Thursday, February 26, 2015
Chianina in Naples, www.chianina.com, has started hosting a "Bubbles and Shells" on Thursday nights. Their three bubblies that are poured by the glass are $7 for this event. They oysters are $1.50 each as are the stuffed clams at $1.50 We all had basically the same. Had a glass of the rose cava and two glassses of the champagne. These along with a proseco are poured with their wine flight. A good selection. Three types of oysters were on the "special" tonight. Shelly, Ichibon and for the life of me I cannot remember the name of the third one. If it comes to me I will edit the post. For $9 it was a bargain and the presentation was beautiful. The stuffed "Little Neck" clams were something else. Very, very small (they did say Little Neck) and not worth the price. About the size of a quarter. They also had way too much breading on top for the size of the clams.
We each had a plate of Foie Gras. Seated with an oatmeal strudel and green apples. Not on special but since it has been unavailable in California for several years, thanks to the meddling of "nanny state" people, I will consume it frequently just in case it disappears again. But my foie gras needed just a slight bit more cooking. It has to be cooked in a very hot pan for a short amount of time otherwise it can "melt" on you. But this needed a few more seconds.
The restaurant was generous with their hot rolls," salted honey and rye" . We also receive a plate with mini, mini cookies. An Earl Grey Tea, a Polenta with Chili infused Chocolate Icing and a Chocolate Chip. These cookies were about the size of a dime. All very good an a nice ending to a "happy hour".
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Pigs and Pinot in Orange County
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
On a mini take off of the Pigs and Pinot event in Sonoma every year, Charlie Palmer's at South Coast Plaza hosted their "Pigs and Pinot" dinner. www.charliepalmer.com . Reception started at 6:00 with 30 wines being poured and appetizers being passed. I tried to taste wines I was unfamiliar with. Came across several that were interesting and worth looking into. My one negative on this reception was there were 2 bottles of each wine set up. 140 plus people. The servers were pouring much heavier than necessary. With 30 bottles and the wine at dinner you only needed a small one ounce pour to taste.
About 7:00 they started seating for dinner. There were six of us and 3 others at out table. In the course of the early conversation we found out that the people were winemakers and wines from two of them were being poured at dinner. George Levkoff, www.georgewine.com and Mike Sullivan, www.vmlwine.com. I had tasted VML's "Earth" pinot earlier and was quite taken with it. Unfortunately it is sold out. The other winemaker gave me her card. Sylvia Hurst of Truett-Hurst, www.truetthurst.com. I did not see any of those wines listed on the tasting.
Started out with Beeler's Pork Terrine and Asparagus, cornichon, pistacho, crispy pig ear, pinot noir reduction and mustard vinaigrette. Served with 2012 Benovia, Tilton Hill, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir and 2012 Benovia, Martaella, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir. Wines were nice and the terrine was excellent. I liked the crispy pig ear touch and all the flavors went extremely well together.
Second course was actually my favorite. I just wished there were several scallops instead of just one. Chorizo Crusted Diver Scallop, mussels, saffron aioli, chervil and romesco sauce. This dish had so much flavor and the scallop was cooked perfectly. It just melted in your mouth. Wines were a 2011 George Wine Co., Leras, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir and a 2012 George Wine Co., Buena Tierra, Russian River Valley, Pino Noir. Two very different styles of wine. The 2011 was edgy and the 2012 was soft. It would be interesting to check these out in a few years after some aging.
Third course is a Beeler's Pork Shank Tortellini, french onion soup consomme, button mushrooms, gruyere cheese chips. Flavor was excellent but I thought the tortellini itself was just a bit "tough". Almost like the dough had been overworked. The consomme flavor was very good. The two wines were a 2012 VML, Moon Celestial Series, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir and a 2012 VML, Stars Celestial Series, Pinot Noir. Good wines but they did not compare with the "Earth" that I tasted earlier.
Main course was a Duo of Beeler's Pork, tenderloin, cheek, banana parsnip puree, baby bell pepper, beluga lentils and truffle pork jus. At this point I was full and we did have dessert coming. The tenderloin itself was very tender and had good flavor but I had two bites and had them pack it up to take home. A 2012 Papapietro Perry, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir and a 2012 Papapietro Perry, Peters, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir was served with this course. I like this winery and have bought from them in the past.
