Wednesday, July 29, 2015
It has been several years since I have been to Sebastianis, www.sebastianis.net. Kind of like I forget about it because it is to close to where I live. Very busy tonight and that is probably because of the "no corkage" on Wednesday. $10 corkage the other nights. I opted for a couple of glasses of "Goats do Roam" Rose which was refreshing on a hot day. And it did pair well with my Shrimp and Linguine. Good size serving with a side salad.
This group of people I am with are for the most part non- drinkers so no report on any exciting wines. I will have to try and remember to come here again. Used to frequent the place but got out of the habit. They do schedule wine dinners but the website is never up to date. It is like if you want any information you have to come in. They have an Argentinian wine dinner on Thursday the 30th but it is sold out. Pablo did mention another one coming up soon so I will have to keep that in mind.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
A Night Under The Tuscan Sun at Franco's
Tuesday. July 28, 2015
The dinner last month at Francos, www.francositalianrestaurant.com, was so successful they decided to do another. About 28 people in attendance tonight. Different layout of the tables. This time they wine dinner group was concentrated in the back area at four tables. Made serving and talking with the reps easier. I think a far better arrangement and left the front of the house open for walk in diners which there were numerous tonight. I was at a table with people I sat close to last dinner. Enjoyable conversations.
We started out with Polenta con Funghi (sauteed wild mushrooms over creamy polenta) Sauce was excellent and I liked the selection of the mushrooms and taste much better that the ones at Chianina. This was a good dish to start with. Everyone was happy with this dish. The wine was a 2012 Burchino Bianco Trebbiano-Vermentino. Slightly acidic, crisp, clean, well balanced with lots of pear and a hint of green apple. I was really surprised to see how well this white wine paired with the mushrooms.
Second course was a Insalata Estiva de Franco, crisp spinach with Gorgonzola, glazed shallots, roasted walnuts, sliced apples and tarragon vinaigrette. Again everyone talked about how good the salad was. Vinaigrettte was very subtle. Pairing wines with a salad is difficult but this pairing went off without a hitch. A NV Parolivini Rosato Sparkling. This wine was 100% Merlot. Not sweet but with a fresh light strawberry taste.
Next was the entree. Brasato di Manzo, braised short rib with housemade pappardelle pasta. This short rib was huge and had the bone left in. I prefer this style of cooking because the bone gives a lot to the meat when cooked together. The meat was full of flavor and very tender. Far better and much bigger than the short rib I had last week at Antonellos which was good. Paired with a 2010 Castellani Chianti Reserva. A nice pairing.
Dessert was a Torta Cioccolata con Zabaione, Genoese chocolate torte with light Marsala wine cream and raspberries. Not overly sweet but a deep chocolate flavor. Wine poured was a NV Olptrepo Pavese Lombardia Moscato. Slightly sweet with a rich mouth feel. A good ending to the meal.
Again tonight the wines were poured generously. Just ask and they poured. Wines paired well with the food. This diner was $69 and Antonellos was $110. I feel I really got better food at Franco's. It is not always price but quality.
Ciro the distributor entertained us with a few songs later in the evening when most people had left and then Alex chimed in with his voice. Free entertainment. Again Franco (papa) came out and sat with us. Drank wine and relaxed after a busy day in the kitchen. Elizabeth was beaming. A really fun way to end the evening. And it looks like there will be another dinner in September. They were talking about bigger red wines. I am sure the price will go up a bit because bigger reds are more costly but this dinner was a bargain. I had more than enough to eat, took most of my short rib home and gave half of my dessert away. I should have stayed away from all the bread with garlic spread when I first sat down. But it was so good.
The dinner last month at Francos, www.francositalianrestaurant.com, was so successful they decided to do another. About 28 people in attendance tonight. Different layout of the tables. This time they wine dinner group was concentrated in the back area at four tables. Made serving and talking with the reps easier. I think a far better arrangement and left the front of the house open for walk in diners which there were numerous tonight. I was at a table with people I sat close to last dinner. Enjoyable conversations.
We started out with Polenta con Funghi (sauteed wild mushrooms over creamy polenta) Sauce was excellent and I liked the selection of the mushrooms and taste much better that the ones at Chianina. This was a good dish to start with. Everyone was happy with this dish. The wine was a 2012 Burchino Bianco Trebbiano-Vermentino. Slightly acidic, crisp, clean, well balanced with lots of pear and a hint of green apple. I was really surprised to see how well this white wine paired with the mushrooms.
Second course was a Insalata Estiva de Franco, crisp spinach with Gorgonzola, glazed shallots, roasted walnuts, sliced apples and tarragon vinaigrette. Again everyone talked about how good the salad was. Vinaigrettte was very subtle. Pairing wines with a salad is difficult but this pairing went off without a hitch. A NV Parolivini Rosato Sparkling. This wine was 100% Merlot. Not sweet but with a fresh light strawberry taste.
Next was the entree. Brasato di Manzo, braised short rib with housemade pappardelle pasta. This short rib was huge and had the bone left in. I prefer this style of cooking because the bone gives a lot to the meat when cooked together. The meat was full of flavor and very tender. Far better and much bigger than the short rib I had last week at Antonellos which was good. Paired with a 2010 Castellani Chianti Reserva. A nice pairing.
Dessert was a Torta Cioccolata con Zabaione, Genoese chocolate torte with light Marsala wine cream and raspberries. Not overly sweet but a deep chocolate flavor. Wine poured was a NV Olptrepo Pavese Lombardia Moscato. Slightly sweet with a rich mouth feel. A good ending to the meal.
Again tonight the wines were poured generously. Just ask and they poured. Wines paired well with the food. This diner was $69 and Antonellos was $110. I feel I really got better food at Franco's. It is not always price but quality.
