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BICE Ristorante in San Diego's Gaslamp Hosts Olive Oil Tasting Party Thursday

BICE Exec Chef Mario Cassineri Partners With California's STAR(R) Brand to Show San Diegans What Is Possible With Global Olive Oils

Prompted by reports that the famously healthy Mediterranean Diet is being forsaken not only in the U.S. but by the very Europeans that helped create it, BICE Ristorante (http://bicesandiego.com) in San Diego's Gaslamp District is hosting a public olive oil tasting event to help San Diegans enjoy the health and lifestyle benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle -- even during a recession.

The event, organized in conjunction with STAR® Fine Foods (http://www.starfinefoods.com), one of California's oldest importers of olive oils and Mediterranean specialty foods, will also explore the surprising taste and pairing differences between olive oils grown in the most famous olive-producing regions of the world, including California.

The "Global Olive Oils Tasting and Pairing Party," scheduled for this Thursday, Aug, 4, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., will feature a five-course tasting menu created by BICE Executive Chef Mario Cassineri, spotlighting the creative use and pairings of olive oils from the Mediterranean, Holy Lands and California. Several wine pours will be included for the all-inclusive tasting price of $45 per person. The tasting without wine is $35.

Space at this one-time-only event is limited and a sell-out is expected. Advance reservations are required at (619) 239-2423.

A special highlight of the event will be a preview of STAR® California Extra Virgin Oil, the first major olive oil produced exclusively from California-grown olives in the 113-year history of the brand.

Highlights of the Aug. 4, 2011 menu include:

Amuse Bouche
Thinly Sliced Octopus with Fennel and Micro Arugula Salad Seasoned
with a Parsley and Lemon Dressing
Paired with STAR® Mediterranean Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Appetizer
Fava and French Green Bean Salad with Santa Barbara Shrimp,
tossed in a Basil Citronette
Paired with STAR® California Extra Virgin Olive Oil

First
Squid Ink Spaghetti with Shrimp, Baby Spinach, Bottarga and Burrata Foam
in a Delicate Lobster Bisque
Paired with Borges® Holy Lands Olive Oil

"Risotto style" Barley with Maine Lobster, Fresh Tomato and Burrata Cheese
Paired with STAR® California Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Main
Veal Tenderloin Filled with Fontina Cheese and Pear on a Braised Castelluccio Lentils
and Polenta Cracker
Paired with STAR® California Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Dessert
Ricotta with Pear and Chestnut Honey and assorted cheese plate

About BICE San Diego
BICE offers San Diegans a skillful mix of traditional and contemporary trends in Italian cuisine featuring local and seasonal ingredients. Perfectly located in the historic San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, BICE combines the elegant and chic ambiance of modern Europe with affordable menu options. BICE provides guests with upscale and sophisticated Italian dining while embracing the local community with its warmth, hospitality and amiable service. Upholding BICE's reputation for excellence worldwide, BICE hopes to attract a family of customers who feel recognized, catered to, and re-introduced to Italian excellence.

About Star Fine Foods
Founded by the Guirlani family in San Francisco in 1898, Star Fine Foods is one of California's oldest and most distinguished food brands, best known for producing distinctive olive oils and Mediterranean specialty products from the richest olive-growing regions of the world. Star is the top-selling olive oil in the Western United States and one of the best-selling olive oils nationally. The Fresno, Calif. based company also imports Spanish green olives, Greek pepperoncini, vinegars, capers, anchovies, and onions, as well as a line of domestically produced products. Star is owned by Borges USA. a division of the Borges Mediterranean Group, a 115-year-old Spanish food company with holdings in more than 100 counties. For more information, go to www.starfinefoods.com.