To celebrate the holidays and conclude the year with a final gathering, a dozen Gulfstream Branch members assembled on the patio of Ristorante Santucci, where an array of amuse-bouche was served alongside a sparkling Franciacorta Rosé. From there, we moved indoors for a special dinner—Cene delle Feste in Sicilia—thoughtfully prepared by Emilio Santucci, the restaurant’s owner and chef.
Chef Santucci’s culinary journey began in Sicily, where his deep connection to traditional flavors was formed, before being refined in some of Europe’s most acclaimed hotels and restaurants. In 2014, he brought that passion to Palm Beach with the opening of Ristorante Santucci. The evening’s menu showcased the very best of Sicilian cuisine: impeccably sourced meats and seafood, artisanal house-made pastas, and seasonal specialties, each dish crafted with care and inspired by the island’s rich culinary heritage.
The wines for the evening were expertly selected by restaurant manager Gianluca Lavigna, while Branch Members Jamie and Linda Garard contributed a magnum of 1998 Veuve La Grande Dame Rosé in honor of the birthday of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin—known to us all as Madame Clicquot.
Dinner began with Antipasti Misti, a tantalizing selection of Italian meats and cheeses, beautifully complemented by a Domaine de l’Abbaye Côtes de Provence Clos Beylesse Rosé (2023). This was followed by the delicate Carpaccio di Capesante (scallop carpaccio), paired with an elegant Etna Bianco (2021). For the prima, guests enjoyed a rich and earthy Mezzaluna di Osso Buco, accompanied by a velvety Nebbiolo—Ar.Pe.Pe. Rosso di Valtellina (2021). The secondo featured a succulent Stinco di Agnello al Timo (lamb shank), paired with a bold Primitivo Riserva Gioia del Colle Fanova (2020).
The evening concluded on a sweet note with a decadent Cannoli al Pistachio, perfectly matched with the luscious Passito di Pantelleria Firriato (2022)—a fitting finale to a festive and memorable celebration.