Varanese celebrates 4th birthday Saturday, hosts Spanish wine dinner Aug. 23

John Varanese worked the dining room at a 2010 wine dinner. He's hosting a Tour of Spain dinner at his restaurant on Aug. 23. (Photo by Steve Coomes for Insider Louisville)

Happy fourth birthday, Varanese!

Am I the only person who thinks this restaurant has been on the Louisville dining scene for longer than that?

Maybe because chef-owner John Varanese worked at the Cardinal Club and Azalea before opening his own place in Clifton? Dunno.

What I do know is the party’s on this Saturday, Aug. 20, when the restaurant (located at 2106 Frankfort Ave.) will offer $4 specials on selected appetizers and selected drinks all night long. Expect some birthday cake to be served as well, and if you’re a Leo, say so and get your own special birthday surprise.

And speaking of specials, on Tuesday, Aug. 23, the restaurant is hosting a Tour of Spain wine dinner that sounds like a good one. Check out the menu below.

• First Course: house-cured ham (lomo), Manchego cheese and spicy pepper jam served with orange zest crackers paired with 2009 Torres, Vina Esmeralda
• Second Course: marinated seafood salad with roasted tomatoes and garlic served with fried plantain chips and micro-cilantro paired with 2009 Paco & Lola, Albarino
• Third Course: crispy-roasted and stuffed pork belly with grilled white asparagus, jalapeno oil and herb pork jus paired with 2007 Las Rocas “Vinas Viejas,” Garnacha
• Fourth Course: grilled flat bread topped with chorizo sofrito, green olives and goat cheese paired with 2007 Torres “Celeste” Tempranillo
• Fifth Course: grilled lamb chop served over potato hash cake and lemon dandelion greens finished with a rich tomato-saffron sauce paired with 2004 Marques de Caceras, Rioja Reserva and a 2001 Marques de Caceras, Rioja Gran Reserva
• Sixth Course: caramel flan with peach ice cream and almond brittle paired with Jaume Serra “Cristalino,” Cava

Cost is $65 plus tax and gratuity. A vegetarian option is available.

Guest speakers Tim Quinlan, wine manager at Republic Beverage, and John Johnson, owner, The Wine Rack, will be on hand to talk about the wines and answer questions.

For reservations, call 899-9904.