Tuesday, February 18, 2014
It was nice to return to Nayada as it has been awhile. www.nayadathai.com, . I had been warned that some items on the menu had been changed slightly and were not the same, unfortunately not for the best.
We started out with three appetizers, Shrimp Sarong, Spring Rolls ans Garlic Wings. The wings really had a bite to them, not overly but still intense and very garlicy. Quite good.
We had a new soup, Tom Kah Kai, Coconut based with Chicken. Very tasty but I missed the Tom Yum soup which was one of the items that had been changed slightly. No straw mushrooms, they now used sliced button mushrooms and it has changed the flavor I was told.
An order of Pad Thai, Pineapple Rice and Chicken Curry were next to the table. The rice as always was good. Lots of pineapple, raisins and cashews. The Chicken Curry was not my thing. I had a very small amount of it along with a small helping of Pad Thai. I can get Pad Thai at any Thai place and it all tastes the same. When I am at a higher end Thai place lets go for the specialty dishes. But someone in the group requested it so we aim to please.
Crying Tiger Steak showed up. As always good flavor but it seems now that the meat is cooked well done and that is such a big turnoff for me, Ruins the flavor of the beef. I had been told that this is one of the dishes that the cooking has changed. Well cooked meat now.
Sauteed asparagus was a nice break. We needed some vegetable
One of my favorites was ordered, the Catfish with Apple Slaw. This is still a great dish. Fish is light and moist and the slaw has a tang but does not overwhelm the fish.
Last dish was the Thai Baby Back Ribs, good flavor but again the meat is overcooked. The meat becomes dry and it becomes a dish that I wish had not been ordered.
Service was slow, seemed to have only one server tonight for the entire restaurant. And I think that the way the dishes came out of the kitchen was odd. The leftovers were packed in all large containers so it was hard to split.
This seemed to be the night for white wines because everyone thought they would go best with the food. Strange that my RED Pinot Noir was the first bottle to be emptied.
2009 Clos Pepe, Sta. Rita Hills, HTC Chadonnay
2009 Huber, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir
2008 Williams Selyem, Litton Estate Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir
2011 Eroica, Washington, Chateau St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen, Riesling
NV De Margerie, France, A.Bouzy Grand Cru, Brut, Champagne
2012 Jules Taylor, Marlborough, New Zealand, Gruner Veltliner
2011 Joel Gott, Columbia Valley, Washington, Riesling
2012 Kim Crawford, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc
2012 Hovey, Viognier
2008 McFadden, Mendocino, Coro
2012 Santa Maria Valley, Sierra Madre Vineyard, Pinot Gris
2012 Meville, Block M, Pinot Noir
2011 Buscado, Granacha
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Kamal Palace
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Table of ten tonight for Margie's monthly wine activity, I declined on the wine tasting prior to dinner. Its too much wine and with nibblies too much food to enjoy dinner. We met at the Kamal Palace in Long Beach near the Marina, www.kamalpalaceus.com. It is on the lower level of the shopping area and faces the condos.
I was anxious to compare Kamal to the Himalayan. Kamal is larger and more formal and it seems to do a big business in spite of being hidden from view.
I ordered the assorted appetizers which consisted of Seekh Kabab, Samosa, Onion Bhaji, Vegetable Pakora and Chicken Pakora. None of the deep fried were greasy and the cauliflower in the Vegetable Pakora was slightly crunchy had good flavor. The Samosa was a bit smaller than the Himalayn but same nice light texture. The Onion Bhaji was very good. I could at least taste the onion, so that gets a nod above the Himalayan.
I ordered the Rosh Goghan but they had a different name for it. Portion was very large with a large side of rice. The lamb was good, sauce was ok. I do prefer the sauce at the Himalayan.
The difference between the two restaurants is at the Kamal Palace everything is served as a full size dinner with sides of bread and rice. So if you want a variety then you would have to make arrangement with you dining companions to order different dishes and hopefully share. But then you would have a huge mass of rice leftover. This is a big negative for me. At the Himalayan we all order a dish, get rice as a separate dish. Lot of variety on your plate which is what I like. Its my personal preference.
