I left on Friday, December 9, 2008 for Avila Beach which is close to Pismo Beach and 20 minutes from the Paso Robles wine country. The weather report didn't look great for this week but that's what happens sometimes. It turned out to be rainy, windy, hailed, and cold. I did not accomplish as much as I wanted to but I did get a lot of rest.
I had decided to try and visit some of the new wineries that have popped up in the last 2 years.
Saturday the 13th I hit 7 wineries. All new except Denner. Donati, Booker, Caliza, Brian Benson, Jada and Jack Creek. I found that most of them were priced from $5 to $7 to high for what they were. I did buy a bottle at Donati, an orphans blend which I did like and the price was right. Booker was very good as was Jada but both were priced too high. All the wineries poured good wines. There wasn't a bad one in the bunch.
Sunday the 14th I hit 7 wineries also. Turley was one I visit every time I am in the area. I was picking up a case of wine for friends and naturally I had to taste. Along with their normal "vineyards" they pour at the tasting room they were pouring the "Ubberoth" that day also. Very fine wine but too much money. I always buy the Juvenile and Old Vines. The two least expensive wines and I hold them for a couple of years before opening.
I also visited Venteaux, Rotta, Terry Hoague, Ecluse, Fratelli Peralta and August Ridge. I was on my way out to Chateau Margene when I spotted the sign for August Ridge. Since it was new I turned into the property. Never made it to my original destination as it was starting to get dark and starting to rain. I did have 2 days without rain. I bought a few of bottles at Rotta. Their
Guibinni" Zinfandel which I really liked and a dessert wine made from the Black Monukka table grape. They crush and cold soak the grapes for a few days and then put the barrel out the direct sun to "sun-bake" for 2 years. A very good non-sweet dessert wine with a caramel taste to it.
Monday the 15th I headed over to Edna Valley. I only did 5 wineries that day as the weather wasn't great. Kynsi, Domaine Alfred, Wolf, Saucelito Canyon and Baileyanna. On the way back to Avila Beach I stopped at Steamers for dinner and a martini. The martini did taste real good after 3 days of wine tasting.
Tuesday the 16th I headed over to Cambria. The weather was nasty. Hailed very heavy between Morro Bay and Cambria, but cleared up for a few hours of shopping. On the way back to my hotel I stopped at Sailsbury & Kelsey wineries. I was not impressed with either of them but they were close to where I was staying. In the evening went over to the "Sycamore" for happy hour. Tuesday night appetizers and wine are half price. Had a dish of clams and mussels and a side dish of scallops along with a glass of wine. For $23 and that included tax & tip it was a bargain.
Wednesday I headed over to Solvang and picked up a case of wine at Stolpman's. Visited Addamo's tasting room, stopped at an outlet center in Pismo for shopping and went to Mulligans at the golf course for a beer.
Thursday my last day I went back to Paso and revisited Rotta, a new wine store and a new fish store/restaurant/take out called 46. Also had a great hamburger at Mulligans. Got everything ready for an early departure on Friday and revisited Alapay winery in the town of Avila Beach.
Friday was bitterly cold went I left about 7:00. I stopped in Buellton for breakfast at Ellens and headed home. I needed to go to Trader Joes for a few things and i was home and in my house by 12:30. I was doing a dinner that night with friends at Doung Son and I did manage to get everything out away and cleaned up.
My overall mileage for this trip was good. I averaged 44 mpg going up and 43 mpg coming back. I tend to drive a little faster going home. Overall mileage for my 1,060 mile trip was 40 mpg. Some hybrids don't get that. So I was a happy wino in spite of the nasty weather.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas Eve
Tuesday, December 24, 2008
I was invited by friends to their home for dinner on Christmas Eve. Lots of appetizers and a buffet dinner of ham and turkey with all the trimmings was served.
The real highlight of this evening was the wine that was being poured. They own a winery and all their events are great opportunities for drinking great wine. Since this was a very social event I had no paper or pencil to take notes But I do remember that a 1974 Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon was poured and it was unbelievable. Vibrant color, great fruit, soft tannins after all these years and showing very well. It was hard to imagine that this wine was 34 years old. There was several older bottles of wine opened along with some very big named wines. I did not taste a wine that was not "very" good. I took a bottle of 2005 AP Vin Gary's Vineyard Pinot Noir. I assume it was acceptable as the bottle was emptied quickly.
I do not have "great" bottles of wine. I have "good" bottles but nothing on the scale that was being poured tonight.
Since I had an hour drive home and the rain was about to begin I did leave about 10:00. They were still pulling out "special" bottles of wine from the cellar. I was told I could "crash" at their place for the night but seeing as it was Christmas Eve and that would entail me getting up Christmas morning to go home I declined the invitation. If it had been any other day I would have accepted and stayed around to what else would magically appear on the wine table.
I was invited by friends to their home for dinner on Christmas Eve. Lots of appetizers and a buffet dinner of ham and turkey with all the trimmings was served.
The real highlight of this evening was the wine that was being poured. They own a winery and all their events are great opportunities for drinking great wine. Since this was a very social event I had no paper or pencil to take notes But I do remember that a 1974 Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon was poured and it was unbelievable. Vibrant color, great fruit, soft tannins after all these years and showing very well. It was hard to imagine that this wine was 34 years old. There was several older bottles of wine opened along with some very big named wines. I did not taste a wine that was not "very" good. I took a bottle of 2005 AP Vin Gary's Vineyard Pinot Noir. I assume it was acceptable as the bottle was emptied quickly.
I do not have "great" bottles of wine. I have "good" bottles but nothing on the scale that was being poured tonight.
Since I had an hour drive home and the rain was about to begin I did leave about 10:00. They were still pulling out "special" bottles of wine from the cellar. I was told I could "crash" at their place for the night but seeing as it was Christmas Eve and that would entail me getting up Christmas morning to go home I declined the invitation. If it had been any other day I would have accepted and stayed around to what else would magically appear on the wine table.
Improv Dinner at Duong Son
Friday, December 19, 2008.
A few of us decided to go to Duong Son restaurant in "Little Saigon" for dinner. We went without our usual host Henry who speaks the language and always orders for us. Henry is is China for a month so we decided to wing it.
Our waiter at least knew us and figured out what we wanted. We didn't do too bad for "nubies". We ordered duck 2 ways, salt & pepper calamari, shrimp with garlic green beans and fried beef. We were stuffed at the end of the meal and then they served us 3 desserts. Sliced Asian apples, a mung bean tapioca and sweet buns.
The wines went from ok to very good. We had an enjoyable impromptu evening. We did miss Henry. The food at Doung Son is very good but with Henry it goes up a notch.
A few of us decided to go to Duong Son restaurant in "Little Saigon" for dinner. We went without our usual host Henry who speaks the language and always orders for us. Henry is is China for a month so we decided to wing it.
Our waiter at least knew us and figured out what we wanted. We didn't do too bad for "nubies". We ordered duck 2 ways, salt & pepper calamari, shrimp with garlic green beans and fried beef. We were stuffed at the end of the meal and then they served us 3 desserts. Sliced Asian apples, a mung bean tapioca and sweet buns.
The wines went from ok to very good. We had an enjoyable impromptu evening. We did miss Henry. The food at Doung Son is very good but with Henry it goes up a notch.
South African Wine Dinner
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Tonight 6 of us went to dinner at Utopia Restaurant in Long Beach for a South African Wine dinner. This was a good group, 5 women and 1 man. Steve, I think was in heaven. Conversation was interesting and the group meshed well. Some people had never met others but it turned out to be a very stimulating group.
Appetizer was "Grilled calamari with spicy green chili sauce", served with a 2006 Delheim Sauvignon Blanc. The pairing was very good and both the food and wine were good.
The entree was "Grilled lamb chops with tarragon garlic wine sauce, grilled asparagus and grilled tomatoes". This was served with a 2004 Delheim Cabernet Sauvignon. I would say this was the weakest dish and wine of the evening. I felt the wine had no body. The lamb was good but not outstanding.
Next came the main dish "Lobster ravioli & grilled portabella mushroom with sun dried tomato cream sauce". The wine as a 2005 Villiera Pinotage. I'm not a real fan of Pinotage but this wine was excellent. The sauce on the ravioli was really very good. Ono of the highlights of the evening.
Dessert was "Homemade dark chocolate tiramisu " served with a 1999 Welteverde Muscat De Hambourg. Both items were very food but I do not like a dessert wine with dessert. It is too much sweet on sweet. I prefer a cheese plate with maybe some fruit with a dessert wine.
These wine dinners at Utopia are $50 which is a bargain. www.utopiarestaurant.net,
Tonight 6 of us went to dinner at Utopia Restaurant in Long Beach for a South African Wine dinner. This was a good group, 5 women and 1 man. Steve, I think was in heaven. Conversation was interesting and the group meshed well. Some people had never met others but it turned out to be a very stimulating group.
Appetizer was "Grilled calamari with spicy green chili sauce", served with a 2006 Delheim Sauvignon Blanc. The pairing was very good and both the food and wine were good.
The entree was "Grilled lamb chops with tarragon garlic wine sauce, grilled asparagus and grilled tomatoes". This was served with a 2004 Delheim Cabernet Sauvignon. I would say this was the weakest dish and wine of the evening. I felt the wine had no body. The lamb was good but not outstanding.
Next came the main dish "Lobster ravioli & grilled portabella mushroom with sun dried tomato cream sauce". The wine as a 2005 Villiera Pinotage. I'm not a real fan of Pinotage but this wine was excellent. The sauce on the ravioli was really very good. Ono of the highlights of the evening.
Dessert was "Homemade dark chocolate tiramisu " served with a 1999 Welteverde Muscat De Hambourg. Both items were very food but I do not like a dessert wine with dessert. It is too much sweet on sweet. I prefer a cheese plate with maybe some fruit with a dessert wine.
These wine dinners at Utopia are $50 which is a bargain. www.utopiarestaurant.net,
Holiday Brunch
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Today, I hosted my annual Holiday Brunch. Approximately 38 people braved the elements (in California that means before 70 degree temperature) to attend. There was a big mix of people from different areas of my life which I feel makes for a great party.
Served the "traditional" (and easy) holiday ham along with egg casseroles. Everyone filled in with appetizers and desserts.
The bubbly flowed and the wine was abundant. First people arrived at 12:25 and the last one left about 9:00pm. Obviously it was a successful party.
The tree and the house was decorated so it was a very festive day.
Today, I hosted my annual Holiday Brunch. Approximately 38 people braved the elements (in California that means before 70 degree temperature) to attend. There was a big mix of people from different areas of my life which I feel makes for a great party.
Served the "traditional" (and easy) holiday ham along with egg casseroles. Everyone filled in with appetizers and desserts.
The bubbly flowed and the wine was abundant. First people arrived at 12:25 and the last one left about 9:00pm. Obviously it was a successful party.
The tree and the house was decorated so it was a very festive day.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Champagne Dinner
Friday, November 21, 2008
Delius, deliusrestaurant.com, had their annual "Champagne" dinner tonight. We had a group of 20 people at our table. With this many people you could only talk with those close to you without getting up and walking around. It would have been better to have 2 tables of 10. I personally prefer a round table with no more 8 people. Makes for better conversation.
The restaurant did not have menus at our plates so I did not write down the bubblies that were served. Space was tight at the table so there really was no room for paper and pen. I do remember one of the sparklings was from South Africa and was quite good. The last champagne poured was a Henriot was very good. We started out with a Proseco.
First course - Ahi Carpaccio with citrus herb salad, fried capers and wasabi cream. This was an outstanding dish
Second course - Watermelon salad (red & yellow) with goat cheese and micro greens, Very refreshing and interesting,
Third course - Pan seared scallops with crispy prosciutto, artichoke hearts and a lemon-olive oil emulsion. Excellent flavor.
Fourth course - Duck Confit with fingerling potatoes, pears and arugula. The duck was perfect.
Fifth course - Apple Tart with homemade cinnamon ice cream. Just big enough to end the meal perfectly.
Delius, deliusrestaurant.com, had their annual "Champagne" dinner tonight. We had a group of 20 people at our table. With this many people you could only talk with those close to you without getting up and walking around. It would have been better to have 2 tables of 10. I personally prefer a round table with no more 8 people. Makes for better conversation.
The restaurant did not have menus at our plates so I did not write down the bubblies that were served. Space was tight at the table so there really was no room for paper and pen. I do remember one of the sparklings was from South Africa and was quite good. The last champagne poured was a Henriot was very good. We started out with a Proseco.
First course - Ahi Carpaccio with citrus herb salad, fried capers and wasabi cream. This was an outstanding dish
Second course - Watermelon salad (red & yellow) with goat cheese and micro greens, Very refreshing and interesting,
Third course - Pan seared scallops with crispy prosciutto, artichoke hearts and a lemon-olive oil emulsion. Excellent flavor.
Fourth course - Duck Confit with fingerling potatoes, pears and arugula. The duck was perfect.
Fifth course - Apple Tart with homemade cinnamon ice cream. Just big enough to end the meal perfectly.
November Wino's Gathering
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Today's theme for our monthly gathering was Stags Leap AVA and Alexander Valley AVA. Seeing as Alexander Valley wines are a little cheaper they were the predominate wines poured.
I brought a 2005 Robinson Family Merlot from Stags Leap. It showed every well.
A couple of others that I liked were the 1993 Geyser Peak, Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Vally and the 1995 Shafer, Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap.
In all there were 22 wines and they were all good. No dogs in the bunch. The hostess served a beef tenderloin and again the side dishes were great We were all stuffed by time we left.
Today's theme for our monthly gathering was Stags Leap AVA and Alexander Valley AVA. Seeing as Alexander Valley wines are a little cheaper they were the predominate wines poured.
I brought a 2005 Robinson Family Merlot from Stags Leap. It showed every well.
A couple of others that I liked were the 1993 Geyser Peak, Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Vally and the 1995 Shafer, Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap.
In all there were 22 wines and they were all good. No dogs in the bunch. The hostess served a beef tenderloin and again the side dishes were great We were all stuffed by time we left.
Wine & Dine
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Tonight the Wine & Dine group gathered at Tantalizing Thai on Long Beach for dinner. We had a couple of new dishes tonight.
We started off with the Tom Yum Koong - soup with shrimp, mushrooms, lemon grass & chilies in a broth. A favorite of mine.
The appetizers consisting of Satay Beef with peanut sauce, Thai style chicken wings with garlic and "Sarong" shrimp coated with seasoned ground pork and wrapped with egg noodles, then fried. This was very good.
Entrees included Fried Rice with Basil - ok to me is just fried rice, I'm a potato person. Next was mixed vegetables stirred fried with a Kra Prao sauce.
Siam Apple Catfish - fillets with a light batter, fried and served with a lime juice sauce made with apples, onions, garlic and chilies. This was a really good dish.
Crying Tiger Steak - always a winner. Marinated rib eye with a lime juice dipping sauce.
Thai baby back ribs - this was a new dish. Ribs served with a tamarind sauce with garlic. Again another tasty dish.
