Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Unusual to have a restaurant host a wine dinner so close to the holidays but tonight Arte Cafe was full with both dining areas being used. www.artecafe.com.
Started out with 3 glasses of the Beringer Napa Chardonnay. A tad oaky but not that undrinkable. They served this with a Diver Scallop, cooked perfectly, and Pistachio nut cream sauce Very good dish.
Next up was a Scottish Salmon wrap with braised leeks and potatoes in a creamy vanilla sauce. This again was an excellent dish. Salmon was moist and wrapped with thin slices of potatoes. Paired with a Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay. Not as oaky as the first wine. Went well with the dish. Only had two glasses of this wine. They are very generous tonight with their wine pours.
Third course is a Lamb Shank Ossobuco . Lamb was very tender and slid right off the bone. Good flavor A Beringer, Knights Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon was the wine choice. Again two glasses. A good pairing.
Main course I did not eat. Had them box it up for me to take home. I had reached the saturation point. It was a Petite Filet with pearl onions and fingerling potatoes. Watching the others eat it looked very good. Cooked medium rare and was very tender by the way the knife cut through it. Pain getting old and cannot indulge like I used to. But I just cannot force myself to keep eating after I reach a certain point. They paired a Beringer Quantum red blend (bordeaux). This was a very good wine. It was chewy and talked to you. Another two glasses. I ended up splitting a six pack. Priced very well.
Dessert was just what I like. A Chocolate Mocha Ice Cream. Just enough to cleanse the palate and not enough to fill you up.
So the food was very good tonight. Service was better than it usually is. And even the wine nazi server was more generous than usual. Maybe because it's the holiday season and it is rubbing off on people Nice evening, good dining companion.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
Dinner for 12 at the Seafood Palace.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016.
People have been asking when Henry would be doing another dinner at the Seafood Palace. We have not had one in a couple of years for a larger group. We decided to keep the dinner to two tables of six. Better conversation and more room for wine and glasses. Henry did the menu so everything was in place when we arrived. No arguing about what to order.
We started out with Salt & Pepper Calamari, one of my favorites and Honey Walnut Shrimp. Two good classic dishes.
Then onto a bowl of the spicy, sour soup. Cold evening so that fit in nicely. Then the platters of Peking Duck arrived. One of the better ducks I have had, Cooked perfectly, moist with crisp skin. The table next to us must have exceptionally hungry because there was not a bite left on the platter.
Next dish was extra good also. Stir Fried Steak, French Style, Meat was very tender and flavorful. We are really on a role with the quality of the dishes. Also a week night and they were not overly busy. Makes a difference when the chefs can take their time.
String beans with white fish filet was up. Again really good flavor to the green beans and the white fish was very moist.
A new dish for me, Chicken and Tofu in Hot Pot. Interesting combination of flavors.
Last dish before dessert was Pork Chow Mein Hong Kong Style, We were supposed to have Fried Rise Cantonese Style but Henry decided to eliminate that dish. We were really full and satisfied at that point.
Chinese are not big on dessert. We had the almond pudding with fruit cocktail. I ate a couple of bites but that was it.
I brought a 2019 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir and it was showing well. I was happy with that selection.. I also brought a 2010 Verve Janka, Dry Gewurztraminer Dessert Wine. Not overly sweet. A good choice. Other wines were:
2013 Stags Leap, Napa, Petit Syrah- nice and chewy.
2014 Failia, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir - a little young
2012 Anglim, Cense, a blend of Grenache, Mouverde, Syrah and Viognier. Nice, well balanced.
2015 Woolridge Creek Vineyard, Applegate Valley, Dry Gewurztraminer - did not try.
NV, GH Mumm, Maison Fondee, En 1827, Brut, Cordon Rouge - nice bubbly, enjoyed several pours.
2009 Sea Smoke, Sta Rita Hills, Ten, Pinot Noir - well made and balanced, good complexity.
2013 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir - needs a few more years.
2013 Robert Mondavi, Maestro 50th Anniversary, Cabernet Sauvignon - disappointed in this wine, expected more.
2013 Cass, Rockin One, Paso Robles - did not try, I believe it was a white wine.
2013 Seghesio, Sonoma, Zinfandel - did not try but Seghesio is usually good.
2007 Mont Louis, Sur, Loire, Clos Habert, Chenin Blanc - very nice wine.
2006 Stolpman, Santa Ynez, Sangiovese - off and it is really not that old.
1993 Oakford Vineyards, Oakvile, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - old and going away but still had color and light fruit and a git of tanins - interesting to taste these older wines.
People have been asking when Henry would be doing another dinner at the Seafood Palace. We have not had one in a couple of years for a larger group. We decided to keep the dinner to two tables of six. Better conversation and more room for wine and glasses. Henry did the menu so everything was in place when we arrived. No arguing about what to order.
We started out with Salt & Pepper Calamari, one of my favorites and Honey Walnut Shrimp. Two good classic dishes.
Then onto a bowl of the spicy, sour soup. Cold evening so that fit in nicely. Then the platters of Peking Duck arrived. One of the better ducks I have had, Cooked perfectly, moist with crisp skin. The table next to us must have exceptionally hungry because there was not a bite left on the platter.
Next dish was extra good also. Stir Fried Steak, French Style, Meat was very tender and flavorful. We are really on a role with the quality of the dishes. Also a week night and they were not overly busy. Makes a difference when the chefs can take their time.
String beans with white fish filet was up. Again really good flavor to the green beans and the white fish was very moist.
A new dish for me, Chicken and Tofu in Hot Pot. Interesting combination of flavors.
Last dish before dessert was Pork Chow Mein Hong Kong Style, We were supposed to have Fried Rise Cantonese Style but Henry decided to eliminate that dish. We were really full and satisfied at that point.
Chinese are not big on dessert. We had the almond pudding with fruit cocktail. I ate a couple of bites but that was it.
I brought a 2019 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir and it was showing well. I was happy with that selection.. I also brought a 2010 Verve Janka, Dry Gewurztraminer Dessert Wine. Not overly sweet. A good choice. Other wines were:
2013 Stags Leap, Napa, Petit Syrah- nice and chewy.
2014 Failia, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir - a little young
2012 Anglim, Cense, a blend of Grenache, Mouverde, Syrah and Viognier. Nice, well balanced.
2015 Woolridge Creek Vineyard, Applegate Valley, Dry Gewurztraminer - did not try.
NV, GH Mumm, Maison Fondee, En 1827, Brut, Cordon Rouge - nice bubbly, enjoyed several pours.
2009 Sea Smoke, Sta Rita Hills, Ten, Pinot Noir - well made and balanced, good complexity.
2013 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir - needs a few more years.
2013 Robert Mondavi, Maestro 50th Anniversary, Cabernet Sauvignon - disappointed in this wine, expected more.
2013 Cass, Rockin One, Paso Robles - did not try, I believe it was a white wine.
2013 Seghesio, Sonoma, Zinfandel - did not try but Seghesio is usually good.
2007 Mont Louis, Sur, Loire, Clos Habert, Chenin Blanc - very nice wine.
2006 Stolpman, Santa Ynez, Sangiovese - off and it is really not that old.
1993 Oakford Vineyards, Oakvile, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - old and going away but still had color and light fruit and a git of tanins - interesting to taste these older wines.