Ciro the distributor entertained us with a few songs later in the evening when most people had left and then Alex chimed in with his voice. Free entertainment. Again Franco (papa) came out and sat with us. Drank wine and relaxed after a busy day in the kitchen. Elizabeth was beaming. A really fun way to end the evening. And it looks like there will be another dinner in September. They were talking about bigger red wines. I am sure the price will go up a bit because bigger reds are more costly but this dinner was a bargain. I had more than enough to eat, took most of my short rib home and gave half of my dessert away. I should have stayed away from all the bread with garlic spread when I first sat down. But it was so good.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Arte Cafe and Wine Tasting
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Arte Cafe in Cerritos, www.artecamellia.com, had their summer wine tasting today. Not their normal day or time. It is usually held on a weekday in the evening. An experiment by the Richard, the owner. Did not go well. Richard thought if it was held late afternoon on a weekend people would stay and have dinner. Not going to happen. The time of 4 to 6 on a Saturday is beyond my understanding. People use their weekends for other things. After tasting 30 or more wines on a hot afternoon, last thing you want is more food and wine. I doubt if there was more than 30 people in attendance, Usually this tasting draws over 100 people. The time, day and heat were the topic of conversation.
All wines, red and white were iced down but still too warm. There was no air movement on the back patio because of the tarping that was on the fence to keep people from seeing the entertainment they have on Friday nights. Everyone was clustered around the fan in the bar area. The list of wines on the flyer were not necessarily what was poured. I did not keep tabs of the wines as it was just plain to hot and miserable on that patio but a couple of wines that were standouts were the Louis Jadot Pouilly Fusse, Domaine Serene Yamhill Pinot and the Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. The appetizers were good. About 8 different kinds and they were passed around quite frequently
Youngs Market and Southern Wines were the distributors today. One of the rep's recognized me from another event. Since it was not crowded you could have longer conversations with them regarding their wines. Managed to snag an invite to the big trade tasting later this summer. Have done that tasting before and it always a good one to attend. Open only to the trade, not the public, and they show case all the wines and spirits that are in their portfolio. It is a huge tasting with hundreds of tables set up in a convention hall of a major hotel. And the food is also excellent. They spare no expense on this one
Arte Cafe in Cerritos, www.artecamellia.com, had their summer wine tasting today. Not their normal day or time. It is usually held on a weekday in the evening. An experiment by the Richard, the owner. Did not go well. Richard thought if it was held late afternoon on a weekend people would stay and have dinner. Not going to happen. The time of 4 to 6 on a Saturday is beyond my understanding. People use their weekends for other things. After tasting 30 or more wines on a hot afternoon, last thing you want is more food and wine. I doubt if there was more than 30 people in attendance, Usually this tasting draws over 100 people. The time, day and heat were the topic of conversation.
All wines, red and white were iced down but still too warm. There was no air movement on the back patio because of the tarping that was on the fence to keep people from seeing the entertainment they have on Friday nights. Everyone was clustered around the fan in the bar area. The list of wines on the flyer were not necessarily what was poured. I did not keep tabs of the wines as it was just plain to hot and miserable on that patio but a couple of wines that were standouts were the Louis Jadot Pouilly Fusse, Domaine Serene Yamhill Pinot and the Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. The appetizers were good. About 8 different kinds and they were passed around quite frequently
Youngs Market and Southern Wines were the distributors today. One of the rep's recognized me from another event. Since it was not crowded you could have longer conversations with them regarding their wines. Managed to snag an invite to the big trade tasting later this summer. Have done that tasting before and it always a good one to attend. Open only to the trade, not the public, and they show case all the wines and spirits that are in their portfolio. It is a huge tasting with hundreds of tables set up in a convention hall of a major hotel. And the food is also excellent. They spare no expense on this one
Friday, July 24, 2015
Antonellos and Caymus Wine
Thursday, July 23, 2015
So many people signed up for this dinner that they added Friday night. 88 people at each dinner and a waiting list. There was 6 wine glasses set at each setting. That is 528 glasses setting there. Imagine how many glasses the restaurant must have to handle these types of dinners and the regular dining room also. Antonello's restaurant, www.antonello.com teamed with Caymus Vineyards to have this "epic" dinner. The food at Antonellos is always good . Some of Caymus's wines I like and others are so, so. Chuck Wager of Caymus was in attendance tonight and will be at the dinner on Friday also.
Open seating so we were seated at a table for 12. A real mix of people. To my right were two women that came in a town car with driver. I had watched them get out of the car and was laughing. Teetering on high heels and both had white jeans on on. The back side of the jeans were sagging because their rears sagged. After having conversation with them at the table they really are ditzes. Blond, Newport, 50's or early 60's trying to be "young". Another two females across the table were very lively and funny. Turned out the boyfriend of one of them lives in my condo complex. I don't know him but will keep an eye out for her,
We started out with an onslaught of appetizers. They never stopped. Proscuitto wrapped figs, baby tomatoes stuffed with mozzarella, tuna tartare and a flatbread stuffed with cheese that was so good. I could have made my entire meal on that. For 25 minutes the plates kept coming. The wine they poured was the 2013 Conundrum. This wine has never been high on my list but it was nice with the appy's and I ended up drinking with 2 full glasses. Pours tonight were not stingy. All of them were at least 4 ounce pours.
Our next dish was Grilled jumbo prawns with toasted bread, crispy pancetta, sweet onions and a fig infused balsamic glaze. And again those stupid micro greens that I always push to the side. They served this with a 2013 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc. I think that the Conundrum would have been a better choice. Again I had two glasses of wine.
Interesting Risotto, cooked with Chanterelle mushrooms, red wine and gorgonzola. It was served in a "bowl" made of melted Parmigiano cheese that formed into a bowl. That "bowl" really made the risotto. Paired with a 2013 Belle Glos, Dairyman Vineyard, Pinot Noir. Big pinot, well balanced. Limited myself to one "full" glass of this wine.
Main dish was a braised boneless short rib served on a very large vegetable ravioli with a Barolo reduction. Excellent cut of beef, very tender and moist. Now this is where the wine really flows. 3 wines with this dish and all 4 ounce pours. A 2012 Emmolo Merlot, 2013 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2009 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. Lots of wine and one of the lively females managed to sag a whole bottle of the 2009 Special Selection for the table as an extra.
