Pinot Provence

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Paul & Margie invited the group up to their suite at the Westin Hotel at South Coast Plaza for appetizers and drinks before dinner this evening at Pinot Provence. They were on the 16th floor.

They put out quite the spread with meats, cheeses, great popcorn. cookies etc. and a tray delivered from room service with some of the best pot stickers I have had.  Red, white and bubbly was poured. The view was beautiful and when I got there it was just the beginning of sunset. Had to really watch the eating as we had dinner coming up in an hour.

At the designated time to went back down to the lobby and headed for the restaurant in the hotel. 19 of us tonight. The restaurant was busy.   We had great service and I sure hope everyone tipped well.

I ordered an appetizer of wild mushrooms and tempura frog legs. Served on a flat piece of slate. Flavor was wonderful. Six small frog legs which I am sure they are farm raised and they were very tender. I saw a few bowls of french onion soup and it looked really good also.

My dinner choice was the short rib and I will say that is the most tender short rib I have ever had. A great sauce and sitting on a bed of polenta.. Had raspberry & chocolate gelato for dessert. Always room for ice cream. 

Margie passed around two boxes of See's chocolates and everyone got a party favor from her. I will say she really outdid herself. to make for a very festive evening

We had a gift exchange of bottles of wine.  The restaurant had 2  bottles of a Spanish Tempranillo on the table which was a nice gesture on their part.

2007 Ancient Peaks, Petite Syrah, Paso Robles
NV Charles Mitchell Port, Fairplay
2007 McKeon-Phillips BPR< Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 Triumpf, Pinot Noir, Serbia
2011 Domaine Chenvivres, Chablis
2008 Sojurn, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
2010 De Ponte Cellars, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon
2011 Orin Swift Abstract
2010 Lemelson, Jerome Reserve, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
2011 Dumol, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
2012 Old Vines, Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
2011 Halter Ranch, Synthesis, Paso Robles
2011 Halter Ranch, Ancestor, Paso Robles
2007 Arcadian, Chardonnay
2011 Chateau Gawaud, Lolande de Pomerol
2011 Arcadian, Pinot Noir
2004 Chateau Lynch Bages, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac Grand Vin
2008 Martinelli, Charles Ranch, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast