By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

With the addition of now-monthly Thursday evening Wine Pairings, Rosalie Oetting has recast the former Ice & Coal Gallery’s unique ambiance.

A sampling of wines (selections and regions will vary month-to-month) are accompanied by hors d’oeuvres specially prepared by Chef Jason Shipp.

The theme of July’s Wine Pairing was Italian with six wines poured by John Gash representing International, a Birmingham family-owned wholesale distributor of wine and craft beer.

Those attending were offered tastings of Rocca Sveva Soave Classico, Colterenzio Pinot Blanc, Duca Di Saragnano Rosso Toscana and Gardofoli Marcrina, described as “straw yellow, fruity and elegant with a predominance of the aromas of ripe fruit.”

Also offered was Arcangelo Salic Salentino, a dark red violet color, with red currant, cedar, oak nose; herbal, berry, bay leaf and clove palate.

Nearby, were delectable platters—one featured a salad with heirloom tomatoes and grilled salmon; another, a flatbread topped with porkbelly, onions, portabello mushrooms and feta. The flatbread is homemade by Chef Shipp.

A casserole that combined scallops, heirloom tomatoes and spinach and topped with feta cheese and an olive tapenade on crusty bread rounded out the selections of the evening.

Among others enjoying the evening were Jack and Stephanie Gray, Greg and Tammy Eddins, Melanie Poole and Mike Jones of Montevallo and artist Barry Graham, whose original art is on view both in the former gallery and in the private dining room at The Coal Yard.

Jeanie Dennis, a kindergarten teacher at Our Lady of the Valley, and her parents, visiting from Somers, New York, were delighted to be a part of the evening, saying, “I love this concept and the setting.”

Melanie Poole said, “I was happy to discover such a wonderful new restaurant just down the road in Helena. The combination of food and wine was better than either one alone. The collection of artwork added a wonderful ambience to the room. It was like dining in an art gallery!”

The next wine event on Aug. 20 will feature five wines from Delicato Family Vineyards with David Wolfson and a five-course meal prepared by Chef Shipp. Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Call 205-260-8913 or email rosalieoetting@hotmail.com.