Recon at Indian Grill
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
5 of us met tonight at the Indian Grill in Cypress to check out new dishes for Margie's January dinner
Won't go into the dishes we had because they are all showing up on her menu for dinner. If someone reads the blog that goes to the dinner then there is no surprise.
But we did have a good selection of wines. I brought a 2010 Evening Land, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir and was a bit disappointed in it. Just lacked something.
There was a 2010 Banshee, Napa Pinot Noir that was the hit of the evening. Other wines were 2012 Lincourt, Annie Dyers, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir, 2015 Belle Gros, Pinot Blanc, NV John Michael, Artist Series, Blanc de Blanc and a 2015 Dragonette, Santa Barbara, Rose. I could not handle the Rose - just was not my style, I prefer mine drier. Good selection.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Big Red Wine Dinner at Delius
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Delius Restaurant hosted their annual holiday dinner tonight. www.deliusrestaurant.com,
Used to be all Champagne and sparkling's but people just could not seem to grasp the idea of food pairings with those wines. I personally though it was a great theme. So Dave switched to the "Big Red" theme.
We started out with a House Cured Pork Belly, winter squash, pecan persillade, black garlic vinaigrette and mizuna. Sauce was excellent. The greens could have been left off because to me they are an absolute pain to eat gracefully. You always seem to have stems sticking out of you mouth. I really would have preferred the pork belly to be thicker so I could get the flavor. It was more like thin jerky. Something was lost in the translation. No red wine with this dish. They poured a NV, Toresella Prosecco. Paired very well.
Second course was a Stone Fruit Braised Beef Cheeks with charred green onions, radish and pickled pearl onions. Cheeks were extremely tender and flavorful. The add ons really brought out unique flavors. Two wines were served with this dish. A 2014 Amarte Mas Albarino and a 2014 Pio Cesare Barbera D'Alba. Surprisingly the Albarino was the better pairing with the food. Probably because of the stone fruits in the dish. The Barbera needed a few more years.
A 2014 Faivley Borgogne was paired with the next dish. Crispy Skin Artic Char, celery root puree, Hen of the Wood mushrooms and pea greens. Again those stupid greens. Mushrooms were very earthy, the puree was excellent. The Artic Char was very good, cooked perfectly except for the skin. I did not think it was crispy enough. I could pull the entire skin off in one limp piece. That to me is not crispy. Wine was a perfect match.
Main course was Grilled Rack of Lamb, roasted brussels sprouts, leek and caramelized onion gratin with rosemary-juniper demi. By this time I was very full, Ate one bite of the lamb and had them box it up to take home. After all there is dessert. Delius always does and superb job with lamb chops and duck breast..Two wines were paired. A 2011 Mirafloe Barolo and a 2012 Tangley Oaks, Napa, Merlot. The merlot was good for a merlot. I did prefer the Barolo. Much more going for it.
Dessert was very good. A Chocolate cake with Clementine gelato and a Almond Tuille. Gelato had bits of the rind in it and that really made the dish.
Good dinner with great dining companions and to top the evening off Warren treated all 8 of us to dinner. That was a huge surprise. Time to give a bottle to him.
Delius Restaurant hosted their annual holiday dinner tonight. www.deliusrestaurant.com,
Used to be all Champagne and sparkling's but people just could not seem to grasp the idea of food pairings with those wines. I personally though it was a great theme. So Dave switched to the "Big Red" theme.
We started out with a House Cured Pork Belly, winter squash, pecan persillade, black garlic vinaigrette and mizuna. Sauce was excellent. The greens could have been left off because to me they are an absolute pain to eat gracefully. You always seem to have stems sticking out of you mouth. I really would have preferred the pork belly to be thicker so I could get the flavor. It was more like thin jerky. Something was lost in the translation. No red wine with this dish. They poured a NV, Toresella Prosecco. Paired very well.
Second course was a Stone Fruit Braised Beef Cheeks with charred green onions, radish and pickled pearl onions. Cheeks were extremely tender and flavorful. The add ons really brought out unique flavors. Two wines were served with this dish. A 2014 Amarte Mas Albarino and a 2014 Pio Cesare Barbera D'Alba. Surprisingly the Albarino was the better pairing with the food. Probably because of the stone fruits in the dish. The Barbera needed a few more years.
A 2014 Faivley Borgogne was paired with the next dish. Crispy Skin Artic Char, celery root puree, Hen of the Wood mushrooms and pea greens. Again those stupid greens. Mushrooms were very earthy, the puree was excellent. The Artic Char was very good, cooked perfectly except for the skin. I did not think it was crispy enough. I could pull the entire skin off in one limp piece. That to me is not crispy. Wine was a perfect match.
Main course was Grilled Rack of Lamb, roasted brussels sprouts, leek and caramelized onion gratin with rosemary-juniper demi. By this time I was very full, Ate one bite of the lamb and had them box it up to take home. After all there is dessert. Delius always does and superb job with lamb chops and duck breast..Two wines were paired. A 2011 Mirafloe Barolo and a 2012 Tangley Oaks, Napa, Merlot. The merlot was good for a merlot. I did prefer the Barolo. Much more going for it.
Dessert was very good. A Chocolate cake with Clementine gelato and a Almond Tuille. Gelato had bits of the rind in it and that really made the dish.
Good dinner with great dining companions and to top the evening off Warren treated all 8 of us to dinner. That was a huge surprise. Time to give a bottle to him.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Stag's Leap wines at Chianina
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Chianina in Naples, www.chianina.com, hosted a Stag's Leap Wine Cellar dinner this evening. Met up with 3 others and was looking forward to the evening. As always we started out with the basket of rolls. So addicting. I did limit myself to 2 rolls tonight but I could have eaten the whole basket by myself. Their Marscapone butter is to die for.
We started out with a Hamachi Crudo and green apple. Just a bite but refreshing and very good flavor. Chianina always seems to throw in a couple of bites of something good outside of the menu.
We were poured the 2015 Aveta Sauvignon Blanc. Nice wine not to acidic. Went well with the Hamachi and the third glass went well with the first course of Grilled Prawn with saffron rice chip. The prawns had a sauce on them which helped the flavor. I was not impressed with the prawns. Thought they tasted old, were slightly overcooked and for prawns they were small. They had the heads on he plate which had been deep fried. Ate one of them but it was not much to get excited about. The head I had at the sushi place in Shell Beach was ten times the size and much better tasting. At least I had 3 glasses of wine to help out.
Second course was a John Dory roll in eggplant with Castelvetrano olive, sweet pepper. Flavor was OK but I was not thrilled with this dish either. Something was very lacking . A 2014 Karia Chardonnay was the pairing. Oaky but did blend itself with the dish. Gave most of mine away.
We were then presented with a little bite of a Fried Risotto ball with black trumpet mushrooms and talleggo cheese. This was good. Should had this as one of the courses.
A 2013 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon was paired with the Roasted Liberty Farm Duck, celery root, beet and fall vegetable puree. Puree was excellent. Duck was good but I have had better flavor from duck. Maybe a tad more seasoning.
Fourth Course was the Grilled Chinina Rib Eye with Maitake mushrooms, peewee potato and Farm Lot mustard frill. I did not taste any of this dish. Just had them box it up and took it home. I ate it for dinner the next day, reheated, steak was good but not great. Potatoes were under cooked. Two wines were served. A 2013 Fay Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2013 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon. The Fay was drinking were nicely but the SLV would be one for holding.
