Sunday, July 28, 2013

Margie's July Wine Activity Event

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Today we headed out to Irvine to the OC Wine Mart, a tasting room on Michelson in Irvine near the John Wayne Airport.  This tasting room  has a self serve enomatic wine tasting machine. You insert the prepaid card and select which wine you want to taste. It dispenses the wine and deducts the amount from you card. They did have some nice wines. Numerous Orin Swifts wines which I tasted all of them including the Prisoner and Papillon. Nice little wine bar but not geographically friendly unless you are in the area for some reason. Anne the owner was friendly and very helpful.

After tasting we headed back to Huntington Beach to Issara, a Thai restaurant which we had been to before. There were 11 of us for dinner. Margie had pre-selected the menu with the owner David.

Started out with Vegetable Egg Rolls, Chicken Satay and Tom Kha Kai soup which was really good. Then Cripsy Sole, Sizzling Seafood, Panang Beef, Prik Khing (green beans) with Tofu, Pineapple Fried Rice  (1 shrimp in the entire bowl) ,  Pad See Yiu with Beef and white & brown rice. All the food was very good but a few of the dishes were way to "hot" for me. I drank a lot of white wine because of that. Not a wine friendly menu except for white wines. We had Mango Sticky Rice for dessert. I was so full by this time, I passed up the green beans and the dessert. I personally thought that the dishes came out too fast. I prefer a slower pace. Just do not like 4 or 5 items on my plate at a time. I have gotten so used to one dish at a time at the Chinese dinners we do, Better to compare the wine and food dish together. It might have been " family style" but that does not mean everything on the table at once. Food gets mixed together then the wine pairing goes to hell. Food was very good, service was very good. If we do a group dinner here again I hope that the dishes will be paced to come out after the prior dish was finished.

Wine selection was good. All the whites wines seemed to be drank. Reds were left over because of the :hot" food.

2010 R2 Rhapsody, Grenache-Mouverde blend
2009 Effort Chardonnay
2009 Tablas Creek Espirit de beaucastle
2012 Dancing Coyote Chenin Blanc
Segura Viudas Brut Reserve Cava
2010 Penman Springs Syrah Rose
2010 Loring Clos Pepe Pinot Noir
2011 Nobiolo Sauvignon Blanc
2010 Tobin James Ballistic Zinfandel
2011 Tobin James Charo Radiance
2009 Hitching Post First Flight Pinot Noir
2008 Martinelli Charles Ranch Chadonnay
2009 Williams Selyem Flax Vineyards Pinot Noir


Michaels on Naple

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Jan & Bob invited me to dinner at Michaels on Naples tonight. Michaels received the "Top Italian Restaurant in Los Angeles County" award from Zagat. They got 28 points on the ratings. When the Zagat's (yes there is a Mr & Mrs) dined there recently they wrote on the bill "it should have been a 30".

I arrived about 6:00, dinner was scheduled for 6:30. Sat at the bar and had a "Sidecar" Its hard to find a bar that will make an authentic drink. This one was very good. Pete the bartender was personable and knew his drinks. Put in high end cognac and Cointreau.

Jan & Bob arrived about 6:20 and we were seated. This was "Dine In LA" week so we all ordered off the special menu. $45 for 3 courses. I had the Ahi Cappachio, Rabbit Roulade and Gelato and Sorbet for my chooses. Jan & Bob were happy with their halibut and steak.

They  brought 2 bottles of Italian wine, bought were quite good. Since they belong to the Wine Crush's wine club they have a card that gets them no corkage for up to 2 bottles at local restaurants.

Riesling Tasting at Delius

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Tonight Delius Restaurant hosted a Riesling tasting. 7 wines, 1 from New Zealand which I did not like. I from New York, Fox Run which I have had before and is quite good. 5 from Germany. Dave had opened a magnum of an older bottle which turned out to be my favorite.

A multitude or appetizers were passed around. More than in the past. A new one which apparently one of the cooks makes at home all the time. A crostini smeared with blue cheese and an avocado, grape, garlic mixture on top. It was to die for. Need to find out the exact mixture.

Bus Trip To Malibu Wine Country

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Today a large group of us met at Delius Restaurant for the annual bus trip to "wine country". This year the Malibu area was chosen. The small bus was full so 3 of us volunteered to ride with Dave in the Delius van that they use for catering. So after a great breakfast with Champagne we loaded ourselves into the van.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride again. No AC in the van so we had to keep the windows down.  This was not bad because it had not warmed up yet.  But the van has front end problems so that became an interesting aspect to the ride. Dave did get better at the handling as the way wore on. Louise usually drives this van because she does all the catering.

Headed up 101 and got off at Kannan Road. (I'm thinking this is not the Malibu that I know). First stop was a tiny area called Cornell. I saw 3 buildings. The restaurant was loaded with bikers and the smell from the fire pits & smokers was heaven.  Might be worth the trip just to eat there. Next door  there was a building that used to be a storage building. This housed the wine store. Pressed tin ceiling tiles, open beams. A really beautiful, rustic place. We sat in the back on long wood tables that were varnished and stained to a real high gloss.  Gorgeous chandeliers hung over the tables  We had six wines. 5 from other areas that the owner sold in the store and one wine that he made himself. It was a red blend and quite good. No label on the bottle but he sold them anyway. 