Bubbly was poured and the red & white wines flowed. I did not keep track of any wine. I brought a 2006 Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc and a 2004 Loring Rancho Ontiveros Pinot Noir. Both showed very well.
Tonight the Wine & Dine group gathered at Tantalizing Thai on Long Beach for dinner. We had a couple of new dishes tonight.
We started off with the Tom Yum Koong - soup with shrimp, mushrooms, lemon grass & chilies in a broth. A favorite of mine.
The appetizers consisting of Satay Beef with peanut sauce, Thai style chicken wings with garlic and "Sarong" shrimp coated with seasoned ground pork and wrapped with egg noodles, then fried. This was very good.
Entrees included Fried Rice with Basil - ok to me is just fried rice, I'm a potato person. Next was mixed vegetables stirred fried with a Kra Prao sauce.
Siam Apple Catfish - fillets with a light batter, fried and served with a lime juice sauce made with apples, onions, garlic and chilies. This was a really good dish.
Crying Tiger Steak - always a winner. Marinated rib eye with a lime juice dipping sauce.
Thai baby back ribs - this was a new dish. Ribs served with a tamarind sauce with garlic. Again another tasty dish.
Bubbly was poured and the red & white wines flowed. I did not keep track of any wine. I brought a 2006 Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc and a 2004 Loring Rancho Ontiveros Pinot Noir. Both showed very well.
Bluewater Grill & Oysters
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Remy and I decided to take trip down the road to Tustin and attend another oyster tasting at the Bluewater Grill. Today's theme was East Coast vs West Coast Oysters. 12 oysters and 3 wines for $24.95.
Remy also brought a bottle of wine that she picked up in Texas. Turned out to be quite good.
Tonight they served Blue Point, Malpaque, Fanny Bay, Hammersley Inlet and Pickering Pearl oysters. I had not tried the Pickering Pearl oysters before. Very small but nice taste to them. My favorite of the selection was the Malpaque. They had just the right amount of briny taste to them. Very enjoyable. Tonight's wines were a Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc which is always nice, a Ferrari Carano Chardonnay and another white that I can't remember. These are all decent drinking wines. But for the price how can you complain. It is a bargain. I hope they do not jack up the price to $29.95 like before. Then it no longer becomes attractive. Just high priced.
I did start the evening off with a bowl of clam chowder which is very good at Bluewater Grill. I highly recommend it.
Remy and I decided to take trip down the road to Tustin and attend another oyster tasting at the Bluewater Grill. Today's theme was East Coast vs West Coast Oysters. 12 oysters and 3 wines for $24.95.
Remy also brought a bottle of wine that she picked up in Texas. Turned out to be quite good.
Tonight they served Blue Point, Malpaque, Fanny Bay, Hammersley Inlet and Pickering Pearl oysters. I had not tried the Pickering Pearl oysters before. Very small but nice taste to them. My favorite of the selection was the Malpaque. They had just the right amount of briny taste to them. Very enjoyable. Tonight's wines were a Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc which is always nice, a Ferrari Carano Chardonnay and another white that I can't remember. These are all decent drinking wines. But for the price how can you complain. It is a bargain. I hope they do not jack up the price to $29.95 like before. Then it no longer becomes attractive. Just high priced.
I did start the evening off with a bowl of clam chowder which is very good at Bluewater Grill. I highly recommend it.
Blending Party
Sunday, October 2, 2008
Today we had a Bordeaux Blending Party. A wine rep opened bottles of the 5 bordeaux wines that would make for a bordeaux blend. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. You indicated to him how much of each wine you wanted in your glass to be "your" bordeaux blend. If you didn't like your blend you could go back and make another one.
This was a lot of fun and interesting. I had done this type of blending before so I was familiar with the process. Everyone had a good time and really seemed to enjoy themselves.
Today we had a Bordeaux Blending Party. A wine rep opened bottles of the 5 bordeaux wines that would make for a bordeaux blend. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. You indicated to him how much of each wine you wanted in your glass to be "your" bordeaux blend. If you didn't like your blend you could go back and make another one.
This was a lot of fun and interesting. I had done this type of blending before so I was familiar with the process. Everyone had a good time and really seemed to enjoy themselves.
Taxco Mexican Restaurant
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Tonight 8 of us ventured up to West Hollywood to attend dinner at a restaurant that Remy has raved about. I am glad John drove because it took and hour and half to get there. Since we were late for our reservation we had to wait about 20 minutes on the patio area before being seated. We had Sangrias while we waited. They were refreshing. The restaurant only had a beer & wine license. The margaritas were made with wine instead of tequila. I passed on that and stuck with the sangria At least it was overly sweet. The waiter comes over and asks if you want chicken, beef, seafood, shrimp or vegetarian. Also gives you a choice of sauces. All the appetizers are the same. No menus.
We started off with chips and salsa, both which they make fresh daily. Next was a very good quesedilla with one of the best guacamole's I have had. The meatball soup was ok. I have worst and better so it fell in the middle. The next appetizers was a mini chicken enchilada followed by a "mexican" pizza. Beans and cheese on top of a tortilla. It was good. I ordered the shrimp mole for dinner. The mole was very good but I felt the shrimp were just overcooked a tad. The refried beans were good but by this time I could only taste them and not eat them. They make their tortillas fresh everyday also.
The only dessert that is served is some kind of pudding/flan concoction which was tasty. This was served with a small glass of Sherry.
I would only venture to this place with a group of people to make it a party. Its a long drive and they don't even have tacos.
Tonight 8 of us ventured up to West Hollywood to attend dinner at a restaurant that Remy has raved about. I am glad John drove because it took and hour and half to get there. Since we were late for our reservation we had to wait about 20 minutes on the patio area before being seated. We had Sangrias while we waited. They were refreshing. The restaurant only had a beer & wine license. The margaritas were made with wine instead of tequila. I passed on that and stuck with the sangria At least it was overly sweet. The waiter comes over and asks if you want chicken, beef, seafood, shrimp or vegetarian. Also gives you a choice of sauces. All the appetizers are the same. No menus.
We started off with chips and salsa, both which they make fresh daily. Next was a very good quesedilla with one of the best guacamole's I have had. The meatball soup was ok. I have worst and better so it fell in the middle. The next appetizers was a mini chicken enchilada followed by a "mexican" pizza. Beans and cheese on top of a tortilla. It was good. I ordered the shrimp mole for dinner. The mole was very good but I felt the shrimp were just overcooked a tad. The refried beans were good but by this time I could only taste them and not eat them. They make their tortillas fresh everyday also.
The only dessert that is served is some kind of pudding/flan concoction which was tasty. This was served with a small glass of Sherry.
I would only venture to this place with a group of people to make it a party. Its a long drive and they don't even have tacos.
Winos Gathering For October
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Today was our monthly gathering of the dedicated winos. Todays theme was Oregon Pinots, Noir, Gris and Blanc.
Two of the wines I felt were outstanding were the 2006 Adelshim Pinot Gris and the 2000 Siduri, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir.
The host grilled pork tenderloins and we stuffed our faces. As usual the food was good, the wines were good and the conversations were good.
Today was our monthly gathering of the dedicated winos. Todays theme was Oregon Pinots, Noir, Gris and Blanc.
Two of the wines I felt were outstanding were the 2006 Adelshim Pinot Gris and the 2000 Siduri, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir.
The host grilled pork tenderloins and we stuffed our faces. As usual the food was good, the wines were good and the conversations were good.
Oktoberfest at Clos Pepe Winery
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Took off early this am to wander up the highway. I was invited to an Oktoberfest party at the Clos Pepe Winery in the Sta. Rita Hills. Lots of fog on the coast driving up. I had arranged to meet Tom Stolpman of Stolpman Vineyards at the tasting room to taste the new releases. Picked up a couple of cases of his wines, which are among my favorites. Made a quick stop at Dierberg Winery before heading over to Clos Pepe shindig. If you have not stopped at Dierberg I would suggest you do. Very nice wines and their Pinot made Wine Spectators top 100 wines for 2008.
I arrive at Clos Pepe and the party was in full swing. It was Steve Pepe's 65th birthday and he was in his realm grilling sausages to go with the sauerkraut, ribs and potato salad. Plenty of wine and beer flowed. The kids had a costume parade and Chanda gave a demonstration of how her sheep dogs work herding. This winery uses Babydoll sheep to keep the weeds down.
I sat at a table with Norman and Traudel Huber of Huber Cellats and Norm Yost of Flying Goat Cellars. Food was good and the conversation was great. I drank beer today seeing as it was Oktoberfest. Need to stay true to the tradition.
When the Hubers got ready to leave they invited me to their house to taste Normans new Pinot Noir and a Dornfelder port he was making. Theye lived right across the road from Clos Pepe. They left their gate open for me (its a closed winery) and I proceeded to the house. Was greeted by Heidi, another sheep dog.
We went into Normans playroom and had a glass of Pinot and then a glass of the Dornfelder Port which turned out to be 20% alcohol. It was really great and when he gets approval for the label he will be able to market the wine. Traudle gave me cookies to try and counter the port as I was driving home that evening.
2 hours at 45 minutes to drive up and 4+ hours to drive back. The 405 freeway had an accident blocking 3 lanes so the masses stayed on the 101 just like I did and it became a parking lot. Very long day. But I had another wine function on Sunday so I did not want to spend the night. It was a good day but tiring.
Took off early this am to wander up the highway. I was invited to an Oktoberfest party at the Clos Pepe Winery in the Sta. Rita Hills. Lots of fog on the coast driving up. I had arranged to meet Tom Stolpman of Stolpman Vineyards at the tasting room to taste the new releases. Picked up a couple of cases of his wines, which are among my favorites. Made a quick stop at Dierberg Winery before heading over to Clos Pepe shindig. If you have not stopped at Dierberg I would suggest you do. Very nice wines and their Pinot made Wine Spectators top 100 wines for 2008.
I arrive at Clos Pepe and the party was in full swing. It was Steve Pepe's 65th birthday and he was in his realm grilling sausages to go with the sauerkraut, ribs and potato salad. Plenty of wine and beer flowed. The kids had a costume parade and Chanda gave a demonstration of how her sheep dogs work herding. This winery uses Babydoll sheep to keep the weeds down.
I sat at a table with Norman and Traudel Huber of Huber Cellats and Norm Yost of Flying Goat Cellars. Food was good and the conversation was great. I drank beer today seeing as it was Oktoberfest. Need to stay true to the tradition.
When the Hubers got ready to leave they invited me to their house to taste Normans new Pinot Noir and a Dornfelder port he was making. Theye lived right across the road from Clos Pepe. They left their gate open for me (its a closed winery) and I proceeded to the house. Was greeted by Heidi, another sheep dog.
We went into Normans playroom and had a glass of Pinot and then a glass of the Dornfelder Port which turned out to be 20% alcohol. It was really great and when he gets approval for the label he will be able to market the wine. Traudle gave me cookies to try and counter the port as I was driving home that evening.
2 hours at 45 minutes to drive up and 4+ hours to drive back. The 405 freeway had an accident blocking 3 lanes so the masses stayed on the 101 just like I did and it became a parking lot. Very long day. But I had another wine function on Sunday so I did not want to spend the night. It was a good day but tiring.
Chilean Wine Dinner
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Since I am making this post a month late I will have to wing it. I cannot find my notes or the menu for the dinner. It was at Utopia in downtown Long Beach. Chilean wines were featured and the only one I can remember is a 2003 Tay's Creek , Maipo Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon and that is only because I bought a few bottles. At $14 it was a bargain. I can't for the life of me remember the meal or the other wines. But since I have enjoyed all my meals at Utopia, utopiarestaurant.com, I would venture to say this meal was the same. If I ever find my notes I will update this posting.
Since I am making this post a month late I will have to wing it. I cannot find my notes or the menu for the dinner. It was at Utopia in downtown Long Beach. Chilean wines were featured and the only one I can remember is a 2003 Tay's Creek , Maipo Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon and that is only because I bought a few bottles. At $14 it was a bargain. I can't for the life of me remember the meal or the other wines. But since I have enjoyed all my meals at Utopia, utopiarestaurant.com, I would venture to say this meal was the same. If I ever find my notes I will update this posting.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
October's Wine & Dine
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Tonight we gathered at Ante's Restaurant in San Pedro for CJ's monthly wine and dine event. There were 15 of us tonight. Some good wines were brought. I did not taste most of them and I did not keep track but a couple of them were very good. There were 3 Grand Cru's. Kent brought a 1974 Sauterne for dessert and it was outstanding. I brought a 2007 Hill Family, Napa Valley, Chardonnay which I felt was very good and it paired well with the seafood. I also brought a 2003 Loring, Gary's Vineyard, Pinot Noir. I was disappointed with this wine. It was not up to Loring's standards. It had quite a funky nose which blew off but the wine lacked substance. It had upfront fruit then fell off.
Out appetizers tonight were Antipasto, sauteed shrimp, calamari steak and steamed clams .
The Entrees included, "Sarma" - cabbage rolls, "Kiseli Kupus", sauerkraut, pork, sausage and vegetables (this is a favorite of mine), "Balacane", eggplant parmesan and "Pecena Patke", roast duck with Ante's special rice. I had so many appetizers that I took very small portions of the entrees. The duck was good. Not on the scale of Doung Son but nevertheless a good dish.
Tonight we gathered at Ante's Restaurant in San Pedro for CJ's monthly wine and dine event. There were 15 of us tonight. Some good wines were brought. I did not taste most of them and I did not keep track but a couple of them were very good. There were 3 Grand Cru's. Kent brought a 1974 Sauterne for dessert and it was outstanding. I brought a 2007 Hill Family, Napa Valley, Chardonnay which I felt was very good and it paired well with the seafood. I also brought a 2003 Loring, Gary's Vineyard, Pinot Noir. I was disappointed with this wine. It was not up to Loring's standards. It had quite a funky nose which blew off but the wine lacked substance. It had upfront fruit then fell off.
Out appetizers tonight were Antipasto, sauteed shrimp, calamari steak and steamed clams .
The Entrees included, "Sarma" - cabbage rolls, "Kiseli Kupus", sauerkraut, pork, sausage and vegetables (this is a favorite of mine), "Balacane", eggplant parmesan and "Pecena Patke", roast duck with Ante's special rice. I had so many appetizers that I took very small portions of the entrees. The duck was good. Not on the scale of Doung Son but nevertheless a good dish.
For dessert we had apple strudel with vanilla ice cream. Darka the waitress gave us all a wine stopper. Mine had fishnet stocking legs. She has a small gift shop close to the restaurant. I thought the gesture was very nice.
Oysters & Bluewater Grill
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Bluewater Grill has oyster tasting's during the season. Since they restaurant moved from South Coast Plaza to Tustin I had not been to any for awhile.
The Tustin location was only about 10 minutes further so today Remy and I decided to see what the new place was like. Its about 4 times as big as the other location and much spiffier.