Dessert is served - a Dark Chocolate Mousse, candied bacon (yum) blueberries, bourbon maple ice cream. This was a yummy dessert. That is why I always save room for dessert. The only non Pinot wine was served. 2009 Soliste, Out Of The Shadows, Bennett Valley Syrah. Excellent pairing and excellent flavors.
Our dining companions had left the table to mingle so the server boxed up their desserts and gave them to me to take home, minus the ice cream which I grabbed with a spoon before he took them off the table.
A very good evening. I do hope that they repeat this next year. It seemed to be a really big hit with everyone.
On a mini take off of the Pigs and Pinot event in Sonoma every year, Charlie Palmer's at South Coast Plaza hosted their "Pigs and Pinot" dinner. www.charliepalmer.com . Reception started at 6:00 with 30 wines being poured and appetizers being passed. I tried to taste wines I was unfamiliar with. Came across several that were interesting and worth looking into. My one negative on this reception was there were 2 bottles of each wine set up. 140 plus people. The servers were pouring much heavier than necessary. With 30 bottles and the wine at dinner you only needed a small one ounce pour to taste.
About 7:00 they started seating for dinner. There were six of us and 3 others at out table. In the course of the early conversation we found out that the people were winemakers and wines from two of them were being poured at dinner. George Levkoff, www.georgewine.com and Mike Sullivan, www.vmlwine.com. I had tasted VML's "Earth" pinot earlier and was quite taken with it. Unfortunately it is sold out. The other winemaker gave me her card. Sylvia Hurst of Truett-Hurst, www.truetthurst.com. I did not see any of those wines listed on the tasting.
Started out with Beeler's Pork Terrine and Asparagus, cornichon, pistacho, crispy pig ear, pinot noir reduction and mustard vinaigrette. Served with 2012 Benovia, Tilton Hill, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir and 2012 Benovia, Martaella, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir. Wines were nice and the terrine was excellent. I liked the crispy pig ear touch and all the flavors went extremely well together.
Second course was actually my favorite. I just wished there were several scallops instead of just one. Chorizo Crusted Diver Scallop, mussels, saffron aioli, chervil and romesco sauce. This dish had so much flavor and the scallop was cooked perfectly. It just melted in your mouth. Wines were a 2011 George Wine Co., Leras, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir and a 2012 George Wine Co., Buena Tierra, Russian River Valley, Pino Noir. Two very different styles of wine. The 2011 was edgy and the 2012 was soft. It would be interesting to check these out in a few years after some aging.
Third course is a Beeler's Pork Shank Tortellini, french onion soup consomme, button mushrooms, gruyere cheese chips. Flavor was excellent but I thought the tortellini itself was just a bit "tough". Almost like the dough had been overworked. The consomme flavor was very good. The two wines were a 2012 VML, Moon Celestial Series, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir and a 2012 VML, Stars Celestial Series, Pinot Noir. Good wines but they did not compare with the "Earth" that I tasted earlier.
Main course was a Duo of Beeler's Pork, tenderloin, cheek, banana parsnip puree, baby bell pepper, beluga lentils and truffle pork jus. At this point I was full and we did have dessert coming. The tenderloin itself was very tender and had good flavor but I had two bites and had them pack it up to take home. A 2012 Papapietro Perry, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir and a 2012 Papapietro Perry, Peters, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir was served with this course. I like this winery and have bought from them in the past.
Dessert is served - a Dark Chocolate Mousse, candied bacon (yum) blueberries, bourbon maple ice cream. This was a yummy dessert. That is why I always save room for dessert. The only non Pinot wine was served. 2009 Soliste, Out Of The Shadows, Bennett Valley Syrah. Excellent pairing and excellent flavors.
Our dining companions had left the table to mingle so the server boxed up their desserts and gave them to me to take home, minus the ice cream which I grabbed with a spoon before he took them off the table.
A very good evening. I do hope that they repeat this next year. It seemed to be a really big hit with everyone.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Happy Chinese New Year at The Seafood Cove
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
The boys and I went to dinner to celebrate Chinese New Year. Seafood Palace was booked solid and we could not get in there so Henry opted for Seafood Cove. I have been there before. Ambiance and noise level is not as good as the Palace. It is in a less desirable area of Westminister. They do have tanks of live lobster and if you order lobster they bring a selection to you, wiggling away, and you pick which one you want. Saw a great looking beast being shown at another table, huge claws. At $14.99 a lb., it probably was about $60 to $70 dollars.