The Fifth Course was not listed as dessert. Turned out to be a Foie Gras parfait with house made biscotti. Had some kind of nuts and maybe golden raisins in top. It has a very creamy texture like a very soft pudding. You could taste the Foie Gras but it also had a hint of a taste of malt.. Not would I would pick for dessert. They did serve a 2013 Muffato Della Sala with this dish. Sweet but not over bearing.
I was not really super happy about this dinner. Food had some flaws. Wines were good but to me a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is way to young to drink. But I also realize they are not going to be pouring their cellar wines. The idea is to get you to buy the newer releases.
But the company was good and it was a nice evening. But then on Friday I get a notice from from credit card company about fraudulent charges. Seems someone lifted my number. I last used the card at Chianina. Had to cancel my card again. Earlier this year same thing happened after I dined at Russo's. Fraud department told me that restaurants and gas stations were the places that cards are compromised the most.
Chianina in Naples, www.chianina.com, hosted a Stag's Leap Wine Cellar dinner this evening. Met up with 3 others and was looking forward to the evening. As always we started out with the basket of rolls. So addicting. I did limit myself to 2 rolls tonight but I could have eaten the whole basket by myself. Their Marscapone butter is to die for.
We started out with a Hamachi Crudo and green apple. Just a bite but refreshing and very good flavor. Chianina always seems to throw in a couple of bites of something good outside of the menu.
We were poured the 2015 Aveta Sauvignon Blanc. Nice wine not to acidic. Went well with the Hamachi and the third glass went well with the first course of Grilled Prawn with saffron rice chip. The prawns had a sauce on them which helped the flavor. I was not impressed with the prawns. Thought they tasted old, were slightly overcooked and for prawns they were small. They had the heads on he plate which had been deep fried. Ate one of them but it was not much to get excited about. The head I had at the sushi place in Shell Beach was ten times the size and much better tasting. At least I had 3 glasses of wine to help out.
Second course was a John Dory roll in eggplant with Castelvetrano olive, sweet pepper. Flavor was OK but I was not thrilled with this dish either. Something was very lacking . A 2014 Karia Chardonnay was the pairing. Oaky but did blend itself with the dish. Gave most of mine away.
We were then presented with a little bite of a Fried Risotto ball with black trumpet mushrooms and talleggo cheese. This was good. Should had this as one of the courses.
A 2013 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon was paired with the Roasted Liberty Farm Duck, celery root, beet and fall vegetable puree. Puree was excellent. Duck was good but I have had better flavor from duck. Maybe a tad more seasoning.
Fourth Course was the Grilled Chinina Rib Eye with Maitake mushrooms, peewee potato and Farm Lot mustard frill. I did not taste any of this dish. Just had them box it up and took it home. I ate it for dinner the next day, reheated, steak was good but not great. Potatoes were under cooked. Two wines were served. A 2013 Fay Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2013 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon. The Fay was drinking were nicely but the SLV would be one for holding.
The Fifth Course was not listed as dessert. Turned out to be a Foie Gras parfait with house made biscotti. Had some kind of nuts and maybe golden raisins in top. It has a very creamy texture like a very soft pudding. You could taste the Foie Gras but it also had a hint of a taste of malt.. Not would I would pick for dessert. They did serve a 2013 Muffato Della Sala with this dish. Sweet but not over bearing.
I was not really super happy about this dinner. Food had some flaws. Wines were good but to me a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is way to young to drink. But I also realize they are not going to be pouring their cellar wines. The idea is to get you to buy the newer releases.
But the company was good and it was a nice evening. But then on Friday I get a notice from from credit card company about fraudulent charges. Seems someone lifted my number. I last used the card at Chianina. Had to cancel my card again. Earlier this year same thing happened after I dined at Russo's. Fraud department told me that restaurants and gas stations were the places that cards are compromised the most.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Margie's Monthy Wine Dinner - At Issara
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Back to Issara Thai restaurant, www.issarathaicuisine.com, for our monthly dinner. 15 people and 19 wines. 8 courses and rice. A little overwhelming. I probably tasted 8 wines and did not eat much of three of the dishes.
We did drink a toast to our friend, Terry, who passed away this week, with a 2008 McKeon-Phillips, BPR, Cabernet Sauvignon. One of Terry's favorite wines. He now joins his wife Cora and friends, Edie, Rose and Gary at that big wine bar above. We will all join them some day. Hope they save some wines for us.
Started out with 3 appetizers. Issara Chicken Wings, some of the tasting wings around. E-Saan sausage which is grilled rice and pork, which had really nice flavor and Beef Satay which is always a hit. Beef was very tender and the peanut sauce was rich without being too much.
A salad of artichoke, shrimp, chicken breast, creamy coconut dressing, toasted peanuts, hard boiled eggs and cilantro. This was very good. I could have eaten more of this dish . I will remember it when I eat at Issara again.
We had 4 entrees along with steamed rice. I did not eat any of the Duck with Red Curry and only had one very tiny piece of the Mu Yang pork. It was way too much food for me. I did enjoy the Kua-Kai Noodle dish but only had about a quarter cup of it. Had one piece of fried sole. A did see a large bag of leftovers go out the door. I am sure I was not the only one that could not everything that was presented. It is a pain getting older, your appetite drops but the weight doesn't. I eat way less than I used to.
The wines were a mix. A few were not good at all. Lot of Champagnes and sparklings. Margie likes to move wines down the tables after awhile so everyone gets chance to taste. But some of those wines never moved from in front of the person that brought it. When I saw the list of what was brought I noticed that there were at least 5 wines that I never saw throughout the entire evening.
But a good dinner with some nice wines and pleasant company.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Cheval Des Andes Wine Dinner at Chianina
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Cheval in France has a winery in Mendoza, Argentina. Cheval being a big name we decided to enjoy this dinner at Chianina. Sat at the table with the winemaker, Lorenzo Pasquini. Yes an Italian making French wines.
Started out with a NV Ruinart Blanc de Blanc sparkling. After several glasses of this wine we were served the "Stuzzichino" poached scallops with caviar, potato and sea urchin (uni) . Sopped up the sauce with the bread. It was that good.
The wines served with the balance of the dinner were 2006, 2011 and 2012 Bordeaux blends. Different percentages of grapes in each. The 2006 had 60% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The 2011 had 70% Malbec, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot. The 2012 had 66% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petite Verdot.
First course was "Fall Chicories", Prosciutto, pear and black trumpet mushrooms with some greens. The 2012 blend was paired.
Second course was Sweetbreads Cappelletti, truffle puree, root vegetables and broth. 2011 blend was this choice.
Third course served was Roasted Liberty Farm Duck, red cabbage, shitake mushrooms and taleggio cheese. 2006 blend was the wine.
Fourth course was Grilled Chianina Rib Eye, swiss chard, fingerling potatoes, bone marrow and braised short rib. We were told to keep a little of the three previous wines to try with the main dish and compare.
It was an interesting comparison. Wines were all good and food was excellent.
Dessert was a Brown Butter Cake, raspberry, caramel and walnuts. Very good and served with a Moscati di' Asti. Not made by Cheval but Chianina added it to the dinner.