They advertised 12 oyster and one glass of wine of beer for $19.95. This is a bargain. I took a bottle of 2005 Huber Chardonnay and it was excellent. When we were seated the waitress came up and put 2 wine glasses in front of each of us and asked what we wanted first. We opted for what was in her hand which was the Fetzer Sauvignon Blanc. It was pleasant enough but just a run of the mill wine. Then the rep from Firestone Walker Brewery came to the table and asked if we wanted beer. He poured us a pint of Firestone pale ale which was excellent. Then the wine rep came to the table and poured the Rodney Strong Chardonnay. Again another ran of the mill wine. Drinkable but not great. I felt the beer was the best deal. Three people serving us. So we ended up with 3 pours of wine and 2 beers along with the wine I brought. Not bad for $20.
We had a dozen Mendocino Roasted Oysters done three ways. 4 with butter, garlic and wine which paired with the wines. 4 with Tangy barbeque sauce. This went great with the pale ale. And the last 4 were Pacific Rim Style which had a Thai Curry sauce. This had a definite bite to it and also went great with the pale ale and with the Huber Chardonnay that I brought. They serve everything with hot fresh sourdough bread and I can say I was fully satisfied afterwards.
The Bluewater Grill has oyster tasting's during the season. Since they restaurant moved from South Coast Plaza to Tustin I had not been to any for awhile.
The Tustin location was only about 10 minutes further so today Remy and I decided to see what the new place was like. Its about 4 times as big as the other location and much spiffier.
They advertised 12 oyster and one glass of wine of beer for $19.95. This is a bargain. I took a bottle of 2005 Huber Chardonnay and it was excellent. When we were seated the waitress came up and put 2 wine glasses in front of each of us and asked what we wanted first. We opted for what was in her hand which was the Fetzer Sauvignon Blanc. It was pleasant enough but just a run of the mill wine. Then the rep from Firestone Walker Brewery came to the table and asked if we wanted beer. He poured us a pint of Firestone pale ale which was excellent. Then the wine rep came to the table and poured the Rodney Strong Chardonnay. Again another ran of the mill wine. Drinkable but not great. I felt the beer was the best deal. Three people serving us. So we ended up with 3 pours of wine and 2 beers along with the wine I brought. Not bad for $20.
We had a dozen Mendocino Roasted Oysters done three ways. 4 with butter, garlic and wine which paired with the wines. 4 with Tangy barbeque sauce. This went great with the pale ale. And the last 4 were Pacific Rim Style which had a Thai Curry sauce. This had a definite bite to it and also went great with the pale ale and with the Huber Chardonnay that I brought. They serve everything with hot fresh sourdough bread and I can say I was fully satisfied afterwards.
Passport Tasting
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Delius Restaurant in Signal Hill had their annual "Passport Tasting" today. This was the second time at the new location. This years tasting was much more organized that last years. If it had been the same as last years I would probably decide not to do this event anymore. There were 4 wine rep' s pouring today. 12 countries and 3 wines from each country. These are never the high end wines but some of them were quiet good.
A buffet was set up with the mandatory cheeses. A great ceviche which paired excellent with a couple of Italian white wines. Poached Salmon, sausages, a great crab dip. The table also had an array of desserts. The servers passed around trays of Pork Pesto, Ahi Poki, stuffed mushrooms and fabulous lamb chops.
This was definitely better than 2007 and I will be attending the 2009 tasting.
Delius Restaurant in Signal Hill had their annual "Passport Tasting" today. This was the second time at the new location. This years tasting was much more organized that last years. If it had been the same as last years I would probably decide not to do this event anymore. There were 4 wine rep' s pouring today. 12 countries and 3 wines from each country. These are never the high end wines but some of them were quiet good.
A buffet was set up with the mandatory cheeses. A great ceviche which paired excellent with a couple of Italian white wines. Poached Salmon, sausages, a great crab dip. The table also had an array of desserts. The servers passed around trays of Pork Pesto, Ahi Poki, stuffed mushrooms and fabulous lamb chops.
This was definitely better than 2007 and I will be attending the 2009 tasting.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Chinese Dinner # ???
Saturday, October 4, 2008
8 of us attended dinner at Doung Son restaurant in Westminister (Little Saigon) tonight. Henry has been coming to this place for years every Fridays night with his friends. so we just let him do the ordering. This place is "the Find". No ambiance and only about 10 tables but the food is outstanding.
We started of with "Duck Two Ways". First the very crispy skin with a small amount of meat attached was served "Peking" style with soft buns, hoison sauce, cilantro and shredded scallions. This was served on a bed of shrimp chips.
Next the meat of the duck was shredded and served with crispy rice noodles with bell peppers.
Our favorite "garlic green beans" with seabass was served. This is undoubtedly with best way to serve green beans.
Salt & Pepper Calamari was next. This is so far superior to the"chain" restaurants, The breading is delicate, the calamari is very tender and good size portions. You get a lot of "meat with a little breading.
Shrimp with fat noodles was next. Another good dish. I do like the fat noddles . They absorb the sauce and the flavor is great.
Crispy fried beef was served. Spicy, tender and very satisfying
The last dish was Doung Son Tofu. Fried tofu with mushrooms. This is the only place where I like tofu.
The restaurant gave us 3 desserts tonight. A walnut tapioca type pudding, fresh melon and lotus seed buns.
The wines tonight were all good.
2004 Meridian Gerwurztraminer, 2006 Steelhead Sauvignon Blanc, 1999 Tinta Caravelas ( a blend of Spanish & Portuguese varietals made by the winemaker at Martin Weyrich ), 2001 Martin Weyrich Insieme, 2002 Chateau Souverain Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 Four Vines Heretic Petite Syrah, 2004 Bridlewood Arabesque, 1997 Grey Wolf Merlot dessert wine and a 2003 Tobin James Liquid Love dessert wine.
Another good dinner, great food and good friends.
8 of us attended dinner at Doung Son restaurant in Westminister (Little Saigon) tonight. Henry has been coming to this place for years every Fridays night with his friends. so we just let him do the ordering. This place is "the Find". No ambiance and only about 10 tables but the food is outstanding.
We started of with "Duck Two Ways". First the very crispy skin with a small amount of meat attached was served "Peking" style with soft buns, hoison sauce, cilantro and shredded scallions. This was served on a bed of shrimp chips.
Next the meat of the duck was shredded and served with crispy rice noodles with bell peppers.
Our favorite "garlic green beans" with seabass was served. This is undoubtedly with best way to serve green beans.
Salt & Pepper Calamari was next. This is so far superior to the"chain" restaurants, The breading is delicate, the calamari is very tender and good size portions. You get a lot of "meat with a little breading.
Shrimp with fat noodles was next. Another good dish. I do like the fat noddles . They absorb the sauce and the flavor is great.
Crispy fried beef was served. Spicy, tender and very satisfying
The last dish was Doung Son Tofu. Fried tofu with mushrooms. This is the only place where I like tofu.
The restaurant gave us 3 desserts tonight. A walnut tapioca type pudding, fresh melon and lotus seed buns.
The wines tonight were all good.
2004 Meridian Gerwurztraminer, 2006 Steelhead Sauvignon Blanc, 1999 Tinta Caravelas ( a blend of Spanish & Portuguese varietals made by the winemaker at Martin Weyrich ), 2001 Martin Weyrich Insieme, 2002 Chateau Souverain Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 Four Vines Heretic Petite Syrah, 2004 Bridlewood Arabesque, 1997 Grey Wolf Merlot dessert wine and a 2003 Tobin James Liquid Love dessert wine.
Another good dinner, great food and good friends.
Risotto & Lamb Dinner
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A few years ago a group of us attended a wine dinner at a small restaurant in Newport Beach. One of the dishes was a risotto which we all decided was not very good. It had not been cooked properly and the chef/owner did not have a clue. So our good friend Clyde, opened his mouth up and said "I make better risotto than this". He said he would have us all over for a risotto dinner.
I guess his conscious got the best of him and he finally set a date. 9 of us dined this evening. We brought the appetizers and desserts and Clyde made braised lamb shanks, mushroom risotto and his wife Libby made a great salad with greens, pears and cheese. The dinner was excellent. and the risotto was far superior to the dish at the restaurant in Newport Beach.
Wine flowed freely. There was a least 15 bottles set out. I did not keep a list of the wines but I brought a 2003 Loring Cargasacchi Pinot Noir and a 2007 Clos Pepe Pinot Rose. Several of the other wines were very good.
Good friends, good food and good wine. What more does a person need. It just does not better than this.
A few years ago a group of us attended a wine dinner at a small restaurant in Newport Beach. One of the dishes was a risotto which we all decided was not very good. It had not been cooked properly and the chef/owner did not have a clue. So our good friend Clyde, opened his mouth up and said "I make better risotto than this". He said he would have us all over for a risotto dinner.
I guess his conscious got the best of him and he finally set a date. 9 of us dined this evening. We brought the appetizers and desserts and Clyde made braised lamb shanks, mushroom risotto and his wife Libby made a great salad with greens, pears and cheese. The dinner was excellent. and the risotto was far superior to the dish at the restaurant in Newport Beach.
Wine flowed freely. There was a least 15 bottles set out. I did not keep a list of the wines but I brought a 2003 Loring Cargasacchi Pinot Noir and a 2007 Clos Pepe Pinot Rose. Several of the other wines were very good.
Good friends, good food and good wine. What more does a person need. It just does not better than this.
Monthly Gathering of The Flock
Sunday, October 21, 2008
Today was our monthly get together of the winos. Today's theme was Margaret River vs. Russian River. With all the wines that showed up from the Margaret River we did not need to include the Russian River. I was very pleasantly surprised that people went out of their way to search out wines form the Margaret River which is in Australia.
All the wines were very good even the Chardonnays. The only one that I did care for was an over-oaked Paul Hobbs Chardonnay from the Russian River. But that is my personal preference. Other people liked it.
The wine that was the biggest hit was a 2003 Vasse Felix, Cabernet Sauvignon. Only 220 cases came into the USA and the price was a reasonable $27. Even tho we use 1-1/2 oz pourers (so everyone gets a taste) this bottle was emptied first.
As usual our host for todays event, Henry, created some great Chinese dishes for our dinner. All the appetizers were good and there were a couple of real standouts. It seems everyone went just a little bit more on selecting wine and food for today's event
Today was our monthly get together of the winos. Today's theme was Margaret River vs. Russian River. With all the wines that showed up from the Margaret River we did not need to include the Russian River. I was very pleasantly surprised that people went out of their way to search out wines form the Margaret River which is in Australia.
All the wines were very good even the Chardonnays. The only one that I did care for was an over-oaked Paul Hobbs Chardonnay from the Russian River. But that is my personal preference. Other people liked it.
The wine that was the biggest hit was a 2003 Vasse Felix, Cabernet Sauvignon. Only 220 cases came into the USA and the price was a reasonable $27. Even tho we use 1-1/2 oz pourers (so everyone gets a taste) this bottle was emptied first.
As usual our host for todays event, Henry, created some great Chinese dishes for our dinner. All the appetizers were good and there were a couple of real standouts. It seems everyone went just a little bit more on selecting wine and food for today's event
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Yearly Vist to Dunarea Restaurant
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The monthly "Wine & Dine" group converged on "Dunarea Restaurant" in Anaheim tonight. This is a Romanian restaurant and is very popular with the ex-patriates. This was smaller group than normal, just 14 of us.
We started out with 5 appetizers. All of which are very good.
"Salata De Vinete" Roasted eggplant dip with onions.
"Delta" Caviar dip with olives and lemon. (my favorite)
"Shrimp Sole" sauteed shrimp.
"Cold Cut Plate" Salami, ham, kashkaval, feta cheese, olives, tomatoes and bell peppers.
Cornmeal (polenta) with feta cheese and sour cream.
Entrees included.
"Sarmale In Foi De Varza" stuffed cabbage rolls filled with ground pork and beef. Excellent dish.
"Dunarea Salad" tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, egg & feta cheese with a Romanian dressing. I always pass this up because it comes so late in the meal (European custom) that I cannot handle the clash of flavors as by now I am on to red wine. Others enjoy it so it is a personal preference.
"Chicken Paprika" grilled chicken breast with dumplings and hot paprika sauce, served with sour cream.
"Grlled Salmon", grilled with spices, garlic and lemon.
We had many wines but I did not keep track of them. Of those that I liked, there was a 1999 bourgone, a Melville Pinot and I brought a 2000 Clos de Verges, Billard Gonnet Pommard Pemier Cru bourgone which I think had several more good years in it. Someone poured me a white burgundy which was nice and there was a "bubbly" which was good. Other than those I did not taste any of the other wines, except one that was a Cabernet and there was something wrong with the bottle.
The monthly "Wine & Dine" group converged on "Dunarea Restaurant" in Anaheim tonight. This is a Romanian restaurant and is very popular with the ex-patriates. This was smaller group than normal, just 14 of us.
We started out with 5 appetizers. All of which are very good.
"Salata De Vinete" Roasted eggplant dip with onions.
"Delta" Caviar dip with olives and lemon. (my favorite)
"Shrimp Sole" sauteed shrimp.
"Cold Cut Plate" Salami, ham, kashkaval, feta cheese, olives, tomatoes and bell peppers.
Cornmeal (polenta) with feta cheese and sour cream.
Entrees included.
"Sarmale In Foi De Varza" stuffed cabbage rolls filled with ground pork and beef. Excellent dish.
"Dunarea Salad" tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, egg & feta cheese with a Romanian dressing. I always pass this up because it comes so late in the meal (European custom) that I cannot handle the clash of flavors as by now I am on to red wine. Others enjoy it so it is a personal preference.
"Chicken Paprika" grilled chicken breast with dumplings and hot paprika sauce, served with sour cream.
"Grlled Salmon", grilled with spices, garlic and lemon.
We had many wines but I did not keep track of them. Of those that I liked, there was a 1999 bourgone, a Melville Pinot and I brought a 2000 Clos de Verges, Billard Gonnet Pommard Pemier Cru bourgone which I think had several more good years in it. Someone poured me a white burgundy which was nice and there was a "bubbly" which was good. Other than those I did not taste any of the other wines, except one that was a Cabernet and there was something wrong with the bottle.
Italian Wine Dinner at Utopia
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
4 of us dined this evening at Utopia, http://www.utopiarestaurant.net/, . The theme was Italian wines and the importer, Ciro Crillo was there. I will say Utopia gives you decent pours of wine and will give seconds if you request it. This is nice compared to some places where you get about a 2 ounce pour and they look at you strangely if you ask for a second pour. Utopia always sets out a basket of fresh, hot rolls which are very good. But they never seem to put enough butter with it.
First course was "Insalata di Riso" Italian risotto, Kalamata olives, garlic, pepperoncini, capers and tomatoes. I found this dish unusual and very good. It had the right amount of seasoning and paired excellent with a 2007 Terra Di Pra' Col Reale from Veneto. A blend of Cortese & Garganega. I really liked this wine and did buy 4 bottles.
