Solstice Dinner On The Savanna

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Safaried down the trail to the Savanna to partake of dinner in the wild. Surrounded by vegetation, cheetahs,  lions,  monkeys, gorillas and flamingos. The sounds of the savanna filtering into our outdoor dining area. Ten of us gathered for dinner.  Safari hats were a must to protect us from the flocks of flamingos flying overhead

Every dinner must start with Champagne. Started out with a Graham Beck Rose Brut, then on to a 2010 Schramsberg, Blanc de Noir, Brut. 

A ramekin of pureed mango with cardamon and ginger topped with raspberries and blueberries was set before us by the porters, Tasty little dish. Then onto a plate filled with delectable little bites. Wasabi Crusted Seared Ahi, Chicken Tikka Samosas with Curry, Cedar Smoked Shrimp with Chimichurri Sauce, Southwestern Scallops, Brie and Walnut Cups, Cheeses, Honey Dijon Kettle Chips and Crackers,

Two more Champagne's were poured 2008 Millesime Louis Brison Brut and a 1995 LP Grand Siecle.

A bottle of 2013 Francois Chidaine, Touraine, Savignon Blanc was next. To have something in our glass while the main course was being prepared by the trusty cooks.

Main course was grilled Copper River Salmon, flown in from the States, Honey Mustard Sauce, Terikai  Sauce or a Pinot reduction. I prefer mine plain so as to take away from the delicate flavor of the fish.  Served with Butternut Squash Risotto, Roasted Garlic Couscous, Roasted Potatoes and Normandy Vegetables.

We has 3 magnums of wine to start with. 2000 Williams Selyem, Wier Vineyard, Vista Verde Pinot Noir, a 2005 Clos Pepe Estate, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir and a 2002 Williams Selyem. Yorkville Highlands, Pinot Noir.

Next we had a 2013 Williams Selyem, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir, 2013 Burn Cottage, Central Otago, New Zealand, Pinot Noir, 2007 AP Vin, Santa Lucia Highlands, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir and a 2007 Clendenen Family Vineyard, Au Bon Climat, Pinot Noir.

Dessert consisted of a plate with Goose Pate, Chicken Pate, Lobster Pate and Mousse Truffle Pate, Gorgonzola, Bucheron, Epoisses Berthaut Cheese, Fresh Fig, Apple and Pear

The last wine of the evening was a 1976 Romer de Heyot Sauterne.

All the wines were excellent. A good contrast in Pinots, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Lucia Highlands, Sonoma, Santa Maria and New Zealand. My favorite wine was the Clendenen Family Pinot along with the Sauterne.

We welcomed in the Summer Solstice with fireworks at midnight.