Excellent food and wines, great dining companions. Wine rep was personable. Added a lot to the dinner. Very knowledgeable. Apparently the Bottle Shoppe in Naples carries these wines. A rep from there was at the table also. A very enjoyable evening.
Cheval in France has a winery in Mendoza, Argentina. Cheval being a big name we decided to enjoy this dinner at Chianina. Sat at the table with the winemaker, Lorenzo Pasquini. Yes an Italian making French wines.
Started out with a NV Ruinart Blanc de Blanc sparkling. After several glasses of this wine we were served the "Stuzzichino" poached scallops with caviar, potato and sea urchin (uni) . Sopped up the sauce with the bread. It was that good.
The wines served with the balance of the dinner were 2006, 2011 and 2012 Bordeaux blends. Different percentages of grapes in each. The 2006 had 60% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The 2011 had 70% Malbec, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot. The 2012 had 66% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petite Verdot.
First course was "Fall Chicories", Prosciutto, pear and black trumpet mushrooms with some greens. The 2012 blend was paired.
Second course was Sweetbreads Cappelletti, truffle puree, root vegetables and broth. 2011 blend was this choice.
Third course served was Roasted Liberty Farm Duck, red cabbage, shitake mushrooms and taleggio cheese. 2006 blend was the wine.
Fourth course was Grilled Chianina Rib Eye, swiss chard, fingerling potatoes, bone marrow and braised short rib. We were told to keep a little of the three previous wines to try with the main dish and compare.
It was an interesting comparison. Wines were all good and food was excellent.
Dessert was a Brown Butter Cake, raspberry, caramel and walnuts. Very good and served with a Moscati di' Asti. Not made by Cheval but Chianina added it to the dinner.
Excellent food and wines, great dining companions. Wine rep was personable. Added a lot to the dinner. Very knowledgeable. Apparently the Bottle Shoppe in Naples carries these wines. A rep from there was at the table also. A very enjoyable evening.
Road Trip
Friday, November 4, 2016 to Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Back up to Avila Beach for the SLO Fall Festival. Took one hour to drive less than 25 miles on the freeway when I got on the road. Had three accidents slowing traffic on the way up. Not the best start to a getaway. Also could only get three days at my time share. Seems someone who owns 50 timeshares at the resort had them all booked that week.
Stopped at Huber Winery to say hello to Traudl and Norman. Had to pickup some paperwork that Traudl translated for me. She can read and write in the old German script which I was very appreciative of.
Saturday morning off to the festival. It is held on the golf course right next to the resort. Very convenient. Saw a few people from down south and had a good time tasting and eating. But my age is starting to show. Maybe this will be my last trip up to Avila.
That evening went off to Kanpai Sushi in Shell Beach for dinner. Had the Nigiri Omakase plate and a Morimoto Imperial beer.
Sunday I forced myself not to go to all the open houses in SLO. It was all free but I knew I would buy wine and add several cases . I just have to back off buying. I find out that Ember opened at 4:00 on Sunday afternoon . It is a restaurant that I have been wanting to try for since it opened. Timing just did not work out before. I stopped at the Taste of the Valley wine bar in Pismo Beach and did a tasting. Did buy two bottles of Baker and Brain (yes brain) Gruner Veltliner. A very good wine.
Arrived at Ember in Arroyo Grande about 4:20. The place was half filled by then. By the time I got my food the place was packed. Food was excellent. Service was excellent. They served a basket of bread. House made Rosemary Foccacia and a house made Country bread with a sourdough taste to it.
Ordered an appetizer of Pork Belly, Abalone and Cilantro Cream Sauce. To die for. So good. Then onto a plate of Polpette, lamb meatballs with a spicy cheese sauce. I filled up on bread so I ate one meatball and had them pack the remainder for the next day. Enjoyed a glass of Au Bon Climant Pinot Noir.
Left Monday morning to check in at the Hotel in Solvang. Decided to spend two nights before heading home. I swung by the Wine Ghetto in Lompoc before checking in. I had heard about a glass blower opening a shop there. Ended up my a few Christmas presents. Stopped at Industrial Eats in Buellton for dinner. Ended up with a Wild Mushroom Pizza which was dynamite. Loaded with mushrooms and spinach.
Tuesday morning after breakfast at the hotel I wandered down the block to the Jules Hus. A Christmas ornament store than remains open all year. Picked up a few item but for some reason not much appealed to me. Then off to Los Olivos . Unfortunately J. Wilkes was closed as was Tercero. Stopped in at Stolpman and did buy eight bottles of wine. The cheapest I have gotten out of there. Usually pick up three cases or more. I am trying to cut back. On the way back I drove into Santa Ynez and had a late lunch at Trattoria Grappolo. Ordered the Veal Scaloppine which was very good and had a glass of their house chardonnay. No oak so it was on my side of liking. Took an order of Tiramisu back with me to eat later this evening.
Wednesday morning was on the road at 9:00. Wanted to miss the Santa Barbara work traffic and get into Los Angeles before it started there. Traffic was good until I hit the valley at 10:30 and then it was a crawl until past the airport. Mileage was good for this trip. Put on 571 miles and got an average of 38 mpg. Used 15 gallons of gas. Not bad.
This may be my last trip unless someone else drives. It is starting to get to me, Just cannot push like I used to.
Back up to Avila Beach for the SLO Fall Festival. Took one hour to drive less than 25 miles on the freeway when I got on the road. Had three accidents slowing traffic on the way up. Not the best start to a getaway. Also could only get three days at my time share. Seems someone who owns 50 timeshares at the resort had them all booked that week.
Stopped at Huber Winery to say hello to Traudl and Norman. Had to pickup some paperwork that Traudl translated for me. She can read and write in the old German script which I was very appreciative of.
Saturday morning off to the festival. It is held on the golf course right next to the resort. Very convenient. Saw a few people from down south and had a good time tasting and eating. But my age is starting to show. Maybe this will be my last trip up to Avila.
That evening went off to Kanpai Sushi in Shell Beach for dinner. Had the Nigiri Omakase plate and a Morimoto Imperial beer.
Sunday I forced myself not to go to all the open houses in SLO. It was all free but I knew I would buy wine and add several cases . I just have to back off buying. I find out that Ember opened at 4:00 on Sunday afternoon . It is a restaurant that I have been wanting to try for since it opened. Timing just did not work out before. I stopped at the Taste of the Valley wine bar in Pismo Beach and did a tasting. Did buy two bottles of Baker and Brain (yes brain) Gruner Veltliner. A very good wine.
Arrived at Ember in Arroyo Grande about 4:20. The place was half filled by then. By the time I got my food the place was packed. Food was excellent. Service was excellent. They served a basket of bread. House made Rosemary Foccacia and a house made Country bread with a sourdough taste to it.
Ordered an appetizer of Pork Belly, Abalone and Cilantro Cream Sauce. To die for. So good. Then onto a plate of Polpette, lamb meatballs with a spicy cheese sauce. I filled up on bread so I ate one meatball and had them pack the remainder for the next day. Enjoyed a glass of Au Bon Climant Pinot Noir.