Next was a "Pettine con fetaccini" Grilled scallops in a bed of light Alfredo fettuccine pasta. This was one of the best Alfredo sauces I have ever had. I'm not sure why but it was beyond excellent. The pasta was cooked just right. This dish was paired with a 2006 Collesanta Pinot Grigio from Veneto. The wine was good but not the same caliber as the first wine served.
Main course was "Linguine Del Mar" Linguine pasta with mussels, sea scallops, garlic, red bell pepper in a light pomodoro sauce. This dish was excellent. I did not care for the pairing of wine. A Lume Sangiovese Livio Innocenti Montalcino, Tuscany. Frankly I thought the wine was thin.
Dessert was "Espresso Amore", Italian gelato with raspberry sorbet. Served with a 2003 Agripeccioli Aureus Traminer Ice wine from Tuscany. Both were good on their own but I am not a sweet with sweet drinker. I would have preferred a savory or cheese item with the ice wine.
At $ 50 plus tax and tip this was excellent buy. Portions are small but filling and I was not hungry afterwards like I have been at another local restaurant which gets twice the price and I feel like I need to go through a fast food drive in to finish the meal. Needless to say I do not go back to that establishment.
Next up in October at Utopia is a Chilean Wine dinner. Looking forward to that one.
4 of us dined this evening at Utopia, http://www.utopiarestaurant.net/, . The theme was Italian wines and the importer, Ciro Crillo was there. I will say Utopia gives you decent pours of wine and will give seconds if you request it. This is nice compared to some places where you get about a 2 ounce pour and they look at you strangely if you ask for a second pour. Utopia always sets out a basket of fresh, hot rolls which are very good. But they never seem to put enough butter with it.
First course was "Insalata di Riso" Italian risotto, Kalamata olives, garlic, pepperoncini, capers and tomatoes. I found this dish unusual and very good. It had the right amount of seasoning and paired excellent with a 2007 Terra Di Pra' Col Reale from Veneto. A blend of Cortese & Garganega. I really liked this wine and did buy 4 bottles.
Next was a "Pettine con fetaccini" Grilled scallops in a bed of light Alfredo fettuccine pasta. This was one of the best Alfredo sauces I have ever had. I'm not sure why but it was beyond excellent. The pasta was cooked just right. This dish was paired with a 2006 Collesanta Pinot Grigio from Veneto. The wine was good but not the same caliber as the first wine served.
Main course was "Linguine Del Mar" Linguine pasta with mussels, sea scallops, garlic, red bell pepper in a light pomodoro sauce. This dish was excellent. I did not care for the pairing of wine. A Lume Sangiovese Livio Innocenti Montalcino, Tuscany. Frankly I thought the wine was thin.
Dessert was "Espresso Amore", Italian gelato with raspberry sorbet. Served with a 2003 Agripeccioli Aureus Traminer Ice wine from Tuscany. Both were good on their own but I am not a sweet with sweet drinker. I would have preferred a savory or cheese item with the ice wine.
At $ 50 plus tax and tip this was excellent buy. Portions are small but filling and I was not hungry afterwards like I have been at another local restaurant which gets twice the price and I feel like I need to go through a fast food drive in to finish the meal. Needless to say I do not go back to that establishment.
Next up in October at Utopia is a Chilean Wine dinner. Looking forward to that one.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Demetria Wine Dinner
Friday, August 29, 2008
Delius Restaurant, http://www.deliusrestaurant.com/, held a wine dinner this evening. I had tasted Demetria , http://www.demetriaestate.com/, wines at the Malibu Wine Classic so I was looking forward to this dinner. I have done many dinners at Delius over the years and they are all good. A few have been over the top and this was one of them. The food was up several notches from their usual excellence. These wine special wines dinners seem to bring our such creative instincts in the chefs. Most of the food dishes at these special dinners will not be repeated and do not show up on the regular menu except for a very rare occasion.
I was seated at the table with Michael Roth, the winemaker at Demetria. Very personable person and a good dining companion. One of the nice perks about dining at Delius on these special wine dinners is that if you are a single diner they sit you at the table with the wine rep. There were 3 of us singles tonight. One person I knew and the other was new dining companion. We had a great dining experience and everyone seemed to have a really good time. Toby who usually joins us was dining with friends that night at another table.
Appetizer was a "Shrimp, Sage & Sweet Potato Ravioli, baby arugula with a balsamic reduction". The reduction was a perfect pairing with the ravioli. Could not have been better. This was served with a 2006 Demetria Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay. The grapes were sourced from the old "Ashley's Vineyard". The wine by itself had just a tad too much oak on it for me personally but when drank with the food they complimented each other. The oak was cut by the food and went very well with the dish.
The salad was "Braised Leeks, Mascarpone Sorbet, Red Pepper Foam & Basil Oil". The leeks were caramelized and all the flavors seemed to meld together. Each bite was perfect. The mascarpone sorbet was a very interesting touch and although it seems strange it was a perfect accompaniment to the leeks. This dish was served with a 2005 Demetria Papou (Rousanne & Viognier). Again another great pairing.
First course was "Roasted Duck Breast, Yukon Gold Potato & Brie Hash and Red Wine Veal Sauce". Louise is a master with duck and lamb and again this dish showed it. The skin was extra crispy and not a drop of fat was to be seen. The potato and brie hash was outstanding. Something I would bever had thought to put together. The wine was a 2006 Demetria Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir. Again the grapes were sourced from the old Ashley's vineyard.
Main course was a "Thyme-Mustard Crusted Lamb Chops, Butternut Squash & Braised Shallots. The lamb was full of flavor and the crust was really well balanced with the squash and shallots. A 2005 Demetria Estate Cuvee Constantine was served with the lamb. This wine is a Red Rhone blend of Mouvedre, Grenache, Syrah & Viognier. This was the highest alcohol wine of the evening at 14.8%. It did not had the taste of a high alcohol content and again a very good pairing with the lamb.
Delius Restaurant, http://www.deliusrestaurant.com/, held a wine dinner this evening. I had tasted Demetria , http://www.demetriaestate.com/, wines at the Malibu Wine Classic so I was looking forward to this dinner. I have done many dinners at Delius over the years and they are all good. A few have been over the top and this was one of them. The food was up several notches from their usual excellence. These wine special wines dinners seem to bring our such creative instincts in the chefs. Most of the food dishes at these special dinners will not be repeated and do not show up on the regular menu except for a very rare occasion.
I was seated at the table with Michael Roth, the winemaker at Demetria. Very personable person and a good dining companion. One of the nice perks about dining at Delius on these special wine dinners is that if you are a single diner they sit you at the table with the wine rep. There were 3 of us singles tonight. One person I knew and the other was new dining companion. We had a great dining experience and everyone seemed to have a really good time. Toby who usually joins us was dining with friends that night at another table.
Appetizer was a "Shrimp, Sage & Sweet Potato Ravioli, baby arugula with a balsamic reduction". The reduction was a perfect pairing with the ravioli. Could not have been better. This was served with a 2006 Demetria Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay. The grapes were sourced from the old "Ashley's Vineyard". The wine by itself had just a tad too much oak on it for me personally but when drank with the food they complimented each other. The oak was cut by the food and went very well with the dish.
The salad was "Braised Leeks, Mascarpone Sorbet, Red Pepper Foam & Basil Oil". The leeks were caramelized and all the flavors seemed to meld together. Each bite was perfect. The mascarpone sorbet was a very interesting touch and although it seems strange it was a perfect accompaniment to the leeks. This dish was served with a 2005 Demetria Papou (Rousanne & Viognier). Again another great pairing.
First course was "Roasted Duck Breast, Yukon Gold Potato & Brie Hash and Red Wine Veal Sauce". Louise is a master with duck and lamb and again this dish showed it. The skin was extra crispy and not a drop of fat was to be seen. The potato and brie hash was outstanding. Something I would bever had thought to put together. The wine was a 2006 Demetria Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir. Again the grapes were sourced from the old Ashley's vineyard.
Main course was a "Thyme-Mustard Crusted Lamb Chops, Butternut Squash & Braised Shallots. The lamb was full of flavor and the crust was really well balanced with the squash and shallots. A 2005 Demetria Estate Cuvee Constantine was served with the lamb. This wine is a Red Rhone blend of Mouvedre, Grenache, Syrah & Viognier. This was the highest alcohol wine of the evening at 14.8%. It did not had the taste of a high alcohol content and again a very good pairing with the lamb.
We finished with a Chocolate Espresso Alomond Cake with Peppered Whip Creamd Raspberry Compote.
Demetria is closed to the public. I will be stopping in at the invitation of the winemaker when I am up in the area in October. There wines are available online and at Wine Crush in Long Beach and Hi-Times in Newport Beach. The wines are medium priced and I found that I liked them.
The dinner was a smashing success with me. Fantastic food and good wine. Yes it was a little pricey at $85 but the quality of the food is worth it. I would prefer to dine out a little less often and be able to thoroughly enjoy a dinner at this level. This is one of those dinners I will remember for a long time. Great food, good wine, good service and no one hovering over you table trying to get you to leave so they can seat another party. I do like the concept of "Prix Fixe" dinning.
Winemaker Dinner at Utopia
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
These posting may be out of order as the computer has been down and I am behind. Somehow I missed this one.
There were 4 of us at dinner tonight. Utopia, www.utopiarestaurant.et, is a small restaurant in downtown Long Beach . There prices are reasonable and the food is good.
Tonight the wines were from the Sonoma area.
Appetizer was "Cheese Ravioli & Grilled Portabello mushrooms with sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Good flavor. Paired with 2007 F. Scherrer Rose.
Salad was Celery, cucumber, fresh thyme, shallot, sun-dried cranberry and roasted walnut in a lemon olive oil dressing. A different salad but the flavors went well together. Served with a 2006 Mutt Lynch Chardonnay.
Main dish was grilled lamb chops with fresh tarragon, garlic wine sauce, served with grilled asparagus and grilled tomatoes. I asked for my lamb chops to be medium rare which they did accommodate me. I find that their lamb here is a little to overdone for my taste. The dish was good and it was served with a 2004 Fieldstone Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dessert was a homemade dark chocolate tiramisu which was excellent. I;m also a big dark chocolate fan so its hard to screw this dessert up. They served it with a 2006 Homefire Cellars Zinfandel. A good pairing. Zinfandels, Cabernets and Merlots seem to pair well with chocolate.
These posting may be out of order as the computer has been down and I am behind. Somehow I missed this one.
There were 4 of us at dinner tonight. Utopia, www.utopiarestaurant.et, is a small restaurant in downtown Long Beach . There prices are reasonable and the food is good.
Tonight the wines were from the Sonoma area.
Appetizer was "Cheese Ravioli & Grilled Portabello mushrooms with sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Good flavor. Paired with 2007 F. Scherrer Rose.
Salad was Celery, cucumber, fresh thyme, shallot, sun-dried cranberry and roasted walnut in a lemon olive oil dressing. A different salad but the flavors went well together. Served with a 2006 Mutt Lynch Chardonnay.
Main dish was grilled lamb chops with fresh tarragon, garlic wine sauce, served with grilled asparagus and grilled tomatoes. I asked for my lamb chops to be medium rare which they did accommodate me. I find that their lamb here is a little to overdone for my taste. The dish was good and it was served with a 2004 Fieldstone Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dessert was a homemade dark chocolate tiramisu which was excellent. I;m also a big dark chocolate fan so its hard to screw this dessert up. They served it with a 2006 Homefire Cellars Zinfandel. A good pairing. Zinfandels, Cabernets and Merlots seem to pair well with chocolate.
Diabetes Fundraiser
Sunday, August 24, 2008
This is probably the 5th of 6th fundraiser that I have attended for the ":Cure For Diabetes". This year it was held at "The Center" in Costa Mesa. The Lamborgini's and Ferrari's were in abundance again, along with the "beautiful" people. Silicon, botox and all.
It seemed like a smaller crowd this year and also the number of wine vendors seemed to be smaller. Maybe its the economy or the fact that everyone is having a "Food & Wine" fundraiser and expects all the wineries and restaurants to donate. There is only so much to go around and when these vendors are squeezed to much something does give.
I did pick up 2 more wine openers for my collection and 3 additional wine varietals to add to my list which is now at 176 varietals tasted.
The auction is always a good time at this event. With what the "Sea Smoke " pinot wines went for I have now decided I have a small fortune in my collection.
This is probably the 5th of 6th fundraiser that I have attended for the ":Cure For Diabetes". This year it was held at "The Center" in Costa Mesa. The Lamborgini's and Ferrari's were in abundance again, along with the "beautiful" people. Silicon, botox and all.
It seemed like a smaller crowd this year and also the number of wine vendors seemed to be smaller. Maybe its the economy or the fact that everyone is having a "Food & Wine" fundraiser and expects all the wineries and restaurants to donate. There is only so much to go around and when these vendors are squeezed to much something does give.
I did pick up 2 more wine openers for my collection and 3 additional wine varietals to add to my list which is now at 176 varietals tasted.
The auction is always a good time at this event. With what the "Sea Smoke " pinot wines went for I have now decided I have a small fortune in my collection.
Wino's Monthly Gathering
Sunday, August 17, 2008
This months wine theme was Zinfandels over $20 and Pinot based Champagnes, sparklings or Rose's. August is too hot to drink high alcohol Zins, so it was a nice secondary theme that I really enjoyed.
The group was much bigger than last month. Zin's always bring them out. As I understand after I left a few more bottles were opened.
I do not do heat well so I did leave early.
This months wine theme was Zinfandels over $20 and Pinot based Champagnes, sparklings or Rose's. August is too hot to drink high alcohol Zins, so it was a nice secondary theme that I really enjoyed.
The group was much bigger than last month. Zin's always bring them out. As I understand after I left a few more bottles were opened.
I do not do heat well so I did leave early.
Another Chinese Dinner
Saturday, August 8, 2008
Eight of us gathered tonight At Duong Son in Westminister (Little Saigon). I did take some notes but since Its been a month since the dinner (my computer has been down) I am not sure if I can read my own handwriting.
Basil Chicken (always a winner)
Roast Duck (their specialty)
Garlic fried green beans with shrimp (another staple for us)
Fried sea bass (a first and excellent)
Chow Mein Cluster (a first but not my favorite)
Beef Tendons with Turnips (I always like this dish)
Fried oysters with Ginger & Chives (another excellent favorite)
Ribs with sauce ( tastes like maple syrup is in the sauce-crispy and really good)
Green Bean Tapioca (tastes much better than it sounds)
Not your mothers Chinese food.
The wines tonight were all on the upside.
2006 AP Vin Turner Vineyard Pinot Noir
2005 Snowden, Napa Cabernet
2006 Torzi Matthews, Shiraz
2004 Chateau Margene Cabernet
2007 Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc
2004 Kangnilla Road Shiraz
2004 Kosta Browne Sonoma, Pinot Noir
2003 Domaine Schulmberger Riesling
2005 Roar, Santa Lucia, Pinot Noir
2003 McKeon-Phillips BPR Cabernet
These dinners are always good, the gathering tonight was a good group of people and the wines were on the up side. Can't wait until October for the next dinner.
