SHAKE & STIR
From left to right: Laura Thompson, Dr. Kathleen Behr, Kathryn Marziliano, Nick Marziliano, Lisa Bonadelle, Kelly Lilles, Marina LaRocca, and Lauren Barisic.
Nick’s Wine Bar Cafe is poised to become your new favorite hidden gem if it isn’t already. Nestled in the back corner of Sam’s Italian Deli & Market, this Fresno landmark is a well-known destination for locals and travelers alike. Owners Nick and Kathryn Marziliano recently shared their restaurant refresh with CVLUX’s Editorial Director Lauren Barisic and Event Director & Producer Laura Thompson, along with Dr. Kathleen Behr, Lisa Bonadelle, Kelly Lilles, and Marina LaRocca for the latest installment of Shake+Stir.
An Easter-inspired tablescape was beautifully arranged with the help of local vendors. Neat bouquets of pastel-colored spring tulips were provided by Lou Gentile’s Flower Basket. For favors, Easter baskets and buckets filled with salted caramels and spring taffy were crafted by Vonda’s. Place cards from Modern Press Paper Studio guided guests to their seats for an unforgettable afternoon of wine tasting and Italian cuisine pairings.
Entering Nick’s Wine Bar Cafe feels akin to stepping into a speakeasy. Upon arrival at Sam’s Italian Deli & Market, patrons must navigate around the deli counter, past the wine corner, and through a door that leads into the reimagined space. Nick’s wine cellar remains prominently displayed against the back wall. All guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne featuring the crowd-favorite Veuve Clicquot Brut Cuvée.
The culinary journey began with two appetizers. Roasted Tomato Burrata was served alongside slices of grilled house-made focaccia. This bread is used for deli sandwiches and is available whole in the market. It also comes in tomato and olive varieties. “The grilling adds a wonderful touch to the focaccia,” Lisa remarked. “I’m going to try that myself!” A discussion about bread and its health benefits naturally followed.
Next up was the Schiacciata Nicola, a dish that showcases the bread. “The sandwich starts from the outside!” Kathryn exclaimed, explaining that Nick had perfected this new bread offering over time. It’s an airy, Tuscan-style flatbread, ideal for sandwiching imported mortadella, pistachio pesto, arugula, and a fig drizzle, creating the perfect bite.
Two additional dishes were presented for the soup and salad course with a 2022 Lewis Cellars Chardonnay. The Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Soup is sure to warm the soul, regardless of the temperature outside. It features vegetables, cannellini beans, and orzo pasta, topped with a delightful crouton. Sam’s just introduced a soup-of-the-day, which sells out daily. Given how little remained in the soup bowls, it’s easy to see why!
Almost every table seated at the Wine Bar Cafe orders Nick’s Chicken Milanese Salad. A sliced, breaded chicken cutlet is served atop arugula tossed in a house-made lemon vinaigrette with capers, tomatoes, and shaved parmesan. It’s great to share, but can easily be a main. “I could eat this entire plate,” Kelly declared. “Paired with the Lewis Chardonnay, one of my favorites, this is a perfect meal.”
For the entrée, a delightful 2023 Belle Glos Rosé accompanied Lobster Ravioli, which was served in a rich vodka sauce. “The sauce is fantastic,” Kathleen enthusiastically noted. “I really enjoy the texture and how it complements the lobster filling.” Sam’s produces a number of pastas in-house, available in dried, fresh, and frozen options at the market.
Dessert featured a duo of treats in more ways than one. Affogato with Speed is Nick’s take on vanilla bean gelato topped with toasted pistachios and sea salt, accompanied by shots of hot espresso and espresso liqueur. “The Luxardo is a lovely touch,” Marina praised, as this alone can be a dessert in itself. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy the trio, but traditionally, both shots are poured over the gelato.
Two more small sweet bites followed. Served on an oblong plate drizzled with caramel sauce were the Salted Truffle Brownie Bites and Spumoni Bites. Their two-bite size makes them perfect for sharing and extending a meal, especially when the conversation is too delightful to end. A final glass of red wine, 5 O’Clock Cabernet Time, beautifully complemented the chocolate flavors and drew the tasting menu to a close.
With great food and company, gatherings like these leave lasting memories and a desire to return. Nick’s Wine Bar Café makes it easy to do just that. Guests can enjoy the restaurant’s specialized menu and in addition to offerings from Sam’s deli counter, with full service from their incredibly friendly staff. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00AM to 6:00PM, it’s the perfect spot for a quick bite, sharing a bottle, enjoying a glass, or indulging in a leisurely lunch. The Marzilianos invite you to experience their Italian hospitality in the heart of the Central Valley at Nick’s Wine Bar Café.
Features Editor Elisabeth Ross
Event Director & Producer Laura Thompson
Photographer Don Dizon
Flowers Gentile’s Flower Basket
Favors Vonda’s
Stationary Modern Press Paper Studio
