At Alto, Restaurateur Chris Cannon Just Horses Around

Restaurateur Chris Cannon hosted an intimate wine dinner for Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave and a small group of food and beverage writers at Alto in midtown on Wednesday night.

During the eight-plate, 16-glass meal prepared by Michelin-starred chef Michael White and sommelier Eric Zillier, featuring Bering Sea king crab, sautéed veal sweetbreads, and hand-rolled maccheroni with braised duck, Mr. Cannon was raving about a delicious dinner of "horse cheeks" that he enjoyed during a recent trip to the Piedmont region of Italy.

The equestrian facial meat, also known as guanciale di cavallo, is considered a delicacy across the pond, but locally, a sure-fire PETA magnet.

"I dare you to put it on the menu," joked Wine Spectator features editor Owen Dugan.