Eight of us gathered tonight At Duong Son in Westminister (Little Saigon). I did take some notes but since Its been a month since the dinner (my computer has been down) I am not sure if I can read my own handwriting.
Basil Chicken (always a winner)
Roast Duck (their specialty)
Garlic fried green beans with shrimp (another staple for us)
Fried sea bass (a first and excellent)
Chow Mein Cluster (a first but not my favorite)
Beef Tendons with Turnips (I always like this dish)
Fried oysters with Ginger & Chives (another excellent favorite)
Ribs with sauce ( tastes like maple syrup is in the sauce-crispy and really good)
Green Bean Tapioca (tastes much better than it sounds)
Not your mothers Chinese food.
The wines tonight were all on the upside.
2006 AP Vin Turner Vineyard Pinot Noir
2005 Snowden, Napa Cabernet
2006 Torzi Matthews, Shiraz
2004 Chateau Margene Cabernet
2007 Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc
2004 Kangnilla Road Shiraz
2004 Kosta Browne Sonoma, Pinot Noir
2003 Domaine Schulmberger Riesling
2005 Roar, Santa Lucia, Pinot Noir
2003 McKeon-Phillips BPR Cabernet
These dinners are always good, the gathering tonight was a good group of people and the wines were on the up side. Can't wait until October for the next dinner.
Dinner In The Vineyard
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Four of us headed down the highway towards the Santa Ynez Valley to have "Dinner In The Vineyard" at Stolpman's vineyard. This is the 3rd annual dinner and I have been to all. For once I had a designated driver so it was nice to be able to relax and leave the driving to someone else.
We arrived at the vineyards and the festivities were in full swing. We decided not to do the vineyard tour as we had done it before. After heading to the table with the wine we made a beeline to the appetizer table. After all it had been over 30 minutes since we had eaten at Clos Pepe. By time the bell sounded for dinner I was fully packed. I did put a very small amount on my plate and I had trouble eating that. What I did eat was very good. The beef was excellent, tender and full of flavor. The wines flowed freely,the band was playing and a couple of people did get up and dance
A friend my mine came up and said they were going to Patrick's Side Street Cafe later and wanted me to join them. I had to decline at I don't think I could out another bite into my mouth for the rest of the day and I was riding with other people so that would not have been too cool to exclude them.
The sun was starting to set and as there is no electricity at the vineyard it was time to leave. We let and went back to our hotel, sat around the pool and finished off a bottle of wine. A perfect ending to a perfect day. I am already looking forward to next year.
Four of us headed down the highway towards the Santa Ynez Valley to have "Dinner In The Vineyard" at Stolpman's vineyard. This is the 3rd annual dinner and I have been to all. For once I had a designated driver so it was nice to be able to relax and leave the driving to someone else.
We arrived at the vineyards and the festivities were in full swing. We decided not to do the vineyard tour as we had done it before. After heading to the table with the wine we made a beeline to the appetizer table. After all it had been over 30 minutes since we had eaten at Clos Pepe. By time the bell sounded for dinner I was fully packed. I did put a very small amount on my plate and I had trouble eating that. What I did eat was very good. The beef was excellent, tender and full of flavor. The wines flowed freely,the band was playing and a couple of people did get up and dance
A friend my mine came up and said they were going to Patrick's Side Street Cafe later and wanted me to join them. I had to decline at I don't think I could out another bite into my mouth for the rest of the day and I was riding with other people so that would not have been too cool to exclude them.
The sun was starting to set and as there is no electricity at the vineyard it was time to leave. We let and went back to our hotel, sat around the pool and finished off a bottle of wine. A perfect ending to a perfect day. I am already looking forward to next year.
Clos Pepe Estates Release Party
Saturday, August 2, 2008
We left about 7:00 in the morning for the drive to Buellton (about 45 minutes above Santa Barbara). The wineries do not open until 10:00 for tasting and our arrival time at Clos Pepe was 1:00 pm.
We arrived in the town of Solvang a little early so we parked the car near the "Trio" tasting room and headed to the Christmas store. This store is open all year and devotes itself to Christmas ornaments and Nativity sets. I bought a few angel ornaments for the great-grandkids. Had their names painted on them. Kids are into things like that. Makes them feel special.
By time we messed around in the store Stolpman's wine tasting room was open. Stopped in and tasted a few new wines, and bought a mixed case of Stolpman wines. Our friends who we were going to meet a little later walked into the tasting room. It is interesting how we wino's gravitate to the "good" wines. Time was starting to catch up with us, so we boogied over to Trio and tasted wine there. These wines are made by Kris Curran and Bruno D'Alfonso. I will say for some reason I was disappointed in most of the wines that were poured that day. I will have to go in there again in October when I am in the area and take a second look at them. I have had their wines before and enjoyed them, so I'm not to sure of the off day.
It was time to leave for Clos Pepe as we were running a little late. We all piled into one car and headed down the highway towards Lompoc. Clos Pepe is between Buellton and Lompoc in the Sta. Rita Hills. Outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The party was in full swing when we arrived. Several people were there that I had not seen for awhile and I saw a few additional friends. After tasting the 2007 releases and making my futures purchase I headed for the table of library wines. This table is always packed with people. I like to taste the older wines so I can see how mine are aging without opening them. This release party is by invitation only and to qualify you have to be a long time allocation member and buy $500 or more of wine each year. Keeps the number of people low but makes for a great time. Also keeps the "free loaders" out
Inside the house (house is an understatement) they had a table full of older french wines. I tasted several but I was not taking notes so the only one I really remember was a 1988 Lafite Rothschild
They had a large table set up with cheeses and crackers. New West Catering was making gourmet pizzas in the outdoor pizza oven, along with great grilled shrimp and beef kabobs. I pigged out which was a mistake since we were all going to the Stolpman vineyard later in the day for "Dinner in The Vineyard".
About 4:00 pm we said our goodbyes and headed back into the Santa Ynez Valley to have dinner at Stolpmans.
We left about 7:00 in the morning for the drive to Buellton (about 45 minutes above Santa Barbara). The wineries do not open until 10:00 for tasting and our arrival time at Clos Pepe was 1:00 pm.
We arrived in the town of Solvang a little early so we parked the car near the "Trio" tasting room and headed to the Christmas store. This store is open all year and devotes itself to Christmas ornaments and Nativity sets. I bought a few angel ornaments for the great-grandkids. Had their names painted on them. Kids are into things like that. Makes them feel special.
By time we messed around in the store Stolpman's wine tasting room was open. Stopped in and tasted a few new wines, and bought a mixed case of Stolpman wines. Our friends who we were going to meet a little later walked into the tasting room. It is interesting how we wino's gravitate to the "good" wines. Time was starting to catch up with us, so we boogied over to Trio and tasted wine there. These wines are made by Kris Curran and Bruno D'Alfonso. I will say for some reason I was disappointed in most of the wines that were poured that day. I will have to go in there again in October when I am in the area and take a second look at them. I have had their wines before and enjoyed them, so I'm not to sure of the off day.
It was time to leave for Clos Pepe as we were running a little late. We all piled into one car and headed down the highway towards Lompoc. Clos Pepe is between Buellton and Lompoc in the Sta. Rita Hills. Outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The party was in full swing when we arrived. Several people were there that I had not seen for awhile and I saw a few additional friends. After tasting the 2007 releases and making my futures purchase I headed for the table of library wines. This table is always packed with people. I like to taste the older wines so I can see how mine are aging without opening them. This release party is by invitation only and to qualify you have to be a long time allocation member and buy $500 or more of wine each year. Keeps the number of people low but makes for a great time. Also keeps the "free loaders" out
Inside the house (house is an understatement) they had a table full of older french wines. I tasted several but I was not taking notes so the only one I really remember was a 1988 Lafite Rothschild
They had a large table set up with cheeses and crackers. New West Catering was making gourmet pizzas in the outdoor pizza oven, along with great grilled shrimp and beef kabobs. I pigged out which was a mistake since we were all going to the Stolpman vineyard later in the day for "Dinner in The Vineyard".
About 4:00 pm we said our goodbyes and headed back into the Santa Ynez Valley to have dinner at Stolpmans.
Monthly Wino's gathering
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Our host today decided his theme would be "Washington State" wines. This came about because his cousin has a small winery in the state of Washington and he wanted to feature her wines, "Basalt Cellars".
The weather was good and the group was on the small side, about 14 people, but it made for a very nice tasting. Sometimes when you get more that 20 wines it becomes a problem tying to taste everything before your palate leaves you.
The host today made a great pork loin with a raspberry/chipolte sauce. Gave it a thumbs up
Most of us even up in the spa and at least have legs and feet dangling into it. I really great day.
Our host today decided his theme would be "Washington State" wines. This came about because his cousin has a small winery in the state of Washington and he wanted to feature her wines, "Basalt Cellars".
The weather was good and the group was on the small side, about 14 people, but it made for a very nice tasting. Sometimes when you get more that 20 wines it becomes a problem tying to taste everything before your palate leaves you.
The host today made a great pork loin with a raspberry/chipolte sauce. Gave it a thumbs up
Most of us even up in the spa and at least have legs and feet dangling into it. I really great day.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Extravaganza For The Senses
Saturday, July 19, 2008
This is about the 5th year I have attended this fundraiser event for the LA Free Clinic. It is held at the 20th Century Studios complex.
We arrived just before 6 pm so we did not have to wait too long for the gates to open. There are numerous restaurants and food vendors in attendance. I always have a tendency to overeat at these types of events and tonight was no exception. I did watch by alcohol consumption as I was the driver.
A few of the most memorable food dishes I had were the "Macadamian Shrimp" from the 20th Century Studios commissary, the beautiful raw oysters from the Palm restaurant, the gourmet wild mushroom tamale from Corn Maiden Foods, the tuna and salmon hand rolls from Hokusai and the fabulous chocolate ice cream from Dr. Bob's.
The higher end wineries were pouring their lower end wines so I did have several of the bubblies, a glass of Seghesio Zin, a glass of Loring Russell Vineyard Pinot and a glass of Domaine Alfred's "Da Red". Alize was there making concoctions. I had one not to sure what it was but is was real tasty. While I was standing in line for the hand rolls, Asahi beer had a booth right next to the hand roll booth which worked out really well. Beer and sushi.
And no these were not full glass of wine. They were pouring about 2 ounces. All the alcohol served at these functions is poured in moderation. Of course you can over consume if you drink everything available. We did see an acquaintance of ours that looked like he started early in the day and was finishing the night up with a bang. But he did have a designated driver.
So it was another fun evening of food & wine and for a good cause. Tax deductions are really nice.
This is about the 5th year I have attended this fundraiser event for the LA Free Clinic. It is held at the 20th Century Studios complex.
We arrived just before 6 pm so we did not have to wait too long for the gates to open. There are numerous restaurants and food vendors in attendance. I always have a tendency to overeat at these types of events and tonight was no exception. I did watch by alcohol consumption as I was the driver.
A few of the most memorable food dishes I had were the "Macadamian Shrimp" from the 20th Century Studios commissary, the beautiful raw oysters from the Palm restaurant, the gourmet wild mushroom tamale from Corn Maiden Foods, the tuna and salmon hand rolls from Hokusai and the fabulous chocolate ice cream from Dr. Bob's.
The higher end wineries were pouring their lower end wines so I did have several of the bubblies, a glass of Seghesio Zin, a glass of Loring Russell Vineyard Pinot and a glass of Domaine Alfred's "Da Red". Alize was there making concoctions. I had one not to sure what it was but is was real tasty. While I was standing in line for the hand rolls, Asahi beer had a booth right next to the hand roll booth which worked out really well. Beer and sushi.
And no these were not full glass of wine. They were pouring about 2 ounces. All the alcohol served at these functions is poured in moderation. Of course you can over consume if you drink everything available. We did see an acquaintance of ours that looked like he started early in the day and was finishing the night up with a bang. But he did have a designated driver.
So it was another fun evening of food & wine and for a good cause. Tax deductions are really nice.
Hill Family Estate Wine Dinner
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Delius restaurant hosted a wine dinner this evening, www.deliusrestaurant.com . I was not familiar with this winery, but after tasting what they opened with dinner tonight I have become a fan.
Appetizer was "Foie Gras Torchon, Pineapple Compote on Brioche Toast" served with a 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. A beautiful pairing. Just perfect.
The soup was a "Watercress-Apple with Sweet Potato Chips. Excellent soup. Served with a 2006 Carly's Cuvee Chardonnay. This was the type of Chardonnay that I really like. Just a "nano" touch of oak.
First course was "Pork Sous Vide with Caramelized Salisfy, Fava Beans and Roasted Pork Jus. Another great combination served with a 2005 Pinot Noir. We all agreed that this was an excellent wine. For those who are unfamiliar with the term "Sous Vide" - the meat, fish, chicken etc., is placed in a heavy plastic bag with seasonings and placed in a water bath with a constant temperature for many hours. The pork was one of the most tender and moist piece of meat I have had.
Next up was the main course, "Roasted Rack of Lamb with Beluga Lentils, Chipolini Onions and a Dried Cherry Demi-Glace. Louise is a master with lamb and this dish was no exception. Two wines were served with this dish, a 2005 Barrel Blend (Merlot, Cabernet & Syrah) and a 2004 Merlot. Again a great combination.
Dessert was "Strawberry Basil Panna Cotta with Pecan Crisps.
Another great dinner at Delius with some excellent wines.
Delius restaurant hosted a wine dinner this evening, www.deliusrestaurant.com . I was not familiar with this winery, but after tasting what they opened with dinner tonight I have become a fan.
Appetizer was "Foie Gras Torchon, Pineapple Compote on Brioche Toast" served with a 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. A beautiful pairing. Just perfect.
The soup was a "Watercress-Apple with Sweet Potato Chips. Excellent soup. Served with a 2006 Carly's Cuvee Chardonnay. This was the type of Chardonnay that I really like. Just a "nano" touch of oak.
First course was "Pork Sous Vide with Caramelized Salisfy, Fava Beans and Roasted Pork Jus. Another great combination served with a 2005 Pinot Noir. We all agreed that this was an excellent wine. For those who are unfamiliar with the term "Sous Vide" - the meat, fish, chicken etc., is placed in a heavy plastic bag with seasonings and placed in a water bath with a constant temperature for many hours. The pork was one of the most tender and moist piece of meat I have had.
Next up was the main course, "Roasted Rack of Lamb with Beluga Lentils, Chipolini Onions and a Dried Cherry Demi-Glace. Louise is a master with lamb and this dish was no exception. Two wines were served with this dish, a 2005 Barrel Blend (Merlot, Cabernet & Syrah) and a 2004 Merlot. Again a great combination.
Dessert was "Strawberry Basil Panna Cotta with Pecan Crisps.
Another great dinner at Delius with some excellent wines.