Dessert was a flourless chocolate cake with fresh berries and Zabaglione. The red wines went well with this dish also.
Chuck Wagner came to every table and introduced himself and talked with each individual person. The Wagner Family wines apparently do not have wine clubs. They sell all their wine through stores. I talked with him further outside when I was going to my car. Very nice, friendly person.
The only complaint I have is that the acoustics in the private dining area are bad. With the staff and the host along with the attendees there were over 100 people in that room. It was loud. But also after all that wine the decibel's really went up.
Antonellos food is always good, wine was good and our table was very lively and chatty. Price was right. A great evening out
So many people signed up for this dinner that they added Friday night. 88 people at each dinner and a waiting list. There was 6 wine glasses set at each setting. That is 528 glasses setting there. Imagine how many glasses the restaurant must have to handle these types of dinners and the regular dining room also. Antonello's restaurant, www.antonello.com teamed with Caymus Vineyards to have this "epic" dinner. The food at Antonellos is always good . Some of Caymus's wines I like and others are so, so. Chuck Wager of Caymus was in attendance tonight and will be at the dinner on Friday also.
Open seating so we were seated at a table for 12. A real mix of people. To my right were two women that came in a town car with driver. I had watched them get out of the car and was laughing. Teetering on high heels and both had white jeans on on. The back side of the jeans were sagging because their rears sagged. After having conversation with them at the table they really are ditzes. Blond, Newport, 50's or early 60's trying to be "young". Another two females across the table were very lively and funny. Turned out the boyfriend of one of them lives in my condo complex. I don't know him but will keep an eye out for her,
We started out with an onslaught of appetizers. They never stopped. Proscuitto wrapped figs, baby tomatoes stuffed with mozzarella, tuna tartare and a flatbread stuffed with cheese that was so good. I could have made my entire meal on that. For 25 minutes the plates kept coming. The wine they poured was the 2013 Conundrum. This wine has never been high on my list but it was nice with the appy's and I ended up drinking with 2 full glasses. Pours tonight were not stingy. All of them were at least 4 ounce pours.
Our next dish was Grilled jumbo prawns with toasted bread, crispy pancetta, sweet onions and a fig infused balsamic glaze. And again those stupid micro greens that I always push to the side. They served this with a 2013 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc. I think that the Conundrum would have been a better choice. Again I had two glasses of wine.
Interesting Risotto, cooked with Chanterelle mushrooms, red wine and gorgonzola. It was served in a "bowl" made of melted Parmigiano cheese that formed into a bowl. That "bowl" really made the risotto. Paired with a 2013 Belle Glos, Dairyman Vineyard, Pinot Noir. Big pinot, well balanced. Limited myself to one "full" glass of this wine.
Main dish was a braised boneless short rib served on a very large vegetable ravioli with a Barolo reduction. Excellent cut of beef, very tender and moist. Now this is where the wine really flows. 3 wines with this dish and all 4 ounce pours. A 2012 Emmolo Merlot, 2013 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2009 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. Lots of wine and one of the lively females managed to sag a whole bottle of the 2009 Special Selection for the table as an extra.
Dessert was a flourless chocolate cake with fresh berries and Zabaglione. The red wines went well with this dish also.
Chuck Wagner came to every table and introduced himself and talked with each individual person. The Wagner Family wines apparently do not have wine clubs. They sell all their wine through stores. I talked with him further outside when I was going to my car. Very nice, friendly person.
The only complaint I have is that the acoustics in the private dining area are bad. With the staff and the host along with the attendees there were over 100 people in that room. It was loud. But also after all that wine the decibel's really went up.
Antonellos food is always good, wine was good and our table was very lively and chatty. Price was right. A great evening out
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Maggiano's
Wednesday. July 22, 2015
Met Susan at Maggiano's at South Coast Plaza for dinner. I have not been to this restaurant in probably 10 years. Lot of changes. Place was absolutely packed to the rafters. After reading the menu I could see why.
The offer a "special". For $39.95 two people get an appetizer or flatbread to split or the choice of 5 different side salads, which we had and turned out to be good size. Then you have a choice of a pasta dish each, Lasagna, Ziti, etc., And then a dessert to share. Then you can select a pasta dish to "take home". Everyone was leaving with a bag of food.
I had the Maggiano's side salad, mushroom ravioli and we split an apple, caramel crusted dessert which was very good. Took an order of Lasagna home. Susan talked the waitress into a plate of lemon cookies also.
Corkage was $15 but the waitress let Susan bring in some bottles of wines, since she is a wine broker. No charge for us for corkage. I almost "confiscated" a wine glass because it had the initial "M" engraved on it. But thinking about Karma I decided it was not the best idea. I did order a glass of "sparkling".
We had a $10 off coupon, got the special, extra cookies, no corkage. We both took home an order of Lasagna. Bill came to $49.27 with tax. Had a $50 gift card that was taking up room in my wallet for a couple of years. So a cheap evening. I did leave the waitress a $20 bill because she went beyond for us.
Have no idea what Susan was pouring last night. One was a pinot from the Laetia vineyards and the other was a blend from some place in the Santa Ynez area. The blend was excellent, the pinot ok. Susan reps a lot of very small wineries. I just hang around and drink whatever she wants to pour.
Met Susan at Maggiano's at South Coast Plaza for dinner. I have not been to this restaurant in probably 10 years. Lot of changes. Place was absolutely packed to the rafters. After reading the menu I could see why.
The offer a "special". For $39.95 two people get an appetizer or flatbread to split or the choice of 5 different side salads, which we had and turned out to be good size. Then you have a choice of a pasta dish each, Lasagna, Ziti, etc., And then a dessert to share. Then you can select a pasta dish to "take home". Everyone was leaving with a bag of food.
I had the Maggiano's side salad, mushroom ravioli and we split an apple, caramel crusted dessert which was very good. Took an order of Lasagna home. Susan talked the waitress into a plate of lemon cookies also.