This dinner would have been better served if it had been preordered and everyone shared food and cost. I did find that this separate ordering was a big turnoff for me. You were stuck with what you ordered.. Marc & Edie both ordered the Tandoori Grill and both had nothing but large portions of meat and nothing else but rice.
I would go back the Kamal Palace but only if dinner could be ordered differently. Some aspects of Kamal Palace has an edge over the Himalayn but I will give the Himalayan a real edge because of the quality of the sauces and the way the menu is structured. I want to enjoy my dinner and prefer not to have leftovers to take home. Leftovers are never the same the next day and I don't go out to dinner to do my grocery shopping for the week.
I did not taste most of the wines brought tonight. Somehow it seemed like the table was extremely crowded and I drank was was very convenient for me. I missed the Curran Grenache and that is one I would have liked to try. The others I missed, I didn't feel that way.
2009 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
2009 Clos Pepe Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills
2010 Etude Pinot Noir, Caneros
NV Lamara Prosceco
2009 Clos Pepe Sparkling Rose of Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
2011 Willamette Valley Vineyards, Pinot Gris, Oregon
2007 Curran, Grenache, Santa Ynez Valley
2011 Seal Beach Winery, Rose, California
2012 Cycles Gladiator, Chardonnay, Lodi
2010 Van Ruten, Zinfandel, Lodi
2010 Seven Angels Cellars, Denner Vineyards, Syrah
Table of ten tonight for Margie's monthly wine activity, I declined on the wine tasting prior to dinner. Its too much wine and with nibblies too much food to enjoy dinner. We met at the Kamal Palace in Long Beach near the Marina, www.kamalpalaceus.com. It is on the lower level of the shopping area and faces the condos.
I was anxious to compare Kamal to the Himalayan. Kamal is larger and more formal and it seems to do a big business in spite of being hidden from view.
I ordered the assorted appetizers which consisted of Seekh Kabab, Samosa, Onion Bhaji, Vegetable Pakora and Chicken Pakora. None of the deep fried were greasy and the cauliflower in the Vegetable Pakora was slightly crunchy had good flavor. The Samosa was a bit smaller than the Himalayn but same nice light texture. The Onion Bhaji was very good. I could at least taste the onion, so that gets a nod above the Himalayan.
I ordered the Rosh Goghan but they had a different name for it. Portion was very large with a large side of rice. The lamb was good, sauce was ok. I do prefer the sauce at the Himalayan.
The difference between the two restaurants is at the Kamal Palace everything is served as a full size dinner with sides of bread and rice. So if you want a variety then you would have to make arrangement with you dining companions to order different dishes and hopefully share. But then you would have a huge mass of rice leftover. This is a big negative for me. At the Himalayan we all order a dish, get rice as a separate dish. Lot of variety on your plate which is what I like. Its my personal preference.
This dinner would have been better served if it had been preordered and everyone shared food and cost. I did find that this separate ordering was a big turnoff for me. You were stuck with what you ordered.. Marc & Edie both ordered the Tandoori Grill and both had nothing but large portions of meat and nothing else but rice.
I would go back the Kamal Palace but only if dinner could be ordered differently. Some aspects of Kamal Palace has an edge over the Himalayn but I will give the Himalayan a real edge because of the quality of the sauces and the way the menu is structured. I want to enjoy my dinner and prefer not to have leftovers to take home. Leftovers are never the same the next day and I don't go out to dinner to do my grocery shopping for the week.
I did not taste most of the wines brought tonight. Somehow it seemed like the table was extremely crowded and I drank was was very convenient for me. I missed the Curran Grenache and that is one I would have liked to try. The others I missed, I didn't feel that way.