Annual Bus Trip
Sunday July 13, 2008
Today's was the annual bus trip that Delius restaurant puts on every year, www.Deliusrestaurant.com,. We start our with a buffet breakfast served with oj, sparkling wine and mimosa's. Naturally the food served is very good. This year we had a scrambled egg and mushroom casserole, sausages & peppers, potatoes, rolls and fresh fruit. At 9 AM we board the bus. This year our destination was Ojai.
I have not been to Ojai since the 1960's Our first stop was a wine & liquor store just past the downtown area. It was next to an auto parts store and for the life of me I cannot remember the name nor the winery. The wines were ok but not that memorable but the store itself, I was blown away with. It carried 700 different kinds of beer, had a very high end liquor department and carried an amazing amount of high end wines. They had a great tasting area in the back of the store with high back stools to sit on and tables . I would have never imagines a store of this caliber in Ojai.
Our next stop was Old Creek Ranch Winery in Ojai Valley., www.oldcreekranch.com, We had our picnic lunch here and the owner came around and poured our wines for us while we ate lunch. I bought several wines here. The prices were reasonable and the wines were good. Its only a short drive off the 101 freeway. Take Hwy 33 to Old Creek Ranch road and it leads directly to the winery. They lost all of their vines to Pierce's disease so they source there grapes from the Central Coast, Santa Ynez and Napa.
The next stop was a disaster. We went to Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard. They make kosher wine. It was terrible. I have nothing more to say about this one.
Our last stop was the Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City. We had a wide assortment of cheese's and wine to sample. This place was the hit of the day.
We returned to Delius restaurant about 8 pm. Another bus trip and another great time to the memory book.
Today's was the annual bus trip that Delius restaurant puts on every year, www.Deliusrestaurant.com,. We start our with a buffet breakfast served with oj, sparkling wine and mimosa's. Naturally the food served is very good. This year we had a scrambled egg and mushroom casserole, sausages & peppers, potatoes, rolls and fresh fruit. At 9 AM we board the bus. This year our destination was Ojai.
I have not been to Ojai since the 1960's Our first stop was a wine & liquor store just past the downtown area. It was next to an auto parts store and for the life of me I cannot remember the name nor the winery. The wines were ok but not that memorable but the store itself, I was blown away with. It carried 700 different kinds of beer, had a very high end liquor department and carried an amazing amount of high end wines. They had a great tasting area in the back of the store with high back stools to sit on and tables . I would have never imagines a store of this caliber in Ojai.
Our next stop was Old Creek Ranch Winery in Ojai Valley., www.oldcreekranch.com, We had our picnic lunch here and the owner came around and poured our wines for us while we ate lunch. I bought several wines here. The prices were reasonable and the wines were good. Its only a short drive off the 101 freeway. Take Hwy 33 to Old Creek Ranch road and it leads directly to the winery. They lost all of their vines to Pierce's disease so they source there grapes from the Central Coast, Santa Ynez and Napa.
The next stop was a disaster. We went to Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard. They make kosher wine. It was terrible. I have nothing more to say about this one.
Our last stop was the Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City. We had a wide assortment of cheese's and wine to sample. This place was the hit of the day.
We returned to Delius restaurant about 8 pm. Another bus trip and another great time to the memory book.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Winos Monthly Gathering
Sunday, June 27, 2008
The winos gathered today for our monthly "wine" outing. Today's theme was Red & White Bordeaux's.
As usual the reds outnumbered the whites. This time by a large margin 5 to 1. All of the wines were good and there were a few notables that stood out.
Two of the whites I really liked. The 2006 Chateau De Launay and the 2006 Baron de Rothschild-Lafite.
In the red department the 1993 Font Villac St Emillion Grand Cru, 1998 Clos Rene Pomerol, 2000 Reginac, 2002 Reginac.
I found these wines were my favorites. All of the wines were drinking nicely and there was not one of them I would not want on my table for dinner.
As usual we had many appetizers to nibble on until the main dish was served. The host cooked salmon on the grill and as always I had stuffed myself so when it came to the numerous desserts that were on the table I could only taste a couple of them.
The weather today was great. A little breezy but the sun shone brightly all day. Just cannot beat California weather.
Next month its off to "Washington State Wines" for the flock.
The winos gathered today for our monthly "wine" outing. Today's theme was Red & White Bordeaux's.
As usual the reds outnumbered the whites. This time by a large margin 5 to 1. All of the wines were good and there were a few notables that stood out.
Two of the whites I really liked. The 2006 Chateau De Launay and the 2006 Baron de Rothschild-Lafite.
In the red department the 1993 Font Villac St Emillion Grand Cru, 1998 Clos Rene Pomerol, 2000 Reginac, 2002 Reginac.
I found these wines were my favorites. All of the wines were drinking nicely and there was not one of them I would not want on my table for dinner.
As usual we had many appetizers to nibble on until the main dish was served. The host cooked salmon on the grill and as always I had stuffed myself so when it came to the numerous desserts that were on the table I could only taste a couple of them.
The weather today was great. A little breezy but the sun shone brightly all day. Just cannot beat California weather.
Next month its off to "Washington State Wines" for the flock.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Beer Dinner at BBC
Monday, June 23, 2008
This was the second "beer dinner" of the season at Belmont Brewing Company. The beer of this evenings tasting was "Craftsman". I had never heard of this brewery before so I did not know what was to take place.
I arrived early and was seated at one of the tables next to the beach. The view of the Long Beach skyline is great. Even the "Old Queen Mary" looked good at night with the lights twinkling.
While waiting for my dinning companions I had a few glasses of "Honesty Ale". Cherry undertones.
They did serve this with the appetizer which was "Smoked Pork Tenderloin on Ancho Crostini w/Pickled Cabbage and Whole Grain Mustard". Actually the beer complimented the food. I do feel that the "crostini" should have been smaller and it would have been much easier to eat.
Soup course was served next. A "Sweet Corn & Black Bean Soup w/Crema Fresca". Half of the bowl had the corn soup and the other half had the black bean with the crema fresca drizzled across it. The soup had good flavor. They served this with the "1903 Pre Prohibition Lager" This beer had a spicy flavor to it. Cross between cloves and allspice.
A salad of "Crisp Apples, Goat Cheese & Field Greens w/Caramelized Pecans appeared. Just a salad. Nothing overly special. This was served with a "Heavenly Hefeweizen". The beer had a slight fruit taste to it but it did go well with the salad.
Main course was "Oven Roasted Game Hen w/Mushroom Cornbread Stuffing & Julienne Vegetable Nest". This dish was paired with the "Triple White Sage" beer. The underlying hints of sage went well with the cornbread stuffing. By this time I was stuffed so I ate 1 leg and 1 spoonful of dressing and took the rest home. This was a "whole" game hen.
Dessert was a "Expresso Mousse Parfait w/Sour Cherry Compote & Vanilla Cream". This was served with the Baltic Porter. The best beer of the evening. The dessert was just "ok". Nothing special but edible.
These beer dinners are always interesting. Its a crap shoot as to the quality. But at $50 you cannot be overly picky but coming off the absolutely fabulous dinner Saturday night I would say this dinner was acceptable, boring and not to inventive but edible.
I would never order these beers as a stand alone drink. They seemed to pair well with the food but I could not drink a glass of any of these except maybe the porter. But the company was good, the setting perfect along the waves with the twinkling lights in the background and the weather was great for beachside dining.
This was the second "beer dinner" of the season at Belmont Brewing Company. The beer of this evenings tasting was "Craftsman". I had never heard of this brewery before so I did not know what was to take place.
I arrived early and was seated at one of the tables next to the beach. The view of the Long Beach skyline is great. Even the "Old Queen Mary" looked good at night with the lights twinkling.
While waiting for my dinning companions I had a few glasses of "Honesty Ale". Cherry undertones.
They did serve this with the appetizer which was "Smoked Pork Tenderloin on Ancho Crostini w/Pickled Cabbage and Whole Grain Mustard". Actually the beer complimented the food. I do feel that the "crostini" should have been smaller and it would have been much easier to eat.
Soup course was served next. A "Sweet Corn & Black Bean Soup w/Crema Fresca". Half of the bowl had the corn soup and the other half had the black bean with the crema fresca drizzled across it. The soup had good flavor. They served this with the "1903 Pre Prohibition Lager" This beer had a spicy flavor to it. Cross between cloves and allspice.
A salad of "Crisp Apples, Goat Cheese & Field Greens w/Caramelized Pecans appeared. Just a salad. Nothing overly special. This was served with a "Heavenly Hefeweizen". The beer had a slight fruit taste to it but it did go well with the salad.
Main course was "Oven Roasted Game Hen w/Mushroom Cornbread Stuffing & Julienne Vegetable Nest". This dish was paired with the "Triple White Sage" beer. The underlying hints of sage went well with the cornbread stuffing. By this time I was stuffed so I ate 1 leg and 1 spoonful of dressing and took the rest home. This was a "whole" game hen.
Dessert was a "Expresso Mousse Parfait w/Sour Cherry Compote & Vanilla Cream". This was served with the Baltic Porter. The best beer of the evening. The dessert was just "ok". Nothing special but edible.
These beer dinners are always interesting. Its a crap shoot as to the quality. But at $50 you cannot be overly picky but coming off the absolutely fabulous dinner Saturday night I would say this dinner was acceptable, boring and not to inventive but edible.
I would never order these beers as a stand alone drink. They seemed to pair well with the food but I could not drink a glass of any of these except maybe the porter. But the company was good, the setting perfect along the waves with the twinkling lights in the background and the weather was great for beachside dining.
Wine Fest Weekend
June 21 & 22, 2008
This weekend the Sta. Rita Hills Alliance hosted "Wine Fest". For a fee of $75 you got into numerous wineries both days along with a boxed lunch on Saturday. Many of these wineries are not open to the public except on this weekend.
You get to taste barrel samples and older vintages along with nibblies. Every winemaker I talked with this weekend is really excited about the 2007 vintage. After 2006 (which was ok but not as good as the 2005) they all have their hopes up for a very highly rated year.
From the sample's that I tried I'm excited also. I found most of them clean, complex and a lot of layers to sift through. I did not find the bite or slight bitterness that sometimes comes through in a young barrel sample.
It was a good weekend. Trying but satisfying. It was a 3 hour drive up and 4 hours back. It could have been worse but with the gas at all time highs the amount of pickups with trailers and RV's and campers was noticeably lighter.
Next year, my plan is to go up early Saturday am and come back on Monday. That way I miss the weekend traffic and I will have more time to taste and not feel that I am rushing myself.
Now all I need is to make the cut for dinner at Clos Pepe next year and I will again be a "happy woman". I do not need diamonds and furs. Just give me good wine and good food. That's why I am still working when most people I know are retired. I'm not quite willing to give it up yet. I know the day of reckoning is coming but I hope to push it off as long as I can.
This weekend the Sta. Rita Hills Alliance hosted "Wine Fest". For a fee of $75 you got into numerous wineries both days along with a boxed lunch on Saturday. Many of these wineries are not open to the public except on this weekend.
You get to taste barrel samples and older vintages along with nibblies. Every winemaker I talked with this weekend is really excited about the 2007 vintage. After 2006 (which was ok but not as good as the 2005) they all have their hopes up for a very highly rated year.
From the sample's that I tried I'm excited also. I found most of them clean, complex and a lot of layers to sift through. I did not find the bite or slight bitterness that sometimes comes through in a young barrel sample.
It was a good weekend. Trying but satisfying. It was a 3 hour drive up and 4 hours back. It could have been worse but with the gas at all time highs the amount of pickups with trailers and RV's and campers was noticeably lighter.
Next year, my plan is to go up early Saturday am and come back on Monday. That way I miss the weekend traffic and I will have more time to taste and not feel that I am rushing myself.
Now all I need is to make the cut for dinner at Clos Pepe next year and I will again be a "happy woman". I do not need diamonds and furs. Just give me good wine and good food. That's why I am still working when most people I know are retired. I'm not quite willing to give it up yet. I know the day of reckoning is coming but I hope to push it off as long as I can.
Dinner at Winery
Saturday, June 21, 2008
This weekend is the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Fest and along with the activities several wineries host dinners in the evening.
This is the third year that I have been fortunate to get on the list for the private dinner at Clos Pepe Estate.
The wines poured at this dinner are from pinot grapes sourced from the Clos Pepe vineyards but 3 different winemakers. We had Wes Hagen from Clos Pepe Estate, Brian Loring from Loring Wine Co. and Andrew Vinegello from A.P. Vin Wines.
The evening started in the courtyard of the house with "pizzas from the wood fired oven" which is outdoors in the corner of the courtyard. Every house needs one of these. Unfortunately most houses do not have the room for something this size.
Servers were passing "Smoked Salmon, Mascarpone and American Caviar pizza, Homemade Sika Venison Italian Sausage and Buffalo Mozzarella pizza and Grilled Bison Loin with Manchego and Basil pizza. These were all served with 2007 barrel samples of the three wineries. I will say I was impressed with it all. I did watch my consumption of pizza because we still had dinner to navigate through. But I could have stayed where I was and noshed on pizzas all night. They were excellent.
We were asked to go into the house to be seated. There were 7 tables of various sizes so I headed for the larger one. It is easier to seat a single person at a large table than one that is set for 6 or 8. I am aware of this and do not like to break up couples or people who want to sit together. I was standing behind a chair at the large table when Cathy Pepe came up and asked if I would mind sitting at another table that had a single seat as she needed two seats together for someone. No problem with that for me so I headed to where she wanted me to sit and it was Brian Loring's table. So I had dinner with the "boys". Five men and me. We did have a great time after they figured out they did not have to watch their "P's & Q's" with me.
First course was "Carpaccio of Kona Kampachi (fish) with Avocado, Clos Pepe Olive Oil and Maldron Sea Salt. Served with 2007 Clos Pepe Estate Rose. This is the first year for this wine. Wes's intern winemaker decided to make this wine with grapes that were left hanging after harvest. He got to them before the birds did and made this interesting Rose. Only 70 cases made and it sold out very quickly. I was allowed to buy 6 bottles and I will really enjoy them this summer. It was slightly dry with just a hint of sweetness and a little bit of effervescence. The fish of course was raw, sliced extremely thin (carpaccio) and had a wonderful flavor. The oil and salt was a very nice compliment to the fish.
Second course was "Grilled Maitake Mushoooms with Sesame Aioli, Steamed Spinach and Bonito". This dish was paired with A.P. Vin 2006 Clos Pepe Vineyards Pinot Noir. Another real interesting dish. Great flavor. The spinach was rolled with the bonito inside. I have not had Maitake mushrooms before. They looked like a flower and tasted similar to Portabello mushrooms. Bold flavor. Again another excellent pairing. A.P. Vin wines are more towards the burgundian style and very food friendly.
Third course was "Pan Roasted South Texas Antelope with Cranberry Beans, Heirloom Beets and Smokey Bacon-Star Anise Jus". I have eaten antelope before but since this is farmed raised it was not quite as gamy. I find it similar to lamb and and young goat. There was nothing left on my plate. The wine served with this course was the Loring Wine Company 2006 Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir. Brian's wines are bolder that Wes's and Andrew's but the boldness paired well with this particular dish
Individual cheese plates came to the table. "Rinconada Dairies Poza Tomme with Sweet Butter and Baugette. The wine paired with this dish was the Clos Pepe Estate 2005 Pinot Noir. 2005 was one of my favorite vintages but after tasting the 2007 barrel samples I may change my mind.