Corkage was $15 but the waitress let Susan bring in some bottles of wines, since she is a wine broker. No charge for us for corkage. I almost "confiscated" a wine glass because it had the initial "M" engraved on it. But thinking about Karma I decided it was not the best idea. I did order a glass of "sparkling".
We had a $10 off coupon, got the special, extra cookies, no corkage. We both took home an order of Lasagna. Bill came to $49.27 with tax. Had a $50 gift card that was taking up room in my wallet for a couple of years. So a cheap evening. I did leave the waitress a $20 bill because she went beyond for us.
Have no idea what Susan was pouring last night. One was a pinot from the Laetia vineyards and the other was a blend from some place in the Santa Ynez area. The blend was excellent, the pinot ok. Susan reps a lot of very small wineries. I just hang around and drink whatever she wants to pour.
Delius's Annual Bus Trip
Sunday, July 19, 2015
This was Delius restaurant annual bus trip to the "wine country". www.deliusrestaurant.com. this year it was arranged for us to have a private tasting at Clos Pepe vineyards with Wes Hagen. The 2014 label will be the last for Clos Pepe. They have leased the grapevines to others and will suspend their own wine making for 15 years. After that time Wes and his brother Rob may resurrect the label. There is always something more to the story than is made public I have my own deep suspicion's.
We had our "Champagne" breakfast at Delius before heading out for the 3 hour trip. 405 freeway northbound transition to the 101 was closed. So we had to go past the 101, take the next off ramp and the head back down to catch the 101. Added at least 20 minutes to the trip.
We arrived at Clos Pepe about 11:45. Wes was taking with a smaller group as we arrived. After joining the discussion we headed into the "big" house for a sit down tasting. 10 wines altogether. Liquid Farm was pouring also. We were treated to a catered lunch which had some of the best "cheesecakes bites" I have ever had. Several varieties and all were outstanding.
About 3 o'clock we headed to Lompoc for a private barrel tasting at Loring Wine Co.. Brian Loring and his sister Kimberly are the owners and are really great people. We tasted about 12 barrel samples and Brian discussed what the difference was in clones and how they decide to blend what with what. I am not sure if everyone in the group really understood "barrel sampling".
Left Lompoc about 5 o'clock to head back to Signal Hill. Not to much traffic as the weather was not the best and it seems that a lot of people did not travel that weekend. Had rain most of the way home. Got back to Delius restaurant about 8:30. Very warm and humid. Reminded me of Hawaii.
I found this bus trip "different". There seemed to be an edge in the air for some reason. The bus was clean but a bit "seedy". No snacks were offered on the way up. Cookies and brownie bites were passed around on the trip home. People were quieter than in other years. Not the "normal" for these bus trips.
This was Delius restaurant annual bus trip to the "wine country". www.deliusrestaurant.com. this year it was arranged for us to have a private tasting at Clos Pepe vineyards with Wes Hagen. The 2014 label will be the last for Clos Pepe. They have leased the grapevines to others and will suspend their own wine making for 15 years. After that time Wes and his brother Rob may resurrect the label. There is always something more to the story than is made public I have my own deep suspicion's.
We had our "Champagne" breakfast at Delius before heading out for the 3 hour trip. 405 freeway northbound transition to the 101 was closed. So we had to go past the 101, take the next off ramp and the head back down to catch the 101. Added at least 20 minutes to the trip.
We arrived at Clos Pepe about 11:45. Wes was taking with a smaller group as we arrived. After joining the discussion we headed into the "big" house for a sit down tasting. 10 wines altogether. Liquid Farm was pouring also. We were treated to a catered lunch which had some of the best "cheesecakes bites" I have ever had. Several varieties and all were outstanding.
About 3 o'clock we headed to Lompoc for a private barrel tasting at Loring Wine Co.. Brian Loring and his sister Kimberly are the owners and are really great people. We tasted about 12 barrel samples and Brian discussed what the difference was in clones and how they decide to blend what with what. I am not sure if everyone in the group really understood "barrel sampling".
Left Lompoc about 5 o'clock to head back to Signal Hill. Not to much traffic as the weather was not the best and it seems that a lot of people did not travel that weekend. Had rain most of the way home. Got back to Delius restaurant about 8:30. Very warm and humid. Reminded me of Hawaii.
I found this bus trip "different". There seemed to be an edge in the air for some reason. The bus was clean but a bit "seedy". No snacks were offered on the way up. Cookies and brownie bites were passed around on the trip home. People were quieter than in other years. Not the "normal" for these bus trips.
Monday, July 13, 2015
July's Gathering of The Wino Flock
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Today's theme was very generic, Washington State Wines. A few stood out but to me but most tasted the same. Perhaps it was the weather. At least 10 degrees hotter than it was at my house and no breeze until later in the day. It was not my best day and the heavy red wines did me in.
The host did a smoked pork loin roast which was very good. Three people, including me brought a version of corn casserole. Who would have thought. I did not eat any of the appetizers that were brought. Cannot do that and eat dinner anymore. I know there was pizza, ribs and wings but to me that is dinner.
There were a couple of green salads which I did not take any. I just cannot do green salad with wine. I don't care how good and healthy it is. When I drink wine or beer with dinner I want the food and wine to go well together. Once I can remember a dinner at Capone's where the wine was specifically paired to a green salad. But that is not the norm. I guess it is me - I enjoy the taste of the beverage and food together. I look forward to it. But any wine with any food doesn't do it for me as it seems to be the norm for others. I could go out on the limb and irritate some people by saying " I dine, they eat".
Stan brought 3 older wines and all were good. A 1995 White Riesling Ice Wine, 1994 Columbia Valley, Cabernet and a 1997 Leonetti Cabernet. I do remember those wines. The others not so much.
There also was a Domaine St.Michelle Sparkling Brut was was good and I brought a Poets Leap Riesling that I thought was quite good.