2009 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
2009 Clos Pepe Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills
2010 Etude Pinot Noir, Caneros
NV Lamara Prosceco
2009 Clos Pepe Sparkling Rose of Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
2011 Willamette Valley Vineyards, Pinot Gris, Oregon
2007 Curran, Grenache, Santa Ynez Valley
2011 Seal Beach Winery, Rose, California
2012 Cycles Gladiator, Chardonnay, Lodi
2010 Van Ruten, Zinfandel, Lodi
2010 Seven Angels Cellars, Denner Vineyards, Syrah
Friday, February 14, 2014
Back to The Black Trumpet Bistro and Tapas
Tuesday. February 11, 2014
After talking about my recent experience at the Black Trumpet, 4 of us decided to go back and try some more Tapas. www.Theblacktrumpetbistro.com, Thought by going on a Tuesday would be better than later in the week, Same experience, get there early as they do fill up. By 7:00 they are packed. Small place so not much room.
We started out with the "Truffle Fries" - excellent, could have eaten pounds of them. Then on to a "Red Wine Risotto with Beef Skewer". perfectly cooked beef, lots of flavor and the Risotto was first class.
Two orders of "Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter sauce" was next. Again excellent. Followed by "Fried Calamari". Light breading and tender calamari. Nothing wrong here. Next and order of "Stuffed Mushrooms", slightly spicy sitting in a great sauce. Had these before and they are just as good as before.
We ordered "Cauliflower" not sure how it was prepared but it was al dente with a fabulous flavor. CJ was in love. Tried the "Roasted Sliced Duck Breast". Very tender, good flavor and a favorite of the table.
Baked Brie" came to the table, had this last time. Bob really sopped up this dish.
Rounded out the evening with a "Tuna Tartare", which again was excellent and a flat bread "Fig & Carmelized Onion Pizzette". Slightly sweet and a perfect end to a meal.
We were all stuffed and happy. We all brought a bottle of wine and paid the corkage of $12 each bottle. But considering that the bottles we brought weren't cheap it was worth it.
2009 Mason Louis La Tour Marsanay Pinot Noir, 2007 Sea Smoke Ten, Pinot Noir, 2011 Domaine de la Tour du Bon Bandol and a 2011 Chalkhill Estate, Russian River Pinot Noir.
Will make it a point to get back to the Trumpet soon as there are more Tapas that I want to try.
After talking about my recent experience at the Black Trumpet, 4 of us decided to go back and try some more Tapas. www.Theblacktrumpetbistro.com, Thought by going on a Tuesday would be better than later in the week, Same experience, get there early as they do fill up. By 7:00 they are packed. Small place so not much room.
We started out with the "Truffle Fries" - excellent, could have eaten pounds of them. Then on to a "Red Wine Risotto with Beef Skewer". perfectly cooked beef, lots of flavor and the Risotto was first class.
Two orders of "Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter sauce" was next. Again excellent. Followed by "Fried Calamari". Light breading and tender calamari. Nothing wrong here. Next and order of "Stuffed Mushrooms", slightly spicy sitting in a great sauce. Had these before and they are just as good as before.
We ordered "Cauliflower" not sure how it was prepared but it was al dente with a fabulous flavor. CJ was in love. Tried the "Roasted Sliced Duck Breast". Very tender, good flavor and a favorite of the table.
Baked Brie" came to the table, had this last time. Bob really sopped up this dish.
Rounded out the evening with a "Tuna Tartare", which again was excellent and a flat bread "Fig & Carmelized Onion Pizzette". Slightly sweet and a perfect end to a meal.
We were all stuffed and happy. We all brought a bottle of wine and paid the corkage of $12 each bottle. But considering that the bottles we brought weren't cheap it was worth it.
2009 Mason Louis La Tour Marsanay Pinot Noir, 2007 Sea Smoke Ten, Pinot Noir, 2011 Domaine de la Tour du Bon Bandol and a 2011 Chalkhill Estate, Russian River Pinot Noir.
Will make it a point to get back to the Trumpet soon as there are more Tapas that I want to try.