We started out with Salt and Pepper Calamari, then onto Walnut Shrimp. A platter of Salt & Pepper Fried White Fish came into view. All these dishes were very good and the platters were emptied. Then a dish of clams with basil came out. Too much basil for me but everyone else was happy with it. A big platter of Thai Beef with Rice Noodles with greens was brought out. I had a small portion but at this time I was starting to fill up. All the dishes at Seafood Cove are larger than the Palace. There were 5 of us and these dishes would have taken care of 8 easily. So we overate at the beginning. Last dish out was Salt and Pepper Pork Chops. I was full but that did not stop me from over eating these delectable little bites. The restaurant gave us Seaweed Tapioca with red dates and green beans for dessert.
Wines were an interesting selection. There was a 2009 and 2010 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir brought. Tasting the two side by side showed the difference in growing years. The 09 was tart, edgy and the 10 was soft and voluptuous.
A 2007 Domaine de Montille, Auxey-Durresse White Burgundy, which paired excellent with the seafood, 2008 Macrae Family, Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 Saxum, Terry Hoague Blend rounded out the wines tonight. Not much left when we finished.
The firecrackers were going off and Little Saigon was preparing for the next day. Everyplace was crowded. So this new Lunar Year will be the Year of The Sheep (Ram, Goat). I was born in the year of the Rabbit. Missed being a Dragon by two days.
The boys and I went to dinner to celebrate Chinese New Year. Seafood Palace was booked solid and we could not get in there so Henry opted for Seafood Cove. I have been there before. Ambiance and noise level is not as good as the Palace. It is in a less desirable area of Westminister. They do have tanks of live lobster and if you order lobster they bring a selection to you, wiggling away, and you pick which one you want. Saw a great looking beast being shown at another table, huge claws. At $14.99 a lb., it probably was about $60 to $70 dollars.
We started out with Salt and Pepper Calamari, then onto Walnut Shrimp. A platter of Salt & Pepper Fried White Fish came into view. All these dishes were very good and the platters were emptied. Then a dish of clams with basil came out. Too much basil for me but everyone else was happy with it. A big platter of Thai Beef with Rice Noodles with greens was brought out. I had a small portion but at this time I was starting to fill up. All the dishes at Seafood Cove are larger than the Palace. There were 5 of us and these dishes would have taken care of 8 easily. So we overate at the beginning. Last dish out was Salt and Pepper Pork Chops. I was full but that did not stop me from over eating these delectable little bites. The restaurant gave us Seaweed Tapioca with red dates and green beans for dessert.
Wines were an interesting selection. There was a 2009 and 2010 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir brought. Tasting the two side by side showed the difference in growing years. The 09 was tart, edgy and the 10 was soft and voluptuous.
A 2007 Domaine de Montille, Auxey-Durresse White Burgundy, which paired excellent with the seafood, 2008 Macrae Family, Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 Saxum, Terry Hoague Blend rounded out the wines tonight. Not much left when we finished.
The firecrackers were going off and Little Saigon was preparing for the next day. Everyplace was crowded. So this new Lunar Year will be the Year of The Sheep (Ram, Goat). I was born in the year of the Rabbit. Missed being a Dragon by two days.
Birthday Dinner at Chianina
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
My friend Joe, whom I have known for over 30 years and I always treat each other for our birthdays. Used to be lunch but out favorite sushi restaurant closed. It was close to my work and convenient. Since Joe is retired we started doing dinner. This year I picked out Chianina in the Naples area of Long Beach. www.chianina.com . I was there a few months ago for a wine dinner and was anxious to get back. This is not the cheapest restaurant around but the quality is superb. Did not make reservations because it was a Tuesday but I was surprised at how busy it was. Bar was packed for happy hour and quite a few diners in the main area. Everything on the menu is al la carte. So expect a big bill. Valet parking for $4 which is acceptable.
We were served a selection of two rolls. Salted Honey and Rye. Both were excellent. This was accompanied by a dish with regular butter, olive oil and marscapone butter. Then a very small container, almost like a shot glass with a cream cauliflower soup. Again very good.
I ordered the 8 oz petite fillet, ($38 for the steak alone) cooked medium are. Cooked perfect and the flavor and tenderness were the best I have ever had. Blew 555 East out of the water. I also ordered the russet potato Gnocchi along with cayenne dusted cauliflower. Took home a "doggie bag". Joe ordered the butter poached lobster tail ($47 for the lobster alone) along with the mixed mushrooms and gnocchi. We split a chocolate lava cake for dessert.