So that ends another month - looking forward to August as the theme is quite interesting
Today's theme was very generic, Washington State Wines. A few stood out but to me but most tasted the same. Perhaps it was the weather. At least 10 degrees hotter than it was at my house and no breeze until later in the day. It was not my best day and the heavy red wines did me in.
The host did a smoked pork loin roast which was very good. Three people, including me brought a version of corn casserole. Who would have thought. I did not eat any of the appetizers that were brought. Cannot do that and eat dinner anymore. I know there was pizza, ribs and wings but to me that is dinner.
There were a couple of green salads which I did not take any. I just cannot do green salad with wine. I don't care how good and healthy it is. When I drink wine or beer with dinner I want the food and wine to go well together. Once I can remember a dinner at Capone's where the wine was specifically paired to a green salad. But that is not the norm. I guess it is me - I enjoy the taste of the beverage and food together. I look forward to it. But any wine with any food doesn't do it for me as it seems to be the norm for others. I could go out on the limb and irritate some people by saying " I dine, they eat".
Stan brought 3 older wines and all were good. A 1995 White Riesling Ice Wine, 1994 Columbia Valley, Cabernet and a 1997 Leonetti Cabernet. I do remember those wines. The others not so much.
There also was a Domaine St.Michelle Sparkling Brut was was good and I brought a Poets Leap Riesling that I thought was quite good.
So that ends another month - looking forward to August as the theme is quite interesting
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Fun, Food at the Factory
Saturday, July 11, 2015
This was "Margie's monthly wine activity" excursion. There was a beer tasting before the dinner but I opted out of that. Do not like mixing my alcohol and I do not need any food before dinner. I got there at 5:15, dinner was scheduled for 5:30, and I was the last one seated. Almost felt like I was running late.
We started out with an Avocado and Citrus Taco, segmented oranges, avocado, chipotle, aioli, sofrito sauce, shaved cabbage, cilantro and six-pepper salsa. Also had a bowl of a fresh tomato soup. The soup was excellent. The taco had good flavor and a bite to it. Left lingering heat in my mouth. It was messy to eat so I deconstructed mine and ate with a fork. The taco did go well with the Rieslings that were brought but it definitely is a beer dish.
Entree was a Grilled Peads and Barnett Heritage Pork Grilled Bratwurst, orzo pasta, fresh cream corn with herbs and asparagus. The brat was nice and meaty. You could tell it was "homemade", no fillers and had great flavor. The cream corn was excellent. big difference when it is made fresh. Altogether this dish was very good.
Dessert was a take on a popsicle. Fresh strawberrys mashed into greek yogurt and frozen. Coated with candided walnuts and Ghiradelli chocolate. Good flavors and a nice, light, refreshing way to end the meal.
A very mixed bag of wines were brought. The menu was not for red wine, at least not big reds. I drank the whites with the meal and tasted the reds afterwards.
2012 Wolff Family, Edna Valley, Dry Riesling - went well with the food, slightly dry
NV Rosenblum, Danielle Chocolate Port - excellent wine with the "popsicle" - I bought this wine at least 15 years ago
2007 Brander, Santa Ynez, Bouchet - I thought the best red on the table, complex, soft mouth feel, a very well rounded wine
2013 Tabalas Creek, Dianthus Rose - did not taste - tasted this a few months ago and I know it did not get any better - way too sweet, almost a cotton candy, over sweetness to it
2012 Benzinger Family, Sonoma, Pinot Noir - another wine I did not taste - did not know it was on the table until the very end when I had stopped drinking - I have had Benzinger wines before and have liked them - one of the first sustainable wineries in California
NV Perrier-Jouet, Grand Brut, Champagne - nice, clean- always a good choice
2009 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, Barrel Fermented, Chardonnay - did not taste as I have had this wine numerous times and have several bottles in my cellar - not a good choice for the taco - may have gone with the brat and creamed corn but this is a slightly oaky wine that needs "fat" to balance it out
20087 Saxon Brown, Parmelee Hill Camp Black, Sonoma Coast, Syrah - tasted this after dinner - showed like a cool weather syrah - light, no pepper, no spice - this wine did not go with the food
2013 Standing Stone, Finger Lakes, Lake Seneca, New York, Riesling - nice wine - went well with the food
2009 Von Hovel, Schrazhofberg, Mosel, Germany, Spatlese - Riesling - very petrol on the nose, light sweetness to the taste - another wine that was good with the food
2010 Wiens, Domestique, Temecula, Red Blend - good flavors, nice balance - not the best choice with the menu but a nice drinking wine
This was "Margie's monthly wine activity" excursion. There was a beer tasting before the dinner but I opted out of that. Do not like mixing my alcohol and I do not need any food before dinner. I got there at 5:15, dinner was scheduled for 5:30, and I was the last one seated. Almost felt like I was running late.
We started out with an Avocado and Citrus Taco, segmented oranges, avocado, chipotle, aioli, sofrito sauce, shaved cabbage, cilantro and six-pepper salsa. Also had a bowl of a fresh tomato soup. The soup was excellent. The taco had good flavor and a bite to it. Left lingering heat in my mouth. It was messy to eat so I deconstructed mine and ate with a fork. The taco did go well with the Rieslings that were brought but it definitely is a beer dish.
Entree was a Grilled Peads and Barnett Heritage Pork Grilled Bratwurst, orzo pasta, fresh cream corn with herbs and asparagus. The brat was nice and meaty. You could tell it was "homemade", no fillers and had great flavor. The cream corn was excellent. big difference when it is made fresh. Altogether this dish was very good.
Dessert was a take on a popsicle. Fresh strawberrys mashed into greek yogurt and frozen. Coated with candided walnuts and Ghiradelli chocolate. Good flavors and a nice, light, refreshing way to end the meal.
A very mixed bag of wines were brought. The menu was not for red wine, at least not big reds. I drank the whites with the meal and tasted the reds afterwards.