Wino's Gathering
Sunday, February 9, 2014
First gathering of the winos this year. Held at my "Casa". My theme was "as always", Wines Rated 93 to 100. When it was themed 92 & above I would get a lot of wines rated 92, since I have changed it to 93 & above I get a lot of wines rated 93. It's like they try to take the path of least resistance in looking for wine. Maybe I should push and go for the 94 & above next year.
Weather cooperated. Cool so we could keep the wines outside and save my carpet.
made Penne with Meat Sauce this year - decided to go the easy route. My age is starting to catch up with me. There seemed to be a big run on pies and cookies for dessert this year. Had to laugh, when I got one of the pies that was brought out of the refrigerator and opened the box and huge slice was already gone. It didn't happened before dinner so whomever brought it must have been hungry on the way over. Personally I thought it was very tacky and I remember who brought it.
Our oldest wine that was brought today was a 1994 Opus One. It was slightly over the hill but still had color and fruit. The taste was fine. It was an example of on interesting old wine. A 1998 Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages was opened also. That wine I was disappointed in. But there were several wines in the 2004 to 2010 years that weren't much better either. At least for my taste. Even the wine I opened, 2007 Sinor-LaValle, Talley-Ricon, Pinot Noir was disappointing at first. In fact Monday it tasted much better
The nice thing about hosting is you get to keep all the leftover wine. So many of them tasted better on Monday after sitting out all night.
I did enjoy the 2009 Jean Marie Arnoux st Fils, Vacqueras Rhone wine and the 2010 Domaine Serene Evenstan Reserve Pinot Noir very much. the 2007 P2, Cargassacchi Jalama Vineyards, Pinot Noir was really good. .
So the Wino's tasting season has officially opened for 2014. Off the Stan's next month for California Rhones and Rhone Blends
First gathering of the winos this year. Held at my "Casa". My theme was "as always", Wines Rated 93 to 100. When it was themed 92 & above I would get a lot of wines rated 92, since I have changed it to 93 & above I get a lot of wines rated 93. It's like they try to take the path of least resistance in looking for wine. Maybe I should push and go for the 94 & above next year.
Weather cooperated. Cool so we could keep the wines outside and save my carpet.
made Penne with Meat Sauce this year - decided to go the easy route. My age is starting to catch up with me. There seemed to be a big run on pies and cookies for dessert this year. Had to laugh, when I got one of the pies that was brought out of the refrigerator and opened the box and huge slice was already gone. It didn't happened before dinner so whomever brought it must have been hungry on the way over. Personally I thought it was very tacky and I remember who brought it.
Our oldest wine that was brought today was a 1994 Opus One. It was slightly over the hill but still had color and fruit. The taste was fine. It was an example of on interesting old wine. A 1998 Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages was opened also. That wine I was disappointed in. But there were several wines in the 2004 to 2010 years that weren't much better either. At least for my taste. Even the wine I opened, 2007 Sinor-LaValle, Talley-Ricon, Pinot Noir was disappointing at first. In fact Monday it tasted much better
The nice thing about hosting is you get to keep all the leftover wine. So many of them tasted better on Monday after sitting out all night.
I did enjoy the 2009 Jean Marie Arnoux st Fils, Vacqueras Rhone wine and the 2010 Domaine Serene Evenstan Reserve Pinot Noir very much. the 2007 P2, Cargassacchi Jalama Vineyards, Pinot Noir was really good. .
So the Wino's tasting season has officially opened for 2014. Off the Stan's next month for California Rhones and Rhone Blends
Friday, February 7, 2014
Franco's Italian
Thursday, February 6, 2014.
At dinner Tuesday night we were discussing where we had not been to lately and Franco's popped out of someones mouth. So the same group decided to dine at Franco's tonight.
Another rainy, damp night. But so glad to have the moisture.The parking lot was packed and Franco's was packed tonight - glad we had a reservation. But they are now having music on Thursday nights. The singer was good but so loud. And the place is small. We did ask for them to turn down the amplifiers which they did but it was still hard to have a conversation without shouting. And we were in the back of the room. I would not have wanted to be in the front area at all. we could feel the vibration of the music where we were sitting. So no Franco's on Thursday's for us in the future. We can do without the entertainment at dinner.