We both had the international red wine flight ($14) Three glasses about 2 oz each maybe a half ounce more, a syrah, a tempranillo and a malbec. I was happy with the selection and the wines were good but I did favor the tempranillo. Better buy than just getting one glass. You do get a bit more ordering this way. They have 5 flights available.
This place has a beef that comes in at the beginning of the month. Called Chianina. An Italian bee. It is far more expensive than the Angus prime I had. Would like to try it sometime. But you have to come into the restaurant soon after it arrives otherwise it is gone until the next month. Maybe I will pop in and have dinner alone . It is hard to get people to open their wallets for expensive food. Everyone seems to want high quality, a lot and they want it cheap. That just doesn't happen. I know Chianina and Michaels are higher in price but the quality is there and to me that is what counts. If I want to be frugal I will pick out an ethnic restaurant. You usually get more bang for your buck at those places. But for steak I will pay for it. I don't want to waste my palate on mediocre.
So a very nice birthday dinner for my "Diamond Jubilee". Joe's birthday is in May so maybe we will come back to Chianina.
My friend Joe, whom I have known for over 30 years and I always treat each other for our birthdays. Used to be lunch but out favorite sushi restaurant closed. It was close to my work and convenient. Since Joe is retired we started doing dinner. This year I picked out Chianina in the Naples area of Long Beach. www.chianina.com . I was there a few months ago for a wine dinner and was anxious to get back. This is not the cheapest restaurant around but the quality is superb. Did not make reservations because it was a Tuesday but I was surprised at how busy it was. Bar was packed for happy hour and quite a few diners in the main area. Everything on the menu is al la carte. So expect a big bill. Valet parking for $4 which is acceptable.
We were served a selection of two rolls. Salted Honey and Rye. Both were excellent. This was accompanied by a dish with regular butter, olive oil and marscapone butter. Then a very small container, almost like a shot glass with a cream cauliflower soup. Again very good.
I ordered the 8 oz petite fillet, ($38 for the steak alone) cooked medium are. Cooked perfect and the flavor and tenderness were the best I have ever had. Blew 555 East out of the water. I also ordered the russet potato Gnocchi along with cayenne dusted cauliflower. Took home a "doggie bag". Joe ordered the butter poached lobster tail ($47 for the lobster alone) along with the mixed mushrooms and gnocchi. We split a chocolate lava cake for dessert.
We both had the international red wine flight ($14) Three glasses about 2 oz each maybe a half ounce more, a syrah, a tempranillo and a malbec. I was happy with the selection and the wines were good but I did favor the tempranillo. Better buy than just getting one glass. You do get a bit more ordering this way. They have 5 flights available.
This place has a beef that comes in at the beginning of the month. Called Chianina. An Italian bee. It is far more expensive than the Angus prime I had. Would like to try it sometime. But you have to come into the restaurant soon after it arrives otherwise it is gone until the next month. Maybe I will pop in and have dinner alone . It is hard to get people to open their wallets for expensive food. Everyone seems to want high quality, a lot and they want it cheap. That just doesn't happen. I know Chianina and Michaels are higher in price but the quality is there and to me that is what counts. If I want to be frugal I will pick out an ethnic restaurant. You usually get more bang for your buck at those places. But for steak I will pay for it. I don't want to waste my palate on mediocre.
So a very nice birthday dinner for my "Diamond Jubilee". Joe's birthday is in May so maybe we will come back to Chianina.
February Gathering of The Flock
Sunday, February 15, 2015
My turn to host the winos today. My theme has been the same for the past few years. Wines rated 93 and above. Used to be Over 90 but kept getting the same wines every year. People take the path of least resistance if they can. A little smaller group this year which I felt worked out better. We are losing a few people due to retirements and relocation's. Weather was nearly perfect which is a bonus in February. Wine could stay outside and food inside. If it's rainy then the wine are inside and my carpet takes a beating.
Good appetizers were brought by the flock along with a couple of desserts and side dishes. I brined and cooked a boneless pork loin ands it turned out well.
We did have a 100 point wine. 2011 Alvar Pedro Ximenez de Aurado. Yes a dessert wine but it did fit the theme and was excellent. This year there was a really good selection of wines brought in. It was hard to pick a favorite but some of the wines I really enjoyed were the 2008 Roar Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir. I did bring this wine and decanted it for about 5 hours. 2010 Mollydooker Carnival Syrah, 2010 Sea Smoke 10 Pinot Noir, 2010 Saxum James Berry Syrah, 2002 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Syrah and the 2011 Epoch Paderewski Vineyard Tempranillo.