2012 Wolff Family, Edna Valley, Dry Riesling - went well with the food, slightly dry
NV Rosenblum, Danielle Chocolate Port - excellent wine with the "popsicle" - I bought this wine at least 15 years ago
2007 Brander, Santa Ynez, Bouchet - I thought the best red on the table, complex, soft mouth feel, a very well rounded wine
2013 Tabalas Creek, Dianthus Rose - did not taste - tasted this a few months ago and I know it did not get any better - way too sweet, almost a cotton candy, over sweetness to it
2012 Benzinger Family, Sonoma, Pinot Noir - another wine I did not taste - did not know it was on the table until the very end when I had stopped drinking - I have had Benzinger wines before and have liked them - one of the first sustainable wineries in California
NV Perrier-Jouet, Grand Brut, Champagne - nice, clean- always a good choice
2009 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, Barrel Fermented, Chardonnay - did not taste as I have had this wine numerous times and have several bottles in my cellar - not a good choice for the taco - may have gone with the brat and creamed corn but this is a slightly oaky wine that needs "fat" to balance it out
20087 Saxon Brown, Parmelee Hill Camp Black, Sonoma Coast, Syrah - tasted this after dinner - showed like a cool weather syrah - light, no pepper, no spice - this wine did not go with the food
2013 Standing Stone, Finger Lakes, Lake Seneca, New York, Riesling - nice wine - went well with the food
2009 Von Hovel, Schrazhofberg, Mosel, Germany, Spatlese - Riesling - very petrol on the nose, light sweetness to the taste - another wine that was good with the food
2010 Wiens, Domestique, Temecula, Red Blend - good flavors, nice balance - not the best choice with the menu but a nice drinking wine
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Hump Day at India Grill
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
It was time to go back to the India Grill, www.ocindiagrill.com. CJ took the liberty of pre-selecting the menu and it was all of our standards. Would have liked to try something new. But the food was good as usual.
Started out with Samosa's which are light and flaky, not greasy like a lot of Indian restaurants. Then on to Chicken Tikka. Meat was moist and tender. Platters of Lamb Tikka was next. I really like lamb but to me the meat looked over cooked and dry so I passed on it. Several people mentioned that it was not very tender. If meat is not moist and pink on the inside I will not eat it. I can't handle dry meat. It seems to stick in my throat. I consider it a waste.
Bowls of Vegetable Korma, Chicken Tikka Masala, Shrimp Saag and Matter Paneer, rice and garlic naan rounded out the meal. As always the Vegetable Korma was good. The Matter Paneer, cheese and peas in a masala sauce, was good if that is your thing. I personally could have passed on this dish. There was a lot of leftover food. I did take a container home with me of the leftover rice with the vegetable korma and the chicken tikka masala. I just cannot eat as heavy anymore and also the level of spice in the food was a turn off for me.
I did have a small bowl of Pistachio ice cream, It helped soothe my stomach. CJ ordered the food "medium" . We always get it mild but it slipped his mind I assume. I feel with wine we don't need the heat that the spices give. Ruins your palate. Heat goes with beer.
Wines were very good tonight. Tried most of them but I did miss a couple.
2009 Huber, Barrel Select, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir - one of my favorites of the night, well balanced, complex, showing good nuances
2012 Baker and Brain, (yes BRAIN) , Paragon Vineyard, Gruner Veltliner - went well with the food
NV Robert Moncuit, Grand Cru, Brut Champagne - always good, my house champagne
2007 McKeon-Phillips, Leonardo - took time to open up but when it did it showed well - felt the wine would have gone better with a different type of food
2006 Kistler, Sonoma Coast, Bodega Highlands Vineyard, Pinot Noir - nice wine but I was slightly disappointed in it - somehow expected more from it - maybe it was age but an o6 is not that old
2014 Sonoma Coast, Rose of Pinot Noir - a bit sweet for me
2010 Argyle, Vintage Brut sparkling - very nice wine, enjoyed this one, clean and crisp
2008 Ken Brown, Cargasacchi Vineyards, Pinot Noir - another wine I was slightly disappointed in - expected a bit more out of it, but then 08 was not the best year in the Lompoc area
2013 Friuli Aguileia, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste this wine - personally Sau Blancs do not go well with Indian food
2005 Dutton Goldfield, McDougall Vineyard, Pinot Noir - unfortunately I did not taste this wine - meant to but who knows why not - I have had Dutton Goldfield before and have always liked them - I probably missed out on something good
It was time to go back to the India Grill, www.ocindiagrill.com. CJ took the liberty of pre-selecting the menu and it was all of our standards. Would have liked to try something new. But the food was good as usual.
Started out with Samosa's which are light and flaky, not greasy like a lot of Indian restaurants. Then on to Chicken Tikka. Meat was moist and tender. Platters of Lamb Tikka was next. I really like lamb but to me the meat looked over cooked and dry so I passed on it. Several people mentioned that it was not very tender. If meat is not moist and pink on the inside I will not eat it. I can't handle dry meat. It seems to stick in my throat. I consider it a waste.
Bowls of Vegetable Korma, Chicken Tikka Masala, Shrimp Saag and Matter Paneer, rice and garlic naan rounded out the meal. As always the Vegetable Korma was good. The Matter Paneer, cheese and peas in a masala sauce, was good if that is your thing. I personally could have passed on this dish. There was a lot of leftover food. I did take a container home with me of the leftover rice with the vegetable korma and the chicken tikka masala. I just cannot eat as heavy anymore and also the level of spice in the food was a turn off for me.
I did have a small bowl of Pistachio ice cream, It helped soothe my stomach. CJ ordered the food "medium" . We always get it mild but it slipped his mind I assume. I feel with wine we don't need the heat that the spices give. Ruins your palate. Heat goes with beer.
Wines were very good tonight. Tried most of them but I did miss a couple.
