St. James: Taste of Portugal and beyond

There’s always something going on at Mosaic, one of Suffolk’s most inventive restaurants. Every night is tasting-menu night, with five courses going for $49. The menu changes nightly.

Now Mosaic is launching BYO&S nights, where diners are urged to bring their own wine to enjoy and to share with new friends. The first BYO&S is Thursday March 11: six courses, $62, no corkage.

Coming next month are three nights of Portugal (April 8, 9 and 10) featuring Portuguese wine and food. The six-course menu:

Cured yellowtail, romaine oshitashi, watermelon rind, cinnamon-jalapeno vinaigrette
Alvarinho, Aveleda 2007, Vinho Verde

Garlic-crab soup, apricot grilled cheese, honey, almond, tarragon
Encruzado, Fontes Da Cunha 2006, Dao

Fried black-bean-cod brandade, arugula, coriander-marinated tomatoes, raw beet, olives, clam vinaigrette
Tinta Roriz, Syrah, and merlot, Os Do Corvos da Vinha Costa, Campolargo 2005, Beira

Melted young goat, bacon-carrot confit, pumpkin seed charred rice, red wine, dill, cocoa gremolata
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen and
Alfrocheiro, Quinta do Mondego, Fontes da Cunia 2005, Dao

Milk-roasted beef short rib, chorizo-egg stuffing, red onion, pickled white beans, mustard, lemon
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Amarela and
Barroca, Meandro, Quinta do Vale de Meao 2006, Douro

Almond pasteis de nata, lemon stewed apple, caramel-chocolate ganache, bitter coffee cream
Moscatel Galego, Favaíto Moscatel Do Douro, Douro

The price is $96 per person, $67 for just food. These dinners fill up quickly.

Mosaic is at 418 N. Country Rd., St. James, 631-584-2058.

Photo by Danielle Finkelstein