Left Monday morning to check in at the Hotel in Solvang. Decided to spend two nights before heading home. I swung by the Wine Ghetto in Lompoc before checking in. I had heard about a glass blower opening a shop there. Ended up my a few Christmas presents. Stopped at Industrial Eats in Buellton for dinner. Ended up with a Wild Mushroom Pizza which was dynamite. Loaded with mushrooms and spinach.
Tuesday morning after breakfast at the hotel I wandered down the block to the Jules Hus. A Christmas ornament store than remains open all year. Picked up a few item but for some reason not much appealed to me. Then off to Los Olivos . Unfortunately J. Wilkes was closed as was Tercero. Stopped in at Stolpman and did buy eight bottles of wine. The cheapest I have gotten out of there. Usually pick up three cases or more. I am trying to cut back. On the way back I drove into Santa Ynez and had a late lunch at Trattoria Grappolo. Ordered the Veal Scaloppine which was very good and had a glass of their house chardonnay. No oak so it was on my side of liking. Took an order of Tiramisu back with me to eat later this evening.
Wednesday morning was on the road at 9:00. Wanted to miss the Santa Barbara work traffic and get into Los Angeles before it started there. Traffic was good until I hit the valley at 10:30 and then it was a crawl until past the airport. Mileage was good for this trip. Put on 571 miles and got an average of 38 mpg. Used 15 gallons of gas. Not bad.
This may be my last trip unless someone else drives. It is starting to get to me, Just cannot push like I used to.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Back to the Seafood Palace
Monday, October 31, 2016
Back with the boys to Seafood Palace for Dim Sum. Unfortunately we do not think Terry will be able to join us anymore. At our ages life starts taking it's toll. The waitstaff asked about him. We have been coming in for a long time now so they have gotten to know us.
We started out with a couple of items off the dim sum cart. Shrimp Dumplings and Shu Mai. Then on to regular menu. After a bowl of the complimentary sour, spicy soup we hit the regular menu big time.
Lobster today. Stir fried with noodles. Messy to eat because of the sauce but such good flavor. Then onto salt & pepper calamari which is always a favorite of mine. Rounded out the lunch with beef and Chinese broccoli and salt & pepper pork chops. Chops are thin and small but these were cooked perfectly. Still moist and juicy.
We grabbed two plates of the egg custard tarts at the beginning of lunch because they only had a few in the cart. Good call by CJ. When we finished lunch there were no more available.
We had a good selection of wines today. A 2015 Viu Manent, Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. Surprise of the day. Very good and only $7.
Other wines were a 2012 Ivary Brut blend, 2008 Dragonette MJM (wives initials) blend and a 2008 Prisoner by Orin Swift. All good wines.
A good afternoon with friends, catch up time. Good food and wine. Looking forward to our next one.
Back with the boys to Seafood Palace for Dim Sum. Unfortunately we do not think Terry will be able to join us anymore. At our ages life starts taking it's toll. The waitstaff asked about him. We have been coming in for a long time now so they have gotten to know us.
We started out with a couple of items off the dim sum cart. Shrimp Dumplings and Shu Mai. Then on to regular menu. After a bowl of the complimentary sour, spicy soup we hit the regular menu big time.
Lobster today. Stir fried with noodles. Messy to eat because of the sauce but such good flavor. Then onto salt & pepper calamari which is always a favorite of mine. Rounded out the lunch with beef and Chinese broccoli and salt & pepper pork chops. Chops are thin and small but these were cooked perfectly. Still moist and juicy.
We grabbed two plates of the egg custard tarts at the beginning of lunch because they only had a few in the cart. Good call by CJ. When we finished lunch there were no more available.
We had a good selection of wines today. A 2015 Viu Manent, Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. Surprise of the day. Very good and only $7.
Other wines were a 2012 Ivary Brut blend, 2008 Dragonette MJM (wives initials) blend and a 2008 Prisoner by Orin Swift. All good wines.
A good afternoon with friends, catch up time. Good food and wine. Looking forward to our next one.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Dona Paula Wines at Utopia
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Another wine dinner at Utopia. www.utopiarestaurant.net This time it is with a winery in Argentina. Dona Paula from the Mendoza area. An interesting collection of guests tonight. One woman even had the gaucho hat and split skirt on. Big earrings - looked very Argentinian.
Ended up having 3 glasses of Chardonnay before our first course arrived. Utopia has never been known for fast service. But you learn to deal with it. A 2015 Chardonnay - I would have thought it was from California with the oak - it had seen about 30% oak but that is about 25% too much for me. Nice slight green apple, touch of tropical fruit. Did pair well with the Ceviche de Mariscos. Not much ceviche but lots of lettuce and ridiccio.
Second course was a Wild Mushroom Ravioli with a sundried tomato cream sauce. This was a very nice dish. Good flavors. Wine was a 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon. Light tannins, decent fruit but way to young. Don't think this is a wine for cellaring but at $12 a bottle it was OK for dinner.
Main course served a a pair of Grilled Lamb Chops with caramelized onions and garlic, goat cheese and roasted pine nuts. Good flavors. Naturally the chops were overcooked by my standards. And unfortunately the mashed potatoes were luke warm. paired with a 2015 Malbec. Again way too young but the better wine of the evening. Selling for $11 per bottle.
Dessert was Utopia's standard Tiramisu which they make themselves. Always very good . A glass of Croft Distinction Port accompanied the Tiramisu. Decent port.
Utopia's food is always decent, some things better than others. But at $55 for a wine dinner it is always a bargain. They are generous on their pours. Service is always up and down depending on which waiter you get that night. But it always takes awhile to get through these dinners. Starts at 7:00 pm and I got home at 10:30 pm.
Another wine dinner at Utopia. www.utopiarestaurant.net This time it is with a winery in Argentina. Dona Paula from the Mendoza area. An interesting collection of guests tonight. One woman even had the gaucho hat and split skirt on. Big earrings - looked very Argentinian.
Ended up having 3 glasses of Chardonnay before our first course arrived. Utopia has never been known for fast service. But you learn to deal with it. A 2015 Chardonnay - I would have thought it was from California with the oak - it had seen about 30% oak but that is about 25% too much for me. Nice slight green apple, touch of tropical fruit. Did pair well with the Ceviche de Mariscos. Not much ceviche but lots of lettuce and ridiccio.
Second course was a Wild Mushroom Ravioli with a sundried tomato cream sauce. This was a very nice dish. Good flavors. Wine was a 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon. Light tannins, decent fruit but way to young. Don't think this is a wine for cellaring but at $12 a bottle it was OK for dinner.
Main course served a a pair of Grilled Lamb Chops with caramelized onions and garlic, goat cheese and roasted pine nuts. Good flavors. Naturally the chops were overcooked by my standards. And unfortunately the mashed potatoes were luke warm. paired with a 2015 Malbec. Again way too young but the better wine of the evening. Selling for $11 per bottle.
Dessert was Utopia's standard Tiramisu which they make themselves. Always very good . A glass of Croft Distinction Port accompanied the Tiramisu. Decent port.
Utopia's food is always decent, some things better than others. But at $55 for a wine dinner it is always a bargain. They are generous on their pours. Service is always up and down depending on which waiter you get that night. But it always takes awhile to get through these dinners. Starts at 7:00 pm and I got home at 10:30 pm.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Chianina on Tuesday
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Chianina , www.chianina.com, several weeks ago advertised a "special wine dinner", so we signed up for it not knowing what the winery was. Then we could find no information on it. The 3 of us decided to keep the reservation and find out what was going on. Seems they decided not to do the dinner because of some kind of distribution problem but they neglected to let anyone know. Even the waitstaff. Our waiter thought he was serving at a wine dinner and when he arrived at work he was then told that no "special" wine dinner was being held. Sure seems like a breakdown in management.