So another gathering under our belt and looking to next months - French Grand Cru's.
My turn to host the winos today. My theme has been the same for the past few years. Wines rated 93 and above. Used to be Over 90 but kept getting the same wines every year. People take the path of least resistance if they can. A little smaller group this year which I felt worked out better. We are losing a few people due to retirements and relocation's. Weather was nearly perfect which is a bonus in February. Wine could stay outside and food inside. If it's rainy then the wine are inside and my carpet takes a beating.
Good appetizers were brought by the flock along with a couple of desserts and side dishes. I brined and cooked a boneless pork loin ands it turned out well.
We did have a 100 point wine. 2011 Alvar Pedro Ximenez de Aurado. Yes a dessert wine but it did fit the theme and was excellent. This year there was a really good selection of wines brought in. It was hard to pick a favorite but some of the wines I really enjoyed were the 2008 Roar Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir. I did bring this wine and decanted it for about 5 hours. 2010 Mollydooker Carnival Syrah, 2010 Sea Smoke 10 Pinot Noir, 2010 Saxum James Berry Syrah, 2002 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Syrah and the 2011 Epoch Paderewski Vineyard Tempranillo.
So another gathering under our belt and looking to next months - French Grand Cru's.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Baba Ghanouj Restaurant
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Ten of us tonight for Margie's Wine Activity monthly dinner at a Lebanese restaurant, Baba Ghanouj, www.babghanoujrestaurant,com, in the Bixby Knolls area . Owner used to have this restaurant on Second St. in Belmont Shore years ago. Margie arranged for a prix fixe meal. Makes it easier at this type of restaurant than having everyone order separately. Much easier on the restaurant also.
We started out with a cup of White Bean Soup which had a lot of flavor and was very filling. Thick and good and thankfully not salty.
Plates of Hummus Be Tahini and Feta Mix, feta cheese, chopped onion, tomato, fresh oregano and olive oil, along with Pita bread and Pita chips were set on the table. The restaurant was very generous with these dishes. Tasty and I am getting full.
The balance of the food selected was served on the dinner plates. Already portioned out which made it nice and easy. We did not have to pass dishes around. The plates had Kibbie Sineeya, which is freshly ground beef mixed with cracked wheat and layered with pine nuts.baked and served with tabouli and yogurt sauce. This dish has lots of good flavors but is somewhat dry so the sauces add a lot. Also on the plate was Chicken Shawarma, thinly sliced grilled chicken with tomato and garlic sauce. excellent flavor, chicken was moist and a few pieces of Lamb Shish Kabab completed the protein portion of the plate.
There was a very large grilled green pepper which I did not eat, , grilled tomato slice which really had no flavor, the tomato itself seemed like it was hot house grown, Basmati rice and sauteed potatoes. The potatoes were a big hit. Cooked with garlic, lemon, chioli, cilantro and tahini.
I ate a little of the chicken and beef, a few potatoes and boxed everything else to take home. The soup and the appetizers filled me up. I just cannot eat like I used to which is probably a good thing.
Rounded out the meal with a dish of ice cream with pistachios, I could taste a rose water flavor to the dessert. A nice ending to the meal. Margie also gave everyone a little bag of Valentine chocolates for a "party favor". Nice touch.
Mixed bag of wines. I felt some did not really lend themselves to the type of food being served.
CJ's and my wine were the first to be finished along with the Champagne. So we know which wines were really good. The first 4 wines listed were the ones that had empty bottles when I left. People were still drinking when I left so there probably were a few more dead soldiers.