After walking around the store, I found that he had quite a selection of central coast wines and prices were very good. Others must have through  the same as a lot of wine was bought from this establishment. I would consider stopping here on the way back from the central coast if I was early enough in the day. Or even a "road trip"

Next stop was a winery named Ciello. Outstanding view from the property but the wines sucked.

After negotiating the stop sign at the highway,  it took forever to turn because of the parade of cars and motorcycles. We headed down Kannan Dume Road to PCH and made our way towards the end of Malibu where the tasting room for Rosenthal Winery was. Small building but a nice outdoor area with tables and umbrellas. We set up for lunch. They had a serving area set up for us and a staff member that took care of our party himself. As we ate lunch he came around and poured the wine for us. 

Lunch this year had the same sandwiches we have had for years on this trip, Subs with either ham. turkey, beef or vegetarian. But we did have some different salads. A nice, spicy rice salad,  green beans in a curry dressing, ,macaroni salad, individual quiches, homemade potato ships. Dessert was two types of brownies. We had snacks during the trip so we were not a bit deprived of food.

My disappointment was not being able to go to the Rosenthal Estate. I do know they have events and wine tastings there all the time.  

I did well by not purchasing any wines. My goal this year is to drink more than I buy and reduce my cellar to a manageable size.

We got back to Signal Hill about 6:00 in the evening. Much shorter day than when we go to Santa Barbara area.  A  nice change.  Dave is already planning next years trip, Probably to Santa Barbara proper  There is an area called the "Funk Zone" which houses a lot of tasting rooms . There also are several wineries that have their barrel room facilities in that close proximity. The drive would be an hour shorter both ways if we did not go all the way into the Santa Ynez area.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

The Sages of The Sta Rita Hills

Friday, June 12, 2013

Wine Country in Signal Hill held a wine tasting this evening with two of the original winemakers of the area. Ken Brown and Rick Longoria. These two have been  around for a long time and both make very good wines. 

This event was a sell out with a waiting list. 10 wines were poured, a mixed selection of what these two guys produce.

Two of my favorite wines tonight was the 2012 Longoria,  Clover CreekVineyard,  Albarino and the 2010 Ken Brown Clos Pepe Vineyard  Pinot Noir.

A very enjoyable evening with friends. 

Franco's Plus 3

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

CJ, Terry & I met at Franco's for a last minute dinner. It has been a couple of months since we have been here.

We made it simple, ordered the same dish. Filet Mignon but ordered finished 3 separate ways. Terry ordered rare, I had the medium rare and CJ had the well done, And they all came out of the  kitchen at the same time and cooked perfectly. That is a well run kitchen.

Started out with the stuffed mushrooms and boy could you smell the garlic - they were delicious.

Only 3 wines tonight but really good ones. When you have a small group you want to bring out the better stuff.

2011 Francois Chidaine Vouvray. Excellent with the mushrooms.

2001 Stoplman La Croce - blend of sangiovese & syrah. At its peak right now. The little that was left was better the next day.

2004 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino, Cerretalto - this was the screaming winner of the evening. We polished this bottle off fast.

We closed the place down. Last ones out to the relief of the staff.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Never Get Tired of Nayada

Tuesday. July 2, 2013

Just was here at Nayada two weeks ago but back again. Food is good and the company not half bad either.

Christina does not each "seafood" of any kind. So two weeks ago along with her and no seafood and three guests that did not eat beef we had dishes that we had not ordered before.  Along with "No Seafood Christina" and the doctor who is a vegetarian I expect tonight will be the same. Gives us a real good reason to break away from our favorites and be surprised with  a new dish.

We started out with Vegetable Spring Rolls, Vegetable Summer Rolls and Vegetables Tempura. A dish of steamed vegetables was ordered along with a Curry dish of soft tofu, green beans and asparagus.

Maybe the Curry dish was good but I was so turned off by the color of the curry I could not bring myself to taste it. I am not a big fan of "soft" tofu and the light grey tone that the Curry took on just did not get far with me, I will usually eat just about anything but somehow that dish was "zombie like" , grey, green and cubes of white stuff.

We did have the Deep Fried Catfish with Green Apple Slaw which is always excellent along with Crying Tiger Steak.

Two non drinkers at the table so just a few wines tonight.

2011 Francois Chidaine, Touraine Val de Loire, Pinot Rose
2011 Reichsrat Von Buhl, Sauvignon Blanc ( I did like this - green apples and not very acidic)
2006 Kosta Browne, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Stan's Old Wine Cellar Cleaning

Sunday, June 30, 2013

A small group of us gathered at Stan & Karen's in Santa Monica today. Stan decided he needed to clear out some of his old wines because the aisles of his cellar are full and he cannot maneuver. Stan could do a cellar cleaning once a week for a year and it would not make a dent in his stash of wine..