Bob brought a 2004 Chimney Rock, Stags Leap District, Cabernet just in case. They comped us the $25 corkage fee because of the screw up. Wine was nice had to open up after being decanted. Took about an hour.
I ordered off the Chef's Table menu at $50 for 3 courses. Had the Duck Liver Agnolotte with Asian pear, quince and persimmon sauce for the appetizer. Very rich and very good. The sauce was outstanding
The main course I selected the Branzino with fennel, olive and saffron glaze. Moist and the skin on the fish was nice and crispy. This is a fish that is very similar to sea bass. Moist and succulent. And again another outstanding sauce.
Dessert was a Toffee cake with caramel - rich but not too sweet. A good choice
They also served us a couple of amuse bouche's . Crab wrapped in a very thin slice of Asian pear and a saffron rice chip with diced, fried pig ear and a Thai aoili.
One other person ordered off the Chef's Table menu. But they choose the wild mushroom appetizer, the steak and the chocolate stout cake. Everyone was pleased with the food dishes.
They had the Salted Honey rolls along with a Seasame Crusted Sourdough roll. I still like the rye rolls better. My favorites are the Salted Honey and the Rye. We ate a couple of baskets of these tonight.
Ran into Randy Kemner from Wine Country - he was being wines and dined by some wine distributors.
Massimo told me that my friend Susan who is a independent wine distributor was seeing him on Wednesday. Told him to buy lots of wine from her.
Enjoyable evening, great food, good wine and very good friends - life is good - may be short but enjoy it as best as you can while you can. No one knows the future.
Chianina , www.chianina.com, several weeks ago advertised a "special wine dinner", so we signed up for it not knowing what the winery was. Then we could find no information on it. The 3 of us decided to keep the reservation and find out what was going on. Seems they decided not to do the dinner because of some kind of distribution problem but they neglected to let anyone know. Even the waitstaff. Our waiter thought he was serving at a wine dinner and when he arrived at work he was then told that no "special" wine dinner was being held. Sure seems like a breakdown in management.
Bob brought a 2004 Chimney Rock, Stags Leap District, Cabernet just in case. They comped us the $25 corkage fee because of the screw up. Wine was nice had to open up after being decanted. Took about an hour.
I ordered off the Chef's Table menu at $50 for 3 courses. Had the Duck Liver Agnolotte with Asian pear, quince and persimmon sauce for the appetizer. Very rich and very good. The sauce was outstanding
The main course I selected the Branzino with fennel, olive and saffron glaze. Moist and the skin on the fish was nice and crispy. This is a fish that is very similar to sea bass. Moist and succulent. And again another outstanding sauce.
Dessert was a Toffee cake with caramel - rich but not too sweet. A good choice
They also served us a couple of amuse bouche's . Crab wrapped in a very thin slice of Asian pear and a saffron rice chip with diced, fried pig ear and a Thai aoili.
One other person ordered off the Chef's Table menu. But they choose the wild mushroom appetizer, the steak and the chocolate stout cake. Everyone was pleased with the food dishes.
They had the Salted Honey rolls along with a Seasame Crusted Sourdough roll. I still like the rye rolls better. My favorites are the Salted Honey and the Rye. We ate a couple of baskets of these tonight.
Ran into Randy Kemner from Wine Country - he was being wines and dined by some wine distributors.
Massimo told me that my friend Susan who is a independent wine distributor was seeing him on Wednesday. Told him to buy lots of wine from her.
Enjoyable evening, great food, good wine and very good friends - life is good - may be short but enjoy it as best as you can while you can. No one knows the future.
October wino's
Sunday, October 23, 2016
The monthly gathering of the flock - Washington State Wines plus a Luau. Seemed like we were in Hawaii - slight drizzle all day - only problem was the clouds did not go away and the sun did not come put as it does in the Islands.
27 wines on the table today. I tasted all the reds and half the whites. Way too many - you get palate fatigue after a bit. The 1994 Columbia Crest Cab was dead and beyond revival. The 1996 Woodward was better than I expected for being that old. For the rest of the wines they were all decent but nothing was outstanding. A few better than the others but nothing I am hot to go out and buy.
Food was supposed to be Hawaiian - 3 of us brought Poke so that was overkill. When Oliver brought ribs in everyone made a beeline for that. The Coconut shrimp disappeared fast.
Main dishes were catered by a local Hawaiian themed restaurant. I did have some of the bacon/rice which was good and some Teriyaki beef which was nice and moist and had good flavor. I passed on the chicken as I find that is usually dry sitting on a buffet table unless there is a sauce that it is in.
No one has signed up to host in November - that means we go through the entire holiday season with no tastings until January. A few people never pull their own weight in groups and ours is no exception.
The monthly gathering of the flock - Washington State Wines plus a Luau. Seemed like we were in Hawaii - slight drizzle all day - only problem was the clouds did not go away and the sun did not come put as it does in the Islands.
27 wines on the table today. I tasted all the reds and half the whites. Way too many - you get palate fatigue after a bit. The 1994 Columbia Crest Cab was dead and beyond revival. The 1996 Woodward was better than I expected for being that old. For the rest of the wines they were all decent but nothing was outstanding. A few better than the others but nothing I am hot to go out and buy.
Food was supposed to be Hawaiian - 3 of us brought Poke so that was overkill. When Oliver brought ribs in everyone made a beeline for that. The Coconut shrimp disappeared fast.
Main dishes were catered by a local Hawaiian themed restaurant. I did have some of the bacon/rice which was good and some Teriyaki beef which was nice and moist and had good flavor. I passed on the chicken as I find that is usually dry sitting on a buffet table unless there is a sauce that it is in.
No one has signed up to host in November - that means we go through the entire holiday season with no tastings until January. A few people never pull their own weight in groups and ours is no exception.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Trail Marker Dinner at The Playground 2.0 room
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Had not heard or Trail Marker before so we decided to give it a try. We knew the food was going to be good so why not. The owner, winemaker was Drew Huffine. He had been with Kosta Browne and Copain among others before. For the most part the wines were good but the Pinot Noir was something else. I have never tasted a Pinot like that. Would have never guessed it as a Pinot if I had not been told. Took a couple of sips and left it. All of us left the wine sit. Not good.
Normally I either write the name of the wines down but last dinner when Justin gave me the menu the wines were listed so I did not bother this time. Alas no wines listed. And I really can't remember . One was a good Rose, then a white and three reds. But anything else leaves my brain because I thought I did not have to write anything down. Only the beer that was served with the dessert. It was a Beachwood Robusta Ryhme. Dark and good.
We started out with a Foie Gras pate terrine with warm , toasted Apricot bread. I could have had this and nothing else. They even brought me a second serving which they do not do. This was the first of 11 courses.
A dish with Humboldt Fog cheese, Masculine greens, brown butter baby beets and crushed hazelnut cookies was next. Hard not to overeat.
