Although there's no substitute for prosciutto di parma straight from the source, the artisans at La Quercia come pretty darn close, making some of the best stateside salumi we've tasted. Tonight at J.G. Domestic, not only can you taste a handful of their offerings, but you can also meet Herb Eckhouse, the man responsible for putting this pig on our table.
Starting with a cocktail and hors d'ouevres reception followed by a five-course menu featuring La Quercia products, founder Eckhouse is the first guest at "Meet the Maker," an ongoing dinner series hosted by Chef Jose Garces that features the artisanal elite. Eckhouse got his start in the pig game studying the masters in Parma while representing his firm in the famous prosciutto-laden province. He decided that early retirement was the way to go, and headed back to Iowa with an idea: Make perfect American prosciutto.
Cost is $60 and wine pairings can be added for another $25. Reservations are required and can be made via Open Table or an old-fashioned phone call, so put down the pork chop and get serious about your salumi. [The Feast]