2010 Domaine Carneros by Tattinger Champagne (always good)
2011 Seasmoke, Sta. Rita Hills, Southing, Pinot Noir (favorite of the evening)
2009 Roar, Santa Lucia Highlands, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir (took awhile to open but was really good)
2004 Chateau Margene, Paso Robles, Late Harvest Zinfandel (not overly sweet - very good)
2013 Tablas Creek, Paso Robles, Dianthus Rose ( too strawberry sweet)
2013 Patricia Green, Oregon, Pinot Noir (very good - shows Oregon Pinot)
2011 Klinker Brick, Lodi, Old Vine Zinfandel (typical Loid zin)
2011 Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, Estate Chardonnay (tad oak but not my style)
2013 Hart, Temecula, Roussane (did not taste - not into Rhone whites)
2011 Tamber Bay, Babicano (did not taste)
2012 Martin Ray, Santa Cruz Mt., Chardonnay (oaky - not for me - did not taste)
2011 Kaiken, Ultra, Mendoza, Argentina, Malbec ( did not taste- I have had this by the glass in restaurants too many times - it keeps showing up at dinners - person must have bought a case)
Ten of us tonight for Margie's Wine Activity monthly dinner at a Lebanese restaurant, Baba Ghanouj, www.babghanoujrestaurant,com, in the Bixby Knolls area . Owner used to have this restaurant on Second St. in Belmont Shore years ago. Margie arranged for a prix fixe meal. Makes it easier at this type of restaurant than having everyone order separately. Much easier on the restaurant also.
We started out with a cup of White Bean Soup which had a lot of flavor and was very filling. Thick and good and thankfully not salty.
Plates of Hummus Be Tahini and Feta Mix, feta cheese, chopped onion, tomato, fresh oregano and olive oil, along with Pita bread and Pita chips were set on the table. The restaurant was very generous with these dishes. Tasty and I am getting full.
The balance of the food selected was served on the dinner plates. Already portioned out which made it nice and easy. We did not have to pass dishes around. The plates had Kibbie Sineeya, which is freshly ground beef mixed with cracked wheat and layered with pine nuts.baked and served with tabouli and yogurt sauce. This dish has lots of good flavors but is somewhat dry so the sauces add a lot. Also on the plate was Chicken Shawarma, thinly sliced grilled chicken with tomato and garlic sauce. excellent flavor, chicken was moist and a few pieces of Lamb Shish Kabab completed the protein portion of the plate.
There was a very large grilled green pepper which I did not eat, , grilled tomato slice which really had no flavor, the tomato itself seemed like it was hot house grown, Basmati rice and sauteed potatoes. The potatoes were a big hit. Cooked with garlic, lemon, chioli, cilantro and tahini.
I ate a little of the chicken and beef, a few potatoes and boxed everything else to take home. The soup and the appetizers filled me up. I just cannot eat like I used to which is probably a good thing.
Rounded out the meal with a dish of ice cream with pistachios, I could taste a rose water flavor to the dessert. A nice ending to the meal. Margie also gave everyone a little bag of Valentine chocolates for a "party favor". Nice touch.
Mixed bag of wines. I felt some did not really lend themselves to the type of food being served.
CJ's and my wine were the first to be finished along with the Champagne. So we know which wines were really good. The first 4 wines listed were the ones that had empty bottles when I left. People were still drinking when I left so there probably were a few more dead soldiers.
2010 Domaine Carneros by Tattinger Champagne (always good)
2011 Seasmoke, Sta. Rita Hills, Southing, Pinot Noir (favorite of the evening)
2009 Roar, Santa Lucia Highlands, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir (took awhile to open but was really good)
2004 Chateau Margene, Paso Robles, Late Harvest Zinfandel (not overly sweet - very good)
2013 Tablas Creek, Paso Robles, Dianthus Rose ( too strawberry sweet)
2013 Patricia Green, Oregon, Pinot Noir (very good - shows Oregon Pinot)
2011 Klinker Brick, Lodi, Old Vine Zinfandel (typical Loid zin)
2011 Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, Estate Chardonnay (tad oak but not my style)
2013 Hart, Temecula, Roussane (did not taste - not into Rhone whites)
2011 Tamber Bay, Babicano (did not taste)
2012 Martin Ray, Santa Cruz Mt., Chardonnay (oaky - not for me - did not taste)
2011 Kaiken, Ultra, Mendoza, Argentina, Malbec ( did not taste- I have had this by the glass in restaurants too many times - it keeps showing up at dinners - person must have bought a case)
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
First Tuesday Wine Tasting Have Started at Michaels on Naples
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
The first Tuesday wine tasting at Michaels, michaelsonnaples.com, . Seems some people did not get the message which made the parking a breeze. It did get busier in the later evening but I was so happy not to have to have valet parking.
A nice evening. We had a table under the rolling roof and it was quite pleasant. This is still winter so the evenings are still cool and sometimes foggy.
Tonight's wines were all from the Umbria area of Italy. Two whites and two reds. They seemed to be pouring heavy tonight. So much so I gave my companion most of my red wine. No need to over indulge.