3rd dish was a Tomme De Savoie and wild mushroom croque monsuier. Almost like a flatbread with this fabulous cheese and mushrooms. Another winner.
White asparagus, citrus supreme, pickled shallot and baby brioche crouton. very interesting combination of flavors and they went well together.
Wagu steak tartare with frites and hollandaise sauce. A whole new way to eat french fries. Unbelievably good.
Haricot Verts Almandine. Excellent flavor
Number 7 was a Haibut Cheeks Grenobloise. So sweet and tender
Celery Root and apple remoulade, dried cranberries, candided walnut crunch. Cool and refreshing and they gave me a box of this to take home.
Duck confit, pork belly beans, breadcrumbs, choucrute. Excellent flavor, a bit salty. Too bad I am stuffed and could not enjoy more of this.
Last was 2 desserts, A Proper Macaron - two macarons with a whipped cream mixture sandwiched together. Good flavor but I am not a fan of macaroons. Way too sweet for me. Also had a chocolate mousse which I devoured.
Another very good dinner at the Playground 21.0 Room. seats 18 people at a long bar. Easy to make conversation with people sitting next to year but everyone else is a shouting match. Interaction with the cooks and chef is a real treat. They are all fun and personable
Time to get the calendar out and see what looks good for my next dinner there.
I am always amazed at how good the food is on these special dinners. So innovative. Not for people who have dining or food issues but for the rest of us gluttons it is divine.
Had not heard or Trail Marker before so we decided to give it a try. We knew the food was going to be good so why not. The owner, winemaker was Drew Huffine. He had been with Kosta Browne and Copain among others before. For the most part the wines were good but the Pinot Noir was something else. I have never tasted a Pinot like that. Would have never guessed it as a Pinot if I had not been told. Took a couple of sips and left it. All of us left the wine sit. Not good.
Normally I either write the name of the wines down but last dinner when Justin gave me the menu the wines were listed so I did not bother this time. Alas no wines listed. And I really can't remember . One was a good Rose, then a white and three reds. But anything else leaves my brain because I thought I did not have to write anything down. Only the beer that was served with the dessert. It was a Beachwood Robusta Ryhme. Dark and good.
We started out with a Foie Gras pate terrine with warm , toasted Apricot bread. I could have had this and nothing else. They even brought me a second serving which they do not do. This was the first of 11 courses.
A dish with Humboldt Fog cheese, Masculine greens, brown butter baby beets and crushed hazelnut cookies was next. Hard not to overeat.
3rd dish was a Tomme De Savoie and wild mushroom croque monsuier. Almost like a flatbread with this fabulous cheese and mushrooms. Another winner.
White asparagus, citrus supreme, pickled shallot and baby brioche crouton. very interesting combination of flavors and they went well together.
Wagu steak tartare with frites and hollandaise sauce. A whole new way to eat french fries. Unbelievably good.
Haricot Verts Almandine. Excellent flavor
Number 7 was a Haibut Cheeks Grenobloise. So sweet and tender
Celery Root and apple remoulade, dried cranberries, candided walnut crunch. Cool and refreshing and they gave me a box of this to take home.
Duck confit, pork belly beans, breadcrumbs, choucrute. Excellent flavor, a bit salty. Too bad I am stuffed and could not enjoy more of this.
Last was 2 desserts, A Proper Macaron - two macarons with a whipped cream mixture sandwiched together. Good flavor but I am not a fan of macaroons. Way too sweet for me. Also had a chocolate mousse which I devoured.
Another very good dinner at the Playground 21.0 Room. seats 18 people at a long bar. Easy to make conversation with people sitting next to year but everyone else is a shouting match. Interaction with the cooks and chef is a real treat. They are all fun and personable
Time to get the calendar out and see what looks good for my next dinner there.
I am always amazed at how good the food is on these special dinners. So innovative. Not for people who have dining or food issues but for the rest of us gluttons it is divine.
Delius Restaurant Annual Passport Wine Tasting
Sunday, October 16, 29016
This has been a main stay with Delius for many years, www.deliusrestaurant.com, I have only missed one of these tasting because the Wino's had scheduled a tasting on the same day. After attending that tasting, I kicked myself for not going to the Passport. Wines would have so much better.
12 regions were represented, 36 wines. Lots of food but it is difficult to eat off a plate when all the tables are taken, so I just nibbled with finger food. One of the waitstaff brought me out finger food from the kitchen and made sure when the passed around trays of appetizers he got to me first.
100 tickets are sold for this event and it was sold out. Out of 100 people I only recognized 2 people that I knew or had seen there before.
Wines for the most part were good. Did not taste all 36 but 2 that stood out were a 2015 Castano Monastrell Rose and a 2012 Poder Nuovo "Therra" Super Tuscan.
This has been a main stay with Delius for many years, www.deliusrestaurant.com, I have only missed one of these tasting because the Wino's had scheduled a tasting on the same day. After attending that tasting, I kicked myself for not going to the Passport. Wines would have so much better.
12 regions were represented, 36 wines. Lots of food but it is difficult to eat off a plate when all the tables are taken, so I just nibbled with finger food. One of the waitstaff brought me out finger food from the kitchen and made sure when the passed around trays of appetizers he got to me first.
100 tickets are sold for this event and it was sold out. Out of 100 people I only recognized 2 people that I knew or had seen there before.
Wines for the most part were good. Did not taste all 36 but 2 that stood out were a 2015 Castano Monastrell Rose and a 2012 Poder Nuovo "Therra" Super Tuscan.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Deluca Trattoria & Rock Wall Wines
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
The dinner tonight at Deluca , www.delucatrattoria.com, was being hosted by Gourmet Wine Getaways and was featuring Kent Rosenblum, the owner of the winery.
Kent used to own Rosenblum Winery but received an attractive offer for a buyout and took it. He had wanted to retire but after awhile the creative juices started flowing again and he just had to make at least one kind of wine. So Rock Wall Wine Company was formed. I had not seen Kent in many, many years. Good to catch up.
So I took the plunge and drove from work to El Segundo. One hour on surface streets from where I work Normally this is an area I would not go to on a weeknight. Weekends would be doubtful also. Not freeway friendly at all. Met friends who actually live close enough to the restaurant to walk there. Lucky them.
We started out with a "reception" featuring numerous cheeses and Meringhe (which is sauce/jelly). A 2015 Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc was poured. I really liked this wine. Not too mineraly, acidic or grassy. Very pleasant and drinkable. Cheeses were very good. A nice variety.
Dinner started at least 30 minutes late. But with the wine flowing it did not matter. We were served Bruschetta di Branzino all 'Acqua Pazza (crazy water branzino) and a Bocconcini di Filetto con Porcini ( filet mignon with porchini mushroom) . The branzino bruschetta turned out to me the best thing I had that night. Excellent. The beef bruschetta was slightly dry and the meat was a little tough and over cooked for me. The wine was a 2014 Rigg Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon. Excellent wine. Well balanced and complex. Many layers. Was a little young but should cellar for at least 10 years.
Next dish was a Spezzatino di Coniglio con Risotto alle Erbe Aromatic (Gabriella's rabbit stew with aromatic herb risotto). I love rabbit but this was a not a dish I would order again. I have eaten rabbit since I was a child and know what it should be. In fact when I was married we raised rabbits and had the meat on the dinner table at least once a week. Rabbit was dry and the risotto was dry also. Not the creamy way it should be. Flavor were good but it didn't make up for the dryness of the dish. A 2014 Julie's Vineyard, Russian River, Zinfandel was paired with this dish. Big jammy nose and rich flavor. A typical Kent Rosenblum Zin. That is what made him known before. Zinfandel.