2009 Huber, Barrel Select, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir - one of my favorites of the night, well balanced, complex, showing good nuances
2012 Baker and Brain, (yes BRAIN) , Paragon Vineyard, Gruner Veltliner - went well with the food
NV Robert Moncuit, Grand Cru, Brut Champagne - always good, my house champagne
2007 McKeon-Phillips, Leonardo - took time to open up but when it did it showed well - felt the wine would have gone better with a different type of food
2006 Kistler, Sonoma Coast, Bodega Highlands Vineyard, Pinot Noir - nice wine but I was slightly disappointed in it - somehow expected more from it - maybe it was age but an o6 is not that old
2014 Sonoma Coast, Rose of Pinot Noir - a bit sweet for me
2010 Argyle, Vintage Brut sparkling - very nice wine, enjoyed this one, clean and crisp
2008 Ken Brown, Cargasacchi Vineyards, Pinot Noir - another wine I was slightly disappointed in - expected a bit more out of it, but then 08 was not the best year in the Lompoc area
2013 Friuli Aguileia, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste this wine - personally Sau Blancs do not go well with Indian food
2005 Dutton Goldfield, McDougall Vineyard, Pinot Noir - unfortunately I did not taste this wine - meant to but who knows why not - I have had Dutton Goldfield before and have always liked them - I probably missed out on something good
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Time For Beer
Monday, July 6, 2015
Large group tonight, about 16 of us. Had an early dinner at Weiland Brewery, www.wbr3.com, . This was in conjunction with a mixer for the Bixby Knolls Supper Club. Restaurant was packed to the rafters tonight. Acoustics are bad, which it seems most "breweries have bad acoustics" and it was difficult to talk to anyone except those right next to you. But we all seemed to have a good time.
Weiland Brewery does house brew 4 beers. But they have an extensive list of other craft beers. I had my favorite a "stout". I prefer dark stouts and porters. But I am sated on one full size glass. Cannot drink that much of a beer without filling up and out.
A large selection of food on the table. Lot of people ordered burgers and they did look good. With my "mandible muscle" still inflamed it is hard for me to bite into something. So I ordered the short ribs which turned out to be excellent. Very fork tender and good flavor. Three of us at the table opted for the shortrib. We were all very happy. Came with mixed steamed veggies and choice of potato. I opted for the garlic fries which I will say were "garlic" I could not eat all of them because it was over whelming.
A fun destination if you are into checking out the local brews. Food is good and prices are reasonable. We all left happy.
Large group tonight, about 16 of us. Had an early dinner at Weiland Brewery, www.wbr3.com, . This was in conjunction with a mixer for the Bixby Knolls Supper Club. Restaurant was packed to the rafters tonight. Acoustics are bad, which it seems most "breweries have bad acoustics" and it was difficult to talk to anyone except those right next to you. But we all seemed to have a good time.
Weiland Brewery does house brew 4 beers. But they have an extensive list of other craft beers. I had my favorite a "stout". I prefer dark stouts and porters. But I am sated on one full size glass. Cannot drink that much of a beer without filling up and out.
A large selection of food on the table. Lot of people ordered burgers and they did look good. With my "mandible muscle" still inflamed it is hard for me to bite into something. So I ordered the short ribs which turned out to be excellent. Very fork tender and good flavor. Three of us at the table opted for the shortrib. We were all very happy. Came with mixed steamed veggies and choice of potato. I opted for the garlic fries which I will say were "garlic" I could not eat all of them because it was over whelming.
A fun destination if you are into checking out the local brews. Food is good and prices are reasonable. We all left happy.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Fireworks in The Harbour
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Went to the Harbor today for BBQ . 7 of us gathered to play cards, eat, drink and watch the fireworks. Weather was perfect but breezy. The house sits at the corner of the main channel and a side channel and it is always a little windy out on the wrap around patio. Everyone pitched in and brought a food dish. The hostess gave me the "Classic Lays Potato Chip" assignment so I also brought the classic Lays onion dip. I forgot how addicting that dip is. I also brought a potato salad that I picked up at BT Southern BBQ the day before. I ate there Thursday night for the first time and fell in love with that salad. Not a lot of added ingredients but the dressing was light, not sure what the mayonnaise was cut with and the potatoes were cooked perfectly. They were creamy but not mushy, The BBQ was Memphis style which means dry rub and sauce on the side. Small place but great for take out. Had seen the place for a long time but never stopped in. So glad I did. I will be going back here for take out. Not cheap but so good. So we cooked brats with all the trimmings and the potato salad was a big hit.
Played a few hands of "Golf" and "LCR" then took the "Duffy" out to cruise the Harbor to check out the fireworks. I was surprised at how many places in the Harbor had professional fireworks. Illegal of course but the police are so busy down at the pier with crowd control the Harbor can do just about what it wants. One massive house on a corner of the main channel seemed to have the biggest display. I would venture a guess that those fireworks had to cost at least $5,000 to $10,000. They went on for a hour. Granted not the massive amount like the pier and Queen Mary but a beautiful, high, display that everyone really enjoyed. That house also had a huge party going on which seemed to be the norm for here. Not as many parties as they have at Christmas for the boat parade but a lot of parties along the water tonight.
Donna had made a batch of fresh Margaritas but I opted for a bottle of 2009 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir. There were two other bottles of wine opened, a St. Francis Cab and another bottle that was a red blend. Could not handle that wine. Too fruity, almost sweet. But that is what Chuck likes and to each their own. Knowing Chuck it was also cheap. He rarely pays more than $10 for a bottle and this one seemed like it was slightly larger than a 750ML.
Fireworks in the area and at my house went on until midnight. Ridiculous.
Went to the Harbor today for BBQ . 7 of us gathered to play cards, eat, drink and watch the fireworks. Weather was perfect but breezy. The house sits at the corner of the main channel and a side channel and it is always a little windy out on the wrap around patio. Everyone pitched in and brought a food dish. The hostess gave me the "Classic Lays Potato Chip" assignment so I also brought the classic Lays onion dip. I forgot how addicting that dip is. I also brought a potato salad that I picked up at BT Southern BBQ the day before. I ate there Thursday night for the first time and fell in love with that salad. Not a lot of added ingredients but the dressing was light, not sure what the mayonnaise was cut with and the potatoes were cooked perfectly. They were creamy but not mushy, The BBQ was Memphis style which means dry rub and sauce on the side. Small place but great for take out. Had seen the place for a long time but never stopped in. So glad I did. I will be going back here for take out. Not cheap but so good. So we cooked brats with all the trimmings and the potato salad was a big hit.