I have tasted Clos Pepe Pinot Noir from 2000 to 2006.
A dessert tray was set down - "Family Style Dessert", very small shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles (handmade) and local fresh strawberries. This was a prefect ending to a very rich dinner. Wes Hagen's roasted coffee was served,
Again to me another fantastic dinner is a gorgeous setting. The temperature had dropped from the heat of the day and it was a beautiful evening. Great dinning companions, fabulous food , great wines and me. What more could I ask for. I'm already looking forward to next years bash.
This weekend is the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Fest and along with the activities several wineries host dinners in the evening.
This is the third year that I have been fortunate to get on the list for the private dinner at Clos Pepe Estate.
The wines poured at this dinner are from pinot grapes sourced from the Clos Pepe vineyards but 3 different winemakers. We had Wes Hagen from Clos Pepe Estate, Brian Loring from Loring Wine Co. and Andrew Vinegello from A.P. Vin Wines.
The evening started in the courtyard of the house with "pizzas from the wood fired oven" which is outdoors in the corner of the courtyard. Every house needs one of these. Unfortunately most houses do not have the room for something this size.
Servers were passing "Smoked Salmon, Mascarpone and American Caviar pizza, Homemade Sika Venison Italian Sausage and Buffalo Mozzarella pizza and Grilled Bison Loin with Manchego and Basil pizza. These were all served with 2007 barrel samples of the three wineries. I will say I was impressed with it all. I did watch my consumption of pizza because we still had dinner to navigate through. But I could have stayed where I was and noshed on pizzas all night. They were excellent.
We were asked to go into the house to be seated. There were 7 tables of various sizes so I headed for the larger one. It is easier to seat a single person at a large table than one that is set for 6 or 8. I am aware of this and do not like to break up couples or people who want to sit together. I was standing behind a chair at the large table when Cathy Pepe came up and asked if I would mind sitting at another table that had a single seat as she needed two seats together for someone. No problem with that for me so I headed to where she wanted me to sit and it was Brian Loring's table. So I had dinner with the "boys". Five men and me. We did have a great time after they figured out they did not have to watch their "P's & Q's" with me.
First course was "Carpaccio of Kona Kampachi (fish) with Avocado, Clos Pepe Olive Oil and Maldron Sea Salt. Served with 2007 Clos Pepe Estate Rose. This is the first year for this wine. Wes's intern winemaker decided to make this wine with grapes that were left hanging after harvest. He got to them before the birds did and made this interesting Rose. Only 70 cases made and it sold out very quickly. I was allowed to buy 6 bottles and I will really enjoy them this summer. It was slightly dry with just a hint of sweetness and a little bit of effervescence. The fish of course was raw, sliced extremely thin (carpaccio) and had a wonderful flavor. The oil and salt was a very nice compliment to the fish.
Second course was "Grilled Maitake Mushoooms with Sesame Aioli, Steamed Spinach and Bonito". This dish was paired with A.P. Vin 2006 Clos Pepe Vineyards Pinot Noir. Another real interesting dish. Great flavor. The spinach was rolled with the bonito inside. I have not had Maitake mushrooms before. They looked like a flower and tasted similar to Portabello mushrooms. Bold flavor. Again another excellent pairing. A.P. Vin wines are more towards the burgundian style and very food friendly.
Third course was "Pan Roasted South Texas Antelope with Cranberry Beans, Heirloom Beets and Smokey Bacon-Star Anise Jus". I have eaten antelope before but since this is farmed raised it was not quite as gamy. I find it similar to lamb and and young goat. There was nothing left on my plate. The wine served with this course was the Loring Wine Company 2006 Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir. Brian's wines are bolder that Wes's and Andrew's but the boldness paired well with this particular dish
Individual cheese plates came to the table. "Rinconada Dairies Poza Tomme with Sweet Butter and Baugette. The wine paired with this dish was the Clos Pepe Estate 2005 Pinot Noir. 2005 was one of my favorite vintages but after tasting the 2007 barrel samples I may change my mind.
I have tasted Clos Pepe Pinot Noir from 2000 to 2006.
A dessert tray was set down - "Family Style Dessert", very small shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles (handmade) and local fresh strawberries. This was a prefect ending to a very rich dinner. Wes Hagen's roasted coffee was served,
Again to me another fantastic dinner is a gorgeous setting. The temperature had dropped from the heat of the day and it was a beautiful evening. Great dinning companions, fabulous food , great wines and me. What more could I ask for. I'm already looking forward to next years bash.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Fund Raiser for Food Bank
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Second Harvest Food & Wine event is held twice a year as a fundraiser for the food bank. As in the past it has been held at the Crystal Court at South Coast Plaza. They take over two floors of the mall and set up tables with food from local restaurants and wine from the vendors.
Maybe it is the economy but this year there were noticeably less vendors. I would say the participation of the restaurants was down approximately 30%, which is a large decline.
For $45 donation you get to nosh and drink wine & beer for 3 hours. I usually make it the 2 hour mark and then I have had it.
The food as usual was good. The wines were OK with a few jewels spread amongst them. But for $45 what can you expect. I have always been happy with the selection.
I did get to taste the 2006 McKeon-Phillps BPR Cabernet Sauvignon which will be released next February. So I know how my wine is coming along. I bought it on futures because the price is always right. Opolo was there also but they ran out of wine half through the event. They were a very popular table.
Next up will be the fall event in October which always seems to feature more micro breweries.
The Second Harvest Food & Wine event is held twice a year as a fundraiser for the food bank. As in the past it has been held at the Crystal Court at South Coast Plaza. They take over two floors of the mall and set up tables with food from local restaurants and wine from the vendors.
Maybe it is the economy but this year there were noticeably less vendors. I would say the participation of the restaurants was down approximately 30%, which is a large decline.
For $45 donation you get to nosh and drink wine & beer for 3 hours. I usually make it the 2 hour mark and then I have had it.
The food as usual was good. The wines were OK with a few jewels spread amongst them. But for $45 what can you expect. I have always been happy with the selection.
I did get to taste the 2006 McKeon-Phillps BPR Cabernet Sauvignon which will be released next February. So I know how my wine is coming along. I bought it on futures because the price is always right. Opolo was there also but they ran out of wine half through the event. They were a very popular table.
Next up will be the fall event in October which always seems to feature more micro breweries.
Stan's Cellar Cleaning
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Stan who has over 5,000 bottles of wine periodically will have a "cellar cleaning". This moves maybe 1 % of his wine . (Only if he does not buy anymore wine which for Stan is impossible.)
This Sunday we trekked to Santa Monica for the day to see what to our wondering eyes would appear on the table. You never know what is going to be pulled out of the cellar. Today was no exception.
As always some OK wines, some really over the hill ones and a few jewels. There were approximately 50 wines poured. We all had a good time
I did not take a list because Stan was going to make one up and he hasn't finished it yet. So maybe as an after thought further down the road I will come back to this post and add some tastings notes.
Stan who has over 5,000 bottles of wine periodically will have a "cellar cleaning". This moves maybe 1 % of his wine . (Only if he does not buy anymore wine which for Stan is impossible.)
This Sunday we trekked to Santa Monica for the day to see what to our wondering eyes would appear on the table. You never know what is going to be pulled out of the cellar. Today was no exception.
As always some OK wines, some really over the hill ones and a few jewels. There were approximately 50 wines poured. We all had a good time
I did not take a list because Stan was going to make one up and he hasn't finished it yet. So maybe as an after thought further down the road I will come back to this post and add some tastings notes.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The Riviera at The Fireside
Saturday, June 14, 2008
It has been a couple of years since I went to this particular restaurant. The food is very good. It's an old style continental place. Dim, leather banquettes, table side cooking, "old fashion" dishes, like Duck a'la orange, frogs legs, veal oscar, steak diane
This is not the cheapest place to eat but the quality is worth it. The restaurant was full so I'm not sure about the "economy". You could not tell we are in a recessionary period.
There were six of us dining this evening. Everyone brought a really nice bottle of wine and we gladly paid the $15 per bottle corkage.
They always start you off the a tray of "goodies". Tonight it was their pate which they make themselves, olives, pickled vegetables and a cottage cheese dish that had chives in it, along with baskets of several types of bread and crackers.
Four of us ordered the spinach salad which is cooked table side, flames and all. They do make one of the better spinach salads around. Just the right amount of dressing and bacon. The other two ordered the french onion soup which they said was very good. I have had that soup years before and it was good then.
Four of us ordered the rack of lamb. Margie had the fresh halibut (she doesn't eat seafood but this is an exception) and Steve had the veal chop cordon blue. Everyone agreed the food was excellent. You do not get a choice of sides. Every dish comes with the same, fresh green beans, caramelized carrots, fried zucchini and roasted tiny potatoes. I would suppose this is due to the amount of table side cooking and cutting of meat that is done. It makes the waiters job a little bit easier and less complicated.
We ended up with bananas foster and cherries jubilee for dessert.
The wines that were brought were all excellent. We started off with a 1998 Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne, France, then progressed to a 2005 Kistler, Kistler Vineyard, Chardonnay, Sonoma. This had way to much oak in for my tastes but everyone else loved it.
There were 5 red wines on the table. 1996 Qunitessa Mertiage, Napa, 2001 Grgich Hills, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2003 Sea Smoke , Southing, Pinot Noir, Sta, Rita Hills, 2003 Pira, Barolo, Vigna Marcenca, Italy and a 2004 Pahlmeyer Meritage, Napa.
The Qunitessa was a stunning wine, the Barolo opened up after about an hour of decanting. All the wines were very good and there wasn't too much left to bring home.
It is nice to get dressed up and "do" fine dining. Makes you feel a bit more civilized. Although it always boggles my mind that when people go into a fine dining establishment they do not dress for the occasion. Shorts and jeans were seen tonight. I know its "California" and we are a laid back state but this wasn't the local pizza joint. I guess I'm showing my age or perhaps a little sense of snobbery and I hope I don't loose it.
We had a very enjoyable evening and I hope I don't put too much time between visits to The Riviera. http://www.rivierarestaurant.net/
I brought half of my dinner home as the amount of food on the plate was very generous and finished it for breakfast. Yeh ! I know I'm wierd but what rule says you have to eat breakfast foods only at breakfast. I eat leftovers for breakfast all the time.
It has been a couple of years since I went to this particular restaurant. The food is very good. It's an old style continental place. Dim, leather banquettes, table side cooking, "old fashion" dishes, like Duck a'la orange, frogs legs, veal oscar, steak diane
This is not the cheapest place to eat but the quality is worth it. The restaurant was full so I'm not sure about the "economy". You could not tell we are in a recessionary period.
There were six of us dining this evening. Everyone brought a really nice bottle of wine and we gladly paid the $15 per bottle corkage.
They always start you off the a tray of "goodies". Tonight it was their pate which they make themselves, olives, pickled vegetables and a cottage cheese dish that had chives in it, along with baskets of several types of bread and crackers.
Four of us ordered the spinach salad which is cooked table side, flames and all. They do make one of the better spinach salads around. Just the right amount of dressing and bacon. The other two ordered the french onion soup which they said was very good. I have had that soup years before and it was good then.
Four of us ordered the rack of lamb. Margie had the fresh halibut (she doesn't eat seafood but this is an exception) and Steve had the veal chop cordon blue. Everyone agreed the food was excellent. You do not get a choice of sides. Every dish comes with the same, fresh green beans, caramelized carrots, fried zucchini and roasted tiny potatoes. I would suppose this is due to the amount of table side cooking and cutting of meat that is done. It makes the waiters job a little bit easier and less complicated.
We ended up with bananas foster and cherries jubilee for dessert.
The wines that were brought were all excellent. We started off with a 1998 Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne, France, then progressed to a 2005 Kistler, Kistler Vineyard, Chardonnay, Sonoma. This had way to much oak in for my tastes but everyone else loved it.
There were 5 red wines on the table. 1996 Qunitessa Mertiage, Napa, 2001 Grgich Hills, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2003 Sea Smoke , Southing, Pinot Noir, Sta, Rita Hills, 2003 Pira, Barolo, Vigna Marcenca, Italy and a 2004 Pahlmeyer Meritage, Napa.
The Qunitessa was a stunning wine, the Barolo opened up after about an hour of decanting. All the wines were very good and there wasn't too much left to bring home.
It is nice to get dressed up and "do" fine dining. Makes you feel a bit more civilized. Although it always boggles my mind that when people go into a fine dining establishment they do not dress for the occasion. Shorts and jeans were seen tonight. I know its "California" and we are a laid back state but this wasn't the local pizza joint. I guess I'm showing my age or perhaps a little sense of snobbery and I hope I don't loose it.
We had a very enjoyable evening and I hope I don't put too much time between visits to The Riviera. http://www.rivierarestaurant.net/
I brought half of my dinner home as the amount of food on the plate was very generous and finished it for breakfast. Yeh ! I know I'm wierd but what rule says you have to eat breakfast foods only at breakfast. I eat leftovers for breakfast all the time.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Chinese Again
Saturday, June 7, 2008
We finally did another dinner at Duong Son BBQ Restaurant in Westminister . I was starting have deep cravings ever since I came back from China in March.
Eight of us foodies were in attendance and again we let Henry do all the ordering. He surprised us with several new dishes we had not had before, which I find amazing as we have been doing these dinners for at least 3 years.
We started out with "Shrimp Crackers". They were freshly made and really hit the spot. First dish up was "Fried Tofu". We have had this dish numerous times and its always a crowd pleaser. The best tofu I have ever had.
Along came "Beef Tendon" in a sauce with turnips and daikon radish. I really like this dish. Some people get turned out because of the tendon but that is my favorite part.
"Scallops with Chinese broccoli " was a new dish for us and it was excellent. The scallops were cooked just perfect. I think this was one of Oliver's favorites along with the "noodles".
"Shrimp with Fat Noodles" came from the kitchen. I really enjoy the fat noodles as they absorb the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.
Next was one of my favorite dishes. "Deep Fried Oysters" Need I say more. They were plumb and moist and so good.
"Duck" was up next. The restaurant specializes in duck and this one was roasted and served with some sort of semi pickled cabbage. Not real pickled but had a slight taste of it. Dave raved about this dish and I could have it again "real soon".
"Fried Beef" was served. I had this dish in China and also at another dinner at Duong Son and its another hit. The flavor was intense. Another dish that Dave raved about.
Thin noddles with chicken was the last dish served. Interesting and good. I do not know the exact ingredients but they went well together and we ate it all.
For dessert we were served fresh Mango and some sort of red bean custard. The Chinese are not into real sweet dishes which is just as well as we had enough sugar with the wine.