We started out with the stuffed mushrooms, which made the Armarone wine sing. Along with warm bread and their roasted garlic spread. We all ordered separately, no family style dining tonight. Three of us had the fillet which is always cooked perfectly. A large pork chop showed up on Marc's plate, Edie had the stuffed chicken breast, (goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms etc.) and CJ ordered the stuffed flounder. Everyone was happy with their meals.
Again good wines showed up. The Williams Selyem & the Krupp Brothers went first.
2007 AP Vin, Rosella's Vineyard, Pinot Noir
1999 Cadoro, Armarone
2005 Williams Seylem, Sonoma County, Pinot Noir
2010 Hatford Court, Fog Dancer Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2011 Lynmar Estate, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay
2005 Krupp Brothers, Stagecoach, Cabernet Sauvignon
At dinner Tuesday night we were discussing where we had not been to lately and Franco's popped out of someones mouth. So the same group decided to dine at Franco's tonight.
Another rainy, damp night. But so glad to have the moisture.The parking lot was packed and Franco's was packed tonight - glad we had a reservation. But they are now having music on Thursday nights. The singer was good but so loud. And the place is small. We did ask for them to turn down the amplifiers which they did but it was still hard to have a conversation without shouting. And we were in the back of the room. I would not have wanted to be in the front area at all. we could feel the vibration of the music where we were sitting. So no Franco's on Thursday's for us in the future. We can do without the entertainment at dinner.
We started out with the stuffed mushrooms, which made the Armarone wine sing. Along with warm bread and their roasted garlic spread. We all ordered separately, no family style dining tonight. Three of us had the fillet which is always cooked perfectly. A large pork chop showed up on Marc's plate, Edie had the stuffed chicken breast, (goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms etc.) and CJ ordered the stuffed flounder. Everyone was happy with their meals.
Again good wines showed up. The Williams Selyem & the Krupp Brothers went first.
2007 AP Vin, Rosella's Vineyard, Pinot Noir
1999 Cadoro, Armarone
2005 Williams Seylem, Sonoma County, Pinot Noir
2010 Hatford Court, Fog Dancer Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2011 Lynmar Estate, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay
2005 Krupp Brothers, Stagecoach, Cabernet Sauvignon
Himalayan Grill in Sunset Beach
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Six of us tonight at our favorite Indian restaurant. www.himalayangrill.com, . We know winter has finally arrived. Cold and damp here close to the ocean. The restaurant was packed and busy tonight. It is a local favorite.
We started out with Samosas and Meat Momo's. Himalayan makes the best Samosas. They are fried but not greasy like other places. The potato, vegetable filling is light and loads of flavor. Momo is like a dumpling with a filling. Similar to Chinese pot stickers.
Our choices tonight were Chicken Vindahloo, Salmon Kabobs, Lamb Saag, Shrimp Saag (Saag is a spinach sauce), Vegetables Korma (cream), Aloo Gobi (cauliflower & potatoes) and Rogan Rosh, (lamb in a curry cream sauce). Along with basmati rice and garlic Naan.
When it its a small group we try to bring good wines even tho the food is "common". Don't save your good stuff for special occasions. Every time you open a bottle of wine it should be a special occasion.
2007 Roar, Pisoni Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2005 Testarossa, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2007 Delab, St, Esprit, Cotes du Rhone
2007 Saxum, Heart Stone Vineyard, blend ( Syrah, Granache, Mouvedre)
2010 Painted Wolf, Guillermo, Pinotage, South Africa
2010 Rolfbender, Eden Valley, Riesling, Australia
All the wines were good but the Saxum, Roar & Testarossa disappeared fast.
Six of us tonight at our favorite Indian restaurant. www.himalayangrill.com, . We know winter has finally arrived. Cold and damp here close to the ocean. The restaurant was packed and busy tonight. It is a local favorite.