Played a few hands of "Golf" and "LCR" then took the "Duffy" out to cruise the Harbor to check out the fireworks. I was surprised at how many places in the Harbor had professional fireworks. Illegal of course but the police are so busy down at the pier with crowd control the Harbor can do just about what it wants. One massive house on a corner of the main channel seemed to have the biggest display. I would venture a guess that those fireworks had to cost at least $5,000 to $10,000. They went on for a hour. Granted not the massive amount like the pier and Queen Mary but a beautiful, high, display that everyone really enjoyed. That house also had a huge party going on which seemed to be the norm for here. Not as many parties as they have at Christmas for the boat parade but a lot of parties along the water tonight.
Donna had made a batch of fresh Margaritas but I opted for a bottle of 2009 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir. There were two other bottles of wine opened, a St. Francis Cab and another bottle that was a red blend. Could not handle that wine. Too fruity, almost sweet. But that is what Chuck likes and to each their own. Knowing Chuck it was also cheap. He rarely pays more than $10 for a bottle and this one seemed like it was slightly larger than a 750ML.
Fireworks in the area and at my house went on until midnight. Ridiculous.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Wine Dinner at Franco's
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
This was the very first wine dinner ever hosted by Franco's. www.francositalianrestaurant.com . Approximately 36 people in attendance. My friend Susan was the wine rep tonight along with Ciro who is the importer of these Italian wines. The entire staff including Alex, Luigi, Sarah, Elizabeth and Franco were on hand tonight. Smiles all the way around because of the full house. Papa even came out and sat at the table with us after the food was served and told about all the presidents he has cooked for. Mama seemed ecstatic. Such a good time was had that they have set up another wine dinner for July 28.
I got there early so I had two glasses of wine in me before dinner started. The pours were large. These were not tastes but close to full glasses of wine. Between 3 and 4 ounce pours. Saw several people I knew from other places. Most people tonight were regular patrons of Francos but there was at least a dozen people that had never been there before. That is good for the restaurant.
Started off with several glasses ( 3 to be exact) of Villa Marin Sauvignon Blanc. Clean wine without a lot of acidity and a hint of tropical fruit. Served with a Zuppa di Pesce, a seafood soup in a wonderful light broth with tons of flavor. The calamari was very tender. A perfect start.
Next was a plate of Scampi Carciofi. Very fresh, tender shrimp with artichoke pesto and asparagus. Very good flavor and paired perfectly with the Col Reale Bianco Del Veneto Cortese-Garganega. I don't see this dish on the regular menu so I will have to remember and see if they will fix it for me next time I am dining here.
The entree was an Involtini Di Melanzane. Rolled Eggplant with Capellini Pasta and a red sauce. I am not an eggplant fan but this was good. Paired with a Chiudenda Rosso Sangiovese and Merlot.
A Zuccotto was served for dessert. According to Susan who is Italian a good Zuccotto is hard to find and she raved about this one. It is a "trifle type cake" with chocolate and whipped cream. The wine was a Sangue De Giuda Pinot Ne (Noir). A slightly sweet wine that paired well with the dessert.
Ciro was an engaging host as he explained about all the wines being served, the growing of the grapes in Italy. A lot of wine was sold tonight. That makes everyone happy. I had more than my share of vino. They poured generously and often. No one's last was ever empty for long. These wines are not overly expensive but are very nice wines especially the whites for summer and paired well with the food. That makes a nice dining experience.
This was the very first wine dinner ever hosted by Franco's. www.francositalianrestaurant.com . Approximately 36 people in attendance. My friend Susan was the wine rep tonight along with Ciro who is the importer of these Italian wines. The entire staff including Alex, Luigi, Sarah, Elizabeth and Franco were on hand tonight. Smiles all the way around because of the full house. Papa even came out and sat at the table with us after the food was served and told about all the presidents he has cooked for. Mama seemed ecstatic. Such a good time was had that they have set up another wine dinner for July 28.
I got there early so I had two glasses of wine in me before dinner started. The pours were large. These were not tastes but close to full glasses of wine. Between 3 and 4 ounce pours. Saw several people I knew from other places. Most people tonight were regular patrons of Francos but there was at least a dozen people that had never been there before. That is good for the restaurant.
Started off with several glasses ( 3 to be exact) of Villa Marin Sauvignon Blanc. Clean wine without a lot of acidity and a hint of tropical fruit. Served with a Zuppa di Pesce, a seafood soup in a wonderful light broth with tons of flavor. The calamari was very tender. A perfect start.
Next was a plate of Scampi Carciofi. Very fresh, tender shrimp with artichoke pesto and asparagus. Very good flavor and paired perfectly with the Col Reale Bianco Del Veneto Cortese-Garganega. I don't see this dish on the regular menu so I will have to remember and see if they will fix it for me next time I am dining here.
The entree was an Involtini Di Melanzane. Rolled Eggplant with Capellini Pasta and a red sauce. I am not an eggplant fan but this was good. Paired with a Chiudenda Rosso Sangiovese and Merlot.
A Zuccotto was served for dessert. According to Susan who is Italian a good Zuccotto is hard to find and she raved about this one. It is a "trifle type cake" with chocolate and whipped cream. The wine was a Sangue De Giuda Pinot Ne (Noir). A slightly sweet wine that paired well with the dessert.
Ciro was an engaging host as he explained about all the wines being served, the growing of the grapes in Italy. A lot of wine was sold tonight. That makes everyone happy. I had more than my share of vino. They poured generously and often. No one's last was ever empty for long. These wines are not overly expensive but are very nice wines especially the whites for summer and paired well with the food. That makes a nice dining experience.
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