Southern French Wine Dinner At Delius

Friday, March 30, 2012

I was really looking forward to this dinner and it did not disappoint me. Chef Dan whose was just promoted to Executive Chef did the menu but he then left Delius to take a position as executive chef at a new restaurant that will be opening. So Louise is now back in her old position and kept Dan's menu for the most part. The major change was having lamb loin instead of ostrich.

Appetizer was "Ahi Tuna, Pickled Gobo-Root with Wasabi Cream".  The Ahi was seared perfectly and the Wasabi cream was a really good addition to the plate. The wine was a 2010 Eugenie Corbieres Rose. Good pairing.

Next course was "Pork Belly" with Roasted Cashews, Thai Chili Caramel and Micro Cilantro ". I am not a big fan of Cilantro but the micro version I really liked. I am a sucker for good pork belly and Delius does the best. It is like butter in your mouth and you can cut it with a butter knife. So many restaurants give you a steak knife with your pork belly so you know you are in trouble, The two wines that were poured with this dish were 2010 Cazes Cannon du Marechal Blanc and a 2020 Mas de Bressades Rousanne-Viognier.

Third course was" Pan Roasted Quail with Duck Confit, Salisfy Puree, Dried Tart Cherries and Pistachios"  Flavor was excellent.  Served with a 2010 Mas des Bressades Grenache-Syrah and a 2008 Mas L'Avail Terre D'Ardoise which was sourced from 100 year old Carginane grape wines.

Fourth course was "Pan Roasted Lamb Loin with Pancetta, Confit of Potato. Brussel Sprout Leaves and Roasted Veal Jus".  This was good but I prefer chops over loin. I feel chops have much better flavor. Wine was a 2009 Font du Vent Les Promesses Cotes du Rhone.

Dessert was a "Macadamia Semifreddo, Roasted Pineapple, Passion Fruit Cream and Coconut Tuille". Execellent. Served with a 2007 Mas L'Avail Maurt Rouge.  This wine was not to sweet so it was a good pairing. But I still am not an  advocate of sweet with sweet.

Excellent dinner, good wines. Sorry to see Chef Dan leave but it will be nice to have Louise's soups again. No one makes better soups than she does,.