I did go out on a limb and ordered an appetizer. I wanted Foie Gras. Have not had any since the ban was lifted and this was my first chance to order it again. Tasted so good. Pricey, but then Michaels is always pricey.
So off to a good start with the First Tuesday Wine Tastings at Michaels. This will go on until the holiday season.
The first Tuesday wine tasting at Michaels, michaelsonnaples.com, . Seems some people did not get the message which made the parking a breeze. It did get busier in the later evening but I was so happy not to have to have valet parking.
A nice evening. We had a table under the rolling roof and it was quite pleasant. This is still winter so the evenings are still cool and sometimes foggy.
Tonight's wines were all from the Umbria area of Italy. Two whites and two reds. They seemed to be pouring heavy tonight. So much so I gave my companion most of my red wine. No need to over indulge.
I did go out on a limb and ordered an appetizer. I wanted Foie Gras. Have not had any since the ban was lifted and this was my first chance to order it again. Tasted so good. Pricey, but then Michaels is always pricey.
So off to a good start with the First Tuesday Wine Tastings at Michaels. This will go on until the holiday season.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Atun Sushi - Supper Club dinner
Monday, February 2, 2015
Tonight was the Cal Heights Supper Club event at Atun Sushi in the Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach. Been wanting to eat here ever since I saw the place. atunsushi.com, I was intrigued by the light fixtures. The inside decor did not disappoint. New Age sushi establishment.
11 of us tonight at the table. A real big mix of food ordered. Atun has a lot of "rolls" on their menu. All were large and looked good.
I kept it simple. Had a Yakitori appetizer plate off the Happy Hour menu. Chicken, Beef Filet and bacon wrapped shrimp. All were good but I lean towards that bacon wrapped shrimp. It was excellent. I also did 3 types of sushi, Spanish Mackerel, Scallop and Yellowtail. All were good, fresh and very good flavor. Leaned toward the Spanish Mackerel because of the flavor but the yellowtail was excellent.
Ordered a small bottle of Kikusui Perfect "Snow" unfiltered Saki. Bless those screw caps. Took the balance of the bottle home. At 21% alcohol, it's best not to overdo it. They have a good selection of beer and wine. Most of the better wine was by the bottle. But the glass wine was OK, better than a lot of places. They also have a list of mixed cocktails they serve.
This place was busy for a Monday night because of the "Supper Club" event. Service was good, food excellent and the ambiance was very "new age". And I just love those light fixtures.
Atun along with Sushi, Sashimi and the rolls also does Yakitori and Tempura. Next trip will try the Tempura.
Sure beats the place I went to Saturday night for Sushi. That place I was not happy with and will never go back.
Tonight was the Cal Heights Supper Club event at Atun Sushi in the Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach. Been wanting to eat here ever since I saw the place. atunsushi.com, I was intrigued by the light fixtures. The inside decor did not disappoint. New Age sushi establishment.
11 of us tonight at the table. A real big mix of food ordered. Atun has a lot of "rolls" on their menu. All were large and looked good.
I kept it simple. Had a Yakitori appetizer plate off the Happy Hour menu. Chicken, Beef Filet and bacon wrapped shrimp. All were good but I lean towards that bacon wrapped shrimp. It was excellent. I also did 3 types of sushi, Spanish Mackerel, Scallop and Yellowtail. All were good, fresh and very good flavor. Leaned toward the Spanish Mackerel because of the flavor but the yellowtail was excellent.
Ordered a small bottle of Kikusui Perfect "Snow" unfiltered Saki. Bless those screw caps. Took the balance of the bottle home. At 21% alcohol, it's best not to overdo it. They have a good selection of beer and wine. Most of the better wine was by the bottle. But the glass wine was OK, better than a lot of places. They also have a list of mixed cocktails they serve.
This place was busy for a Monday night because of the "Supper Club" event. Service was good, food excellent and the ambiance was very "new age". And I just love those light fixtures.
Atun along with Sushi, Sashimi and the rolls also does Yakitori and Tempura. Next trip will try the Tempura.
Sure beats the place I went to Saturday night for Sushi. That place I was not happy with and will never go back.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Contemporary Art Show and Fritto Misto
Saturday. January 31, 2015
Attended an art show at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Contemporary Art. It's all in the eye of the beholder or apparently the artist is some cases. Some very unusual pieces and a few that I would buy is the prices were not as far out as the artists themselves. Some pieces I just looked at and wondered what they were smoking to do what they did and with a straight face called it "art". But it always does yourself good to expose yourself to what is out there.