We all brought a small dishes to share and Stan cooked some of his Chinese BBQ Pork, along with chicken and Morels in gravy.

I did not keep a list of the wines which I could kick myself for now but they were all in the 1993 to 1997 vintages. There was Kister, Peter Michaels, Saintsbury, Viader & Dalle Valle that I remember. Also a Banfi Brunello that was exceptional. Not a bad wine in the bunch and all were good.

Did not get home until after 10:00 pm. It has been a very long weekend for me and the alarm goes off at 5:30 am

Private Wine Tasting

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Wes Hagen, winemaker and vineyard manager of Clos Pepe Vineyards in the Sta Rita Hills did a private tasting of the 2011 releases at my "Casa" tonight. Wes was in town to judge at the Long Beach Grand Cru and did several private home tastings  over 4 days. Mine being the smallest and the last one.

I served small plates pairings with each wine so to enhance the food and the wine.

Scallop Crudo with 2011 Homage to Chablis Chardonnay
Shrimp with Butter & Chives with the 2011 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
Pulled Pork with 2011 Axis  Mundi Grenache Blend
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with 2011 Estate Pinot Noir
Lamp Chops with the  2011 Vinergon Select Pinot Noir

A table full of cheeses, mushroom terreine, pate, etc along with fresh strawberries and peanut butter cheesecake brownies rounded put the evening.

There was a 2009 Estate Pinot and BF Chardonnay opened tonight also.

Wes is a very entertaining and knowledgeable person. A former school teacher and he gives a great lesson in grape growing, terrior, wine making and taste.

June's Wino's Gathering

Sunday, June 23, 2013

The day after the dinner at 555 turns out to be the June date for the rest of us wino's. Marc & Edie's theme was "Wine That Goes With Spicy Foods". So it turned out to be a mostly white wine event. Marc made his "World Famous Jambalaya" to set the theme. Several people brought "spicy" dishes to go with the theme. I stayed away from them. Jambalaya was enough spice for me. This has been a hot week and today started out that way and then cooled down. Made a very pleasant afternoon.

Two of my favorite white wines of the day were the 2010 R2, Santa Ynez, Greanche Blanc which I brought and the 2012 Ponzi, Willamette Valley, Pinot Gris that Paul & Margie brought. Along with the Champagne those two bottles were emptied first, Of the reds I did like the 2008 Gotham Shiraz,
 

555 East Steak & Chop House

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Dinner in the private cellar room for nine of us tonight. Stan and Karen came down from Santa Monica to join us. Along with John  Cathy, CJ, Terry and Cindy. Margie who planned the event and Paul, her husband rounded out the table. A good time was had by all. A lot of laughter tonight so we know the enjoyment that brings out.

 Margie's instructions were to bring "fine" wines from our cellar and we did. I was slightly disappointed in the Cabernet that I brought. It was not showing well but the next day it was completely different. Probably needed a few more years.

I ordered the petite fillet Mignon which was cooked to perfection. Everyone seemed to enjoy their selections. It is hard to miss with aged prime Angus beef and a restaurant that knows how to cook it.I took leftovers home and it made a great steak sandwich the next day

Looking forward to our next dinner at 555 in the late fall.

NV   Jose Dhondt Blanc de Blanc Brut Champagne
NV   Robert Moncuit Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc Champagne
2010 Peter Michaels L-Apres-Midi, Mt. Vineyards. Limited Production, Sauvignon Blanc
1996 Peter Michaels Les Pouvot
1996 Mondavi, Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon
1997 Dunn, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon
1997 Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon
2002 Arrowood Reserve Speciale Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Chateau Margene, Paso Rbles, Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 BV Tapestry, Napa Valley - Magnum
2005 Beringer Reserve, Rancho del Oso, Howell Mtn., Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Mockingbird, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Caymus Vineyards, Special Selection, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon

Miscellaneous

In between Nayada and 555 I threw in an Italian Wine Tasting and a single malt Scotch Tasting. No notes but the scotch was excellent.

More Nayada

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Back to our favorite Thai place.  Seven  of us tonight.  We started out with fried calamari, crab cakes and vegetable rolls. This I felt was dinner. Then came the Tom Yong Soup. Now I know I have had dinner.

Our entrees consisted of Baby Back Ribs, Asparagus and Shrimp, Deep fried Catfish with Green Apple Slaw and CJ's special Cashew Chicken. CJ has Nayada tweak the recipe for him. He has them add green  beans, asparagus and artichokes.

As usual all the food was good. We were the last ones out of the restaurant tonight. Had a really good time us usual. Of course the wines helped. It always is nice to break bread and share wine with friends.

2010 Stolpman Golden Point (Rhone White Blend)
2007 Patricia Green, Dundee Hills, Pinot Noir
2009 Domaine Zind Humbrecht, Gewurztraminer
2008 Niner Bootjack Ranch, Petite Syrah
2003 Winningur Pottgen Mosel Sarr Rumer Riesling
2011 Franciois Chidaine Touraine Rose of Pinot
2007 Williams Seylem Russian River Pinot Noir