Last dish was a Bocconcini di Cinghiale con Pappardelle (Gabriella's wild,boar sauce over pappardelle). Again good flavors but the wild boar sauce was way to salty and the pasta was slightly overcooked. Not too bad put again not al dente. The wine paired was another winner. A 2015 Le Mur De Roche, Napa Valley, Petite Sirah. Another big wine.
Dessert was good. a housemade Tiramisu. But the sparkling wine was a big disappointment. 2015 Sparkling Blanc de Blanc. Tasted much more like a sauvignon blanc grape. I did not finish mine. Taste just turned me off.
I think perhaps that since this was their first large banquet style dinner that restaurant held the kitchen may have been overwhelmed getting all the food out at the same time. Quality suffered because of it. It is much different cooking for a banquet style meal for close to 50 people than individual meals during a normal restaurant service. My friends have dined at Deluca numerous times and they agreed that the dinner was not up to Deluca's normal standards. I also had a problem with service. Three times they came and took the used plates away and three times they forgot to give me a clean plate. Everyone else managed but somehow I got "lost in the transfer" somehow. Plus one of the times I had to ask 3 people before I was finally given a replacement. So I think the kitchen and staff were out of the element. Just need some more large dinners to get the hang of it.
But a nice evening, really good wines and a fun time.The prices on the wines were excellent but alas I am trying to pare down and not buy for a year or so. I am less than 500 bottles now so I have made some inroads but not enough to start buying again. Maybe when I get down to 200 bottles I might take a look at it again.
The dinner tonight at Deluca , www.delucatrattoria.com, was being hosted by Gourmet Wine Getaways and was featuring Kent Rosenblum, the owner of the winery.
Kent used to own Rosenblum Winery but received an attractive offer for a buyout and took it. He had wanted to retire but after awhile the creative juices started flowing again and he just had to make at least one kind of wine. So Rock Wall Wine Company was formed. I had not seen Kent in many, many years. Good to catch up.
So I took the plunge and drove from work to El Segundo. One hour on surface streets from where I work Normally this is an area I would not go to on a weeknight. Weekends would be doubtful also. Not freeway friendly at all. Met friends who actually live close enough to the restaurant to walk there. Lucky them.
We started out with a "reception" featuring numerous cheeses and Meringhe (which is sauce/jelly). A 2015 Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc was poured. I really liked this wine. Not too mineraly, acidic or grassy. Very pleasant and drinkable. Cheeses were very good. A nice variety.
Dinner started at least 30 minutes late. But with the wine flowing it did not matter. We were served Bruschetta di Branzino all 'Acqua Pazza (crazy water branzino) and a Bocconcini di Filetto con Porcini ( filet mignon with porchini mushroom) . The branzino bruschetta turned out to me the best thing I had that night. Excellent. The beef bruschetta was slightly dry and the meat was a little tough and over cooked for me. The wine was a 2014 Rigg Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon. Excellent wine. Well balanced and complex. Many layers. Was a little young but should cellar for at least 10 years.
Next dish was a Spezzatino di Coniglio con Risotto alle Erbe Aromatic (Gabriella's rabbit stew with aromatic herb risotto). I love rabbit but this was a not a dish I would order again. I have eaten rabbit since I was a child and know what it should be. In fact when I was married we raised rabbits and had the meat on the dinner table at least once a week. Rabbit was dry and the risotto was dry also. Not the creamy way it should be. Flavor were good but it didn't make up for the dryness of the dish. A 2014 Julie's Vineyard, Russian River, Zinfandel was paired with this dish. Big jammy nose and rich flavor. A typical Kent Rosenblum Zin. That is what made him known before. Zinfandel.
Last dish was a Bocconcini di Cinghiale con Pappardelle (Gabriella's wild,boar sauce over pappardelle). Again good flavors but the wild boar sauce was way to salty and the pasta was slightly overcooked. Not too bad put again not al dente. The wine paired was another winner. A 2015 Le Mur De Roche, Napa Valley, Petite Sirah. Another big wine.
Dessert was good. a housemade Tiramisu. But the sparkling wine was a big disappointment. 2015 Sparkling Blanc de Blanc. Tasted much more like a sauvignon blanc grape. I did not finish mine. Taste just turned me off.
I think perhaps that since this was their first large banquet style dinner that restaurant held the kitchen may have been overwhelmed getting all the food out at the same time. Quality suffered because of it. It is much different cooking for a banquet style meal for close to 50 people than individual meals during a normal restaurant service. My friends have dined at Deluca numerous times and they agreed that the dinner was not up to Deluca's normal standards. I also had a problem with service. Three times they came and took the used plates away and three times they forgot to give me a clean plate. Everyone else managed but somehow I got "lost in the transfer" somehow. Plus one of the times I had to ask 3 people before I was finally given a replacement. So I think the kitchen and staff were out of the element. Just need some more large dinners to get the hang of it.
But a nice evening, really good wines and a fun time.The prices on the wines were excellent but alas I am trying to pare down and not buy for a year or so. I am less than 500 bottles now so I have made some inroads but not enough to start buying again. Maybe when I get down to 200 bottles I might take a look at it again.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Torres Spanish Wines and Arte Cafe
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Torres wines are featured tonight at Arte Cafe in Cerritos, Sold out dinner. Bargain for $59. A lot of people late because of an accident on the 91 freeway so we got off to a late start.
We started out with a Chopped Salad. Heirloom tomatoes, Machego cheese, roasted beets, avocado and sherry vinaigrette. Salad was very good and paired well with the Pazo das Bruxas, Albarino, Rias Baixas.
A bowl of cold Gazpacho was next. Shrimp and avocado, Very spicy. I ate the shrimp and avocado . A couple of spoonfuls of the gazpacho was more than enough for me.Had excellent flavor but I tasted the heated for quite awhile. Not the thing for a wine dinner. A Jean Leon 3055 Rose was paired with this dish. I did like this Rose. Full of flavor. Not whimpy at all. Named after a family member, Jean Leon who owned LaScala restaurant.
Third dish up was a Pulpo y Chorizo. Grilled octopus with Fingerling potatoes, Spanish Chorizo and olive oil. Chorizo was very good. Octopus was a little tough. Most went back to the kitchen. A 5G's Garnacha, Campo de Borja was paired with this dish. A nice wine and paired very well.
A plate of Paella was next. Loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage. Good flavors. But I have had better Paella and I have also had worse. Portions of seafood was good. Paired with a Salmos Red Blend, Priorat. My favorite wine if the evening.
Last main dish served was a Solomillo Steak, grilled ribeye with red wine reduction, pisto Machego with patats bravas (mixed veggies, mushrooms, squash, onions). Steak was perfect. Nice char on it and sizzling when it came out.. The surprise wine of the dinner turned out to be a Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvigon, Penedes. Wine Spectator gave it a 93 rating.. Excellent pairing and very good wine.
Dessert was a Housemade Spanish Flan served with a Brandy Alexander made with Torres 10 Brandy and