A couple of notable wines tonight were 2005 McKeon-Phillips BPR Cabernet, 2005 Stolpman Hillsides Syrah. A 2005 Seghesio Pinot was interesting. I did not know they made a Pinot so it was nice to try. Great taste but it would do with a year or so of aging. A few other bottles of red wine, a Proseco and a Reisling rounded out the evening.
As always we had a good time, nice dinning companions, great food and good wine. You cannot ask for more than that. It was great to have Judy with us again. She was recovering from recent surgery but was on the mend enough to have a pleasurable evening out.
We finally did another dinner at Duong Son BBQ Restaurant in Westminister . I was starting have deep cravings ever since I came back from China in March.
Eight of us foodies were in attendance and again we let Henry do all the ordering. He surprised us with several new dishes we had not had before, which I find amazing as we have been doing these dinners for at least 3 years.
We started out with "Shrimp Crackers". They were freshly made and really hit the spot. First dish up was "Fried Tofu". We have had this dish numerous times and its always a crowd pleaser. The best tofu I have ever had.
Along came "Beef Tendon" in a sauce with turnips and daikon radish. I really like this dish. Some people get turned out because of the tendon but that is my favorite part.
"Scallops with Chinese broccoli " was a new dish for us and it was excellent. The scallops were cooked just perfect. I think this was one of Oliver's favorites along with the "noodles".
"Shrimp with Fat Noodles" came from the kitchen. I really enjoy the fat noodles as they absorb the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.
Next was one of my favorite dishes. "Deep Fried Oysters" Need I say more. They were plumb and moist and so good.
"Duck" was up next. The restaurant specializes in duck and this one was roasted and served with some sort of semi pickled cabbage. Not real pickled but had a slight taste of it. Dave raved about this dish and I could have it again "real soon".
"Fried Beef" was served. I had this dish in China and also at another dinner at Duong Son and its another hit. The flavor was intense. Another dish that Dave raved about.
Thin noddles with chicken was the last dish served. Interesting and good. I do not know the exact ingredients but they went well together and we ate it all.
For dessert we were served fresh Mango and some sort of red bean custard. The Chinese are not into real sweet dishes which is just as well as we had enough sugar with the wine.
A couple of notable wines tonight were 2005 McKeon-Phillips BPR Cabernet, 2005 Stolpman Hillsides Syrah. A 2005 Seghesio Pinot was interesting. I did not know they made a Pinot so it was nice to try. Great taste but it would do with a year or so of aging. A few other bottles of red wine, a Proseco and a Reisling rounded out the evening.
As always we had a good time, nice dinning companions, great food and good wine. You cannot ask for more than that. It was great to have Judy with us again. She was recovering from recent surgery but was on the mend enough to have a pleasurable evening out.
This Must Be Spanish Week
For some reason this seems to be "Spanish" wines week. Wherever I went this week they were featuring the wines of Spain. Wednesday at Utopia a Spanish Wine dinner. Thursday evening at the commuter tasting at Wine Country - Spanish Wines and Friday evening at MAWL Wine - guess what ? Spanish wines. I will say that my favorite wines of all three venues were the ones served at Utopia Restaurant. The others were good but did not seem to reach the same level. All were priced in the same range so it was not like comparing a $6 wine to a $60 one.
Spanish & Utopia
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Friends invited me to join them for a Spanish wine dinner at Utopia restaurant, www.utopiarestaurant.NET, in Long Beach. I have never been to this establishment before but had heard good things about it. Susan the wine rep was hosting that night. I have met her at several dinners over the past couple of years. And the importer of the wine was in attendance. All the wines were from the Navarra region of Spain.
Starter was a "Mariscos Ceviche", fresh seafood w/cilantro, garlic & cherry tomatoes in a lemon olive oil dressing. This was an excellent dish and paired extremely well with the "Vino Blanco Afutado, Chardonnay 2006". This wine was 70% Chardonnay and 30% Muscat. Strange combination but it cut the spice of the ceviche really well.
Next course was "Paella", saffron rice with sausage, smoked ham, calamari, shrimp and scallops in a spicy light tomato wine sauce. Again a very good dish. The wine was a "Vino Rosado De Lagrima 2006". Granacha/Cabernet. A good pairing and a good wine.
Main course was "Grilled Lamb Chops" with carmelized garlic and onions topped with goat cheese and fresh basil. The flavor of this dish was great but I do not like lamb cooked so that it is the same color inside and out. I need pink. The over cooking made the lamb a little dry and slightly tough. If the meat had been cooked correctly than this would have been an outstanding dish. It was served with a "Vino Usoa De Bagordi Select 2005" . Tempranillo, Merlot, Graciano, Granacha. A good pairing.
Dessert was "Homemade Bread Pudding" It was a good dish and was served with a "Vino Laudate Domium White Wine 2005/2006". This wine was a 100% small berry Muscatel. It was slightly sweet but not overly.
We also sampled a couple of wines that the rep brought but were not opened for the dinner. They left the bottles on the table and needless to say they were emptied when we finished.
Normally I do not buy wines on these dinners as I have enough to keep me going for 10 years, but the wines were good and the price was reasonable.
Friends invited me to join them for a Spanish wine dinner at Utopia restaurant, www.utopiarestaurant.NET, in Long Beach. I have never been to this establishment before but had heard good things about it. Susan the wine rep was hosting that night. I have met her at several dinners over the past couple of years. And the importer of the wine was in attendance. All the wines were from the Navarra region of Spain.
Starter was a "Mariscos Ceviche", fresh seafood w/cilantro, garlic & cherry tomatoes in a lemon olive oil dressing. This was an excellent dish and paired extremely well with the "Vino Blanco Afutado, Chardonnay 2006". This wine was 70% Chardonnay and 30% Muscat. Strange combination but it cut the spice of the ceviche really well.
Next course was "Paella", saffron rice with sausage, smoked ham, calamari, shrimp and scallops in a spicy light tomato wine sauce. Again a very good dish. The wine was a "Vino Rosado De Lagrima 2006". Granacha/Cabernet. A good pairing and a good wine.
Main course was "Grilled Lamb Chops" with carmelized garlic and onions topped with goat cheese and fresh basil. The flavor of this dish was great but I do not like lamb cooked so that it is the same color inside and out. I need pink. The over cooking made the lamb a little dry and slightly tough. If the meat had been cooked correctly than this would have been an outstanding dish. It was served with a "Vino Usoa De Bagordi Select 2005" . Tempranillo, Merlot, Graciano, Granacha. A good pairing.
Dessert was "Homemade Bread Pudding" It was a good dish and was served with a "Vino Laudate Domium White Wine 2005/2006". This wine was a 100% small berry Muscatel. It was slightly sweet but not overly.
We also sampled a couple of wines that the rep brought but were not opened for the dinner. They left the bottles on the table and needless to say they were emptied when we finished.
Normally I do not buy wines on these dinners as I have enough to keep me going for 10 years, but the wines were good and the price was reasonable.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Cancellation
Hi-Times wine store in Costa Mesa was hosting an Australian wine tasting at the Pacific Club this Sunday, June 1, 2008. I was really looking forward to the event as I have done their New Zealand and South African wine tours before and had a good time.
Unfortunately they did not have enough people sign up for it and they had to cancel. The other events have had close to 400 people in attendance and this time they had less than 100 sign ups.
I don't know it is the economy or the timing. This is the season for proms, graduations etc., Their other events have been later in the year so who knows. I do know that I am disappointed. Now I suppose I will stay home and clean house. Would much rather be out and about so maybe something will pop up.
They are doing a Spanish wine tour in October so I do have that to look forward to.
Unfortunately they did not have enough people sign up for it and they had to cancel. The other events have had close to 400 people in attendance and this time they had less than 100 sign ups.
I don't know it is the economy or the timing. This is the season for proms, graduations etc., Their other events have been later in the year so who knows. I do know that I am disappointed. Now I suppose I will stay home and clean house. Would much rather be out and about so maybe something will pop up.
They are doing a Spanish wine tour in October so I do have that to look forward to.
German Wine Dinner at Delius
Friday, May 30, 2008
This was a dinner I was really looking forward to for some time. Delius', www.DeliusRestaurant.com, prix fixe dinning room was booked with a waiting list. The wine importer, Rudi Wiest and his sales rep Allie Mitchell along with Randy form the Wine Country, www.TheWineCountry.com, were at the table I was seated at. When you book as a single at Delius they put you at the rep's table. Always a lot of fun. Some times more so than others and this time was one of them. Rudi Wiest is an extremely knowledgeable about his wines and also with food pairings. His wines are poured at many of the "very top" restaurants in the US. Places that I cannot afford to eat at.
We were treated a sparkling wine when we first entered the room. I did not write the name down as I thought it would be on the order form, but it was not. All I know is it was very good, a little dry but great fruity taste. The cost was about $34 so I guess I will have to track it down at Wine Country. Fortunately by arriving first, I got 3 glasses of this jewel.
Appetizer was a "Caviar Parfait", caviar, chopped egg, perhaps it was sour cream, diced pickles served on a miniature blini with a few field greens. Served with a 2006 Hans Wirsching Estate Silvaner, Franken. The wine was excellent and the food matched it. After tasting this particular Silvaner, I feel that it would be a great wine with oysters instead of sauvignon blanc. Rudi Wiest said it paired extremely well with sashimi. So that is another pairing I am going to have to try.
Next, wild mushroom with lobster soup. Louise is such a master with soup. Another big hit. Served with a 2006 Wegelar Pure Riesling, Rheingau.
The foie gras was served next. I told the waitstaff if anyone didn't eat foie gras they could give it to me. Only one person sent the plate back to the kitchen without touching it. So I was very lucky to get two plates of this dish. The dish consisted of seared foie gras with rhubarb compote, rhubarb gastrique, rhubarb gelle and lime salt. I was in 7th heaven. Rudi Wiest did not like the pairing of the wine that was served with the dish. He said the wine was too sweet and it should have been a 1992 instead of a 1994. He was right about the pairing. Tasting the foie gras with the wine was great but when you took some of the rhubarb components it wiped the wine out. This dish was served with a 1994 Wegler Wehlener Sonnenuhr Rielsing Spatlese, Mosel.
Main course was Crispy pork loin with red wine glazed cabbage, apple relish and apple & pork
ravioli with hazelnut brown butter. It just does not get better than this. The pork was tender and juicy. the cabbage was perfect and the ravioli was great. I took most of this dish home , as I did want to have room for dessert. I ate the leftovers this morning for breakfast. Tasted just as good today as yesterday only I did not have leftover wine to drink with it. The dish was served with a 2006 Furst Spatburgunder Tradition (Pinot Noir), Franken. Beautiful wine with this dish. A great pairing. This is a very food friendly wine.
Dessert was apple strudel with warm vanilla custard. An orchid was on the dish and its edible so I dipped in in the custard and ate it.
David from Delius opened at bottle of 2003 Pfalz Pinot, Spatlese Dry, Weingut Okonotwierat Rebholz at our table (don't check the spelling because I was writing the name down without my glasses in a semi lighted room so it may be close but not perfect). It was also very good. It is a wine that Delius has in their wine selection book.
Again another great dinner at Delius with good wines. Got home at midnight so you know I had a good time.
Delius still has an acoustic problem in the dining areas. They are getting ready to tackle the prix fixe dining area first. I sure hope they do it soon. The noise level isn't deafening but it is way to high for me. I feel a really high end dining establishment should have great ambiance and the lack of noise is one the enjoyable aspects of dining out. If I want noise I can go to any chain restaurant and get it. It seems that the trend today is, noise, noise, noise.
This was a dinner I was really looking forward to for some time. Delius', www.DeliusRestaurant.com, prix fixe dinning room was booked with a waiting list. The wine importer, Rudi Wiest and his sales rep Allie Mitchell along with Randy form the Wine Country, www.TheWineCountry.com, were at the table I was seated at. When you book as a single at Delius they put you at the rep's table. Always a lot of fun. Some times more so than others and this time was one of them. Rudi Wiest is an extremely knowledgeable about his wines and also with food pairings. His wines are poured at many of the "very top" restaurants in the US. Places that I cannot afford to eat at.
We were treated a sparkling wine when we first entered the room. I did not write the name down as I thought it would be on the order form, but it was not. All I know is it was very good, a little dry but great fruity taste. The cost was about $34 so I guess I will have to track it down at Wine Country. Fortunately by arriving first, I got 3 glasses of this jewel.
Appetizer was a "Caviar Parfait", caviar, chopped egg, perhaps it was sour cream, diced pickles served on a miniature blini with a few field greens. Served with a 2006 Hans Wirsching Estate Silvaner, Franken. The wine was excellent and the food matched it. After tasting this particular Silvaner, I feel that it would be a great wine with oysters instead of sauvignon blanc. Rudi Wiest said it paired extremely well with sashimi. So that is another pairing I am going to have to try.
Next, wild mushroom with lobster soup. Louise is such a master with soup. Another big hit. Served with a 2006 Wegelar Pure Riesling, Rheingau.
The foie gras was served next. I told the waitstaff if anyone didn't eat foie gras they could give it to me. Only one person sent the plate back to the kitchen without touching it. So I was very lucky to get two plates of this dish. The dish consisted of seared foie gras with rhubarb compote, rhubarb gastrique, rhubarb gelle and lime salt. I was in 7th heaven. Rudi Wiest did not like the pairing of the wine that was served with the dish. He said the wine was too sweet and it should have been a 1992 instead of a 1994. He was right about the pairing. Tasting the foie gras with the wine was great but when you took some of the rhubarb components it wiped the wine out. This dish was served with a 1994 Wegler Wehlener Sonnenuhr Rielsing Spatlese, Mosel.
Main course was Crispy pork loin with red wine glazed cabbage, apple relish and apple & pork
ravioli with hazelnut brown butter. It just does not get better than this. The pork was tender and juicy. the cabbage was perfect and the ravioli was great. I took most of this dish home , as I did want to have room for dessert. I ate the leftovers this morning for breakfast. Tasted just as good today as yesterday only I did not have leftover wine to drink with it. The dish was served with a 2006 Furst Spatburgunder Tradition (Pinot Noir), Franken. Beautiful wine with this dish. A great pairing. This is a very food friendly wine.
Dessert was apple strudel with warm vanilla custard. An orchid was on the dish and its edible so I dipped in in the custard and ate it.
David from Delius opened at bottle of 2003 Pfalz Pinot, Spatlese Dry, Weingut Okonotwierat Rebholz at our table (don't check the spelling because I was writing the name down without my glasses in a semi lighted room so it may be close but not perfect). It was also very good. It is a wine that Delius has in their wine selection book.
Again another great dinner at Delius with good wines. Got home at midnight so you know I had a good time.
Delius still has an acoustic problem in the dining areas. They are getting ready to tackle the prix fixe dining area first. I sure hope they do it soon. The noise level isn't deafening but it is way to high for me. I feel a really high end dining establishment should have great ambiance and the lack of noise is one the enjoyable aspects of dining out. If I want noise I can go to any chain restaurant and get it. It seems that the trend today is, noise, noise, noise.
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