We started out with Samosas and Meat Momo's. Himalayan makes the best Samosas. They are fried but not greasy like other places. The potato, vegetable filling is light and loads of flavor. Momo is like a dumpling with a filling. Similar to Chinese pot stickers.
Our choices tonight were Chicken Vindahloo, Salmon Kabobs, Lamb Saag, Shrimp Saag (Saag is a spinach sauce), Vegetables Korma (cream), Aloo Gobi (cauliflower & potatoes) and Rogan Rosh, (lamb in a curry cream sauce). Along with basmati rice and garlic Naan.
When it its a small group we try to bring good wines even tho the food is "common". Don't save your good stuff for special occasions. Every time you open a bottle of wine it should be a special occasion.
2007 Roar, Pisoni Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2005 Testarossa, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2007 Delab, St, Esprit, Cotes du Rhone
2007 Saxum, Heart Stone Vineyard, blend ( Syrah, Granache, Mouvedre)
2010 Painted Wolf, Guillermo, Pinotage, South Africa
2010 Rolfbender, Eden Valley, Riesling, Australia
All the wines were good but the Saxum, Roar & Testarossa disappeared fast.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Birthday Party Cruising Newport Harbor
Saturday, February 1, 2014
What better way to celebrate a birthday than a dinner cruise through Newport Harbor. Approximately 60 people showed up to help Sunny celebrate her 75th birthday.
The 50's was the theme and numerous people came in 50's attire. Music from that era played all evening.
We boarded the yacht "Ambassador" at 6:15 and proceeded to the open bar. I ended up drinking gin & tonic's because the wine was not very good. There were pouring Ravenswood . A white and a red. I had a small pour of the red and had the bartender dump it. Even people than aren't as picky as I am about wine were not finishing their glasses. It's too bad because I had had Ravenswood Zinfandel before and it was decent. Don't know if the cruise boat's get a deal or what but they should seriously consider pouring a different label.
Wine and cocktails with passed appetizers and a cheese station in the lounge started out our evening. We left the dock about 7:15. At 8;00 we went to the upper deck for dinner and music. A buffet dinner was served. salad, green beans, roasted potatoes, chicken marsala and prime rib. Two different birthday cakes for dessert.
After stuffing ourselves on prime rib the dancing began, Nothing like a bunch of old people thinking they are 16 again. The "show" got better when the younger group started dancing. Everyone had their cameras or cellphones flashing. A night to remember.
A great time was had by all attending, Sunny was ecstatic about the evening. Her daughter really outdid herself in having the party on the cruise yacht. The evening was beautiful and the water in harbor was like ice. Smooth and cold.
What better way to celebrate a birthday than a dinner cruise through Newport Harbor. Approximately 60 people showed up to help Sunny celebrate her 75th birthday.
The 50's was the theme and numerous people came in 50's attire. Music from that era played all evening.
We boarded the yacht "Ambassador" at 6:15 and proceeded to the open bar. I ended up drinking gin & tonic's because the wine was not very good. There were pouring Ravenswood . A white and a red. I had a small pour of the red and had the bartender dump it. Even people than aren't as picky as I am about wine were not finishing their glasses. It's too bad because I had had Ravenswood Zinfandel before and it was decent. Don't know if the cruise boat's get a deal or what but they should seriously consider pouring a different label.
Wine and cocktails with passed appetizers and a cheese station in the lounge started out our evening. We left the dock about 7:15. At 8;00 we went to the upper deck for dinner and music. A buffet dinner was served. salad, green beans, roasted potatoes, chicken marsala and prime rib. Two different birthday cakes for dessert.
After stuffing ourselves on prime rib the dancing began, Nothing like a bunch of old people thinking they are 16 again. The "show" got better when the younger group started dancing. Everyone had their cameras or cellphones flashing. A night to remember.
A great time was had by all attending, Sunny was ecstatic about the evening. Her daughter really outdid herself in having the party on the cruise yacht. The evening was beautiful and the water in harbor was like ice. Smooth and cold.
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