza. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m.-Midnight. Reservations are encouraged on the weekends. Call 330-723-0002.


Cantina Per Vini has something special going on every night of the week.

Monday
Enjoy a bottle of wine at half the price. (Some restrictions apply.)

Tuesday
Martinis on the drink list are half the price.

Wednesday
Flatbread pizzas are offered at half the price.

Thursday
Mini burgers featuring Tina’s grandmother’s recipe are just $1.

Friday
Complimentary steamed mussels are served until 7 p.m. in the lounge with any beverage purchase.

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