After the show the four of us headed over to Fritto Misto in Santa Monica. Heavy road construction in the area and we were so lucky to get a coveted parking space behind the restaurant.
Ordered an appetizer , the "Fritto Misto" which is a selection of vegetables and seafood battered and fried.
A variety of dishes were ordered. Caprese salad which had a very good mozzarella cheese. Sausage and Peppers with a heavy marinara sauce, Vegetable Lasagna with a heavy marinara sauce, Mushroom Ravioli with goat cheese, artichoke hearts and beef filets tips again with a heavy marinara sauce. Since we were all "sharing" it left me on the sidelines because of the marinara. I can only eat a small amount before my stomach flares up. I did have a little bite of the lasagna and the ravioli. I ordered the gnocchi with artichoke hearts and shrimp. Had an excellent alfredo sauce on it.
The table was small so we had quite in display of wine and glasses. I brought a 2007 Roar, Rosellas Vineyard, Pinot Noir which turned out to be excellent. First bottle finished. A 2006 Notarpanaro, Saento, Rosso, a NV Francois Chindaine, Montlouis, Sur Loire Sparkling and a 2012 Louis Jadot, Beaune Bressandes Burgundy rounded out the selections.. The only bottle that had anything left in it was the Louis Jadot. Nice wine but way to young.
After getting back to the South Bay area I got on the freeway to try and get to Sunset Beach before 6:00. A birthday dinner at Tsunami restaurant, www.tsunamihb.com, Had not been there before and would not go back. Extremely noisy, no acoustics, and the teppantyaki tables where everyone sits around while they cook in front of you. We had to yell to be heard at our table. Food was good but not a pleasant experience. On top of that we had a waitress whose IQ had to be measured by her boob size. When we were basically done with dinner but sitting there finishing our drinks the busboys came up and started clearing the table. They had a crowd waiting and wanted us out of there so they could turn the table.
So a very long day for me. Tommorow I will have to do laundry, clean house and get groceries before the start of the Superbowl game.
Attended an art show at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Contemporary Art. It's all in the eye of the beholder or apparently the artist is some cases. Some very unusual pieces and a few that I would buy is the prices were not as far out as the artists themselves. Some pieces I just looked at and wondered what they were smoking to do what they did and with a straight face called it "art". But it always does yourself good to expose yourself to what is out there.
After the show the four of us headed over to Fritto Misto in Santa Monica. Heavy road construction in the area and we were so lucky to get a coveted parking space behind the restaurant.
Ordered an appetizer , the "Fritto Misto" which is a selection of vegetables and seafood battered and fried.
A variety of dishes were ordered. Caprese salad which had a very good mozzarella cheese. Sausage and Peppers with a heavy marinara sauce, Vegetable Lasagna with a heavy marinara sauce, Mushroom Ravioli with goat cheese, artichoke hearts and beef filets tips again with a heavy marinara sauce. Since we were all "sharing" it left me on the sidelines because of the marinara. I can only eat a small amount before my stomach flares up. I did have a little bite of the lasagna and the ravioli. I ordered the gnocchi with artichoke hearts and shrimp. Had an excellent alfredo sauce on it.
The table was small so we had quite in display of wine and glasses. I brought a 2007 Roar, Rosellas Vineyard, Pinot Noir which turned out to be excellent. First bottle finished. A 2006 Notarpanaro, Saento, Rosso, a NV Francois Chindaine, Montlouis, Sur Loire Sparkling and a 2012 Louis Jadot, Beaune Bressandes Burgundy rounded out the selections.. The only bottle that had anything left in it was the Louis Jadot. Nice wine but way to young.
After getting back to the South Bay area I got on the freeway to try and get to Sunset Beach before 6:00. A birthday dinner at Tsunami restaurant, www.tsunamihb.com, Had not been there before and would not go back. Extremely noisy, no acoustics, and the teppantyaki tables where everyone sits around while they cook in front of you. We had to yell to be heard at our table. Food was good but not a pleasant experience. On top of that we had a waitress whose IQ had to be measured by her boob size. When we were basically done with dinner but sitting there finishing our drinks the busboys came up and started clearing the table. They had a crowd waiting and wanted us out of there so they could turn the table.
So a very long day for me. Tommorow I will have to do laundry, clean house and get groceries before the start of the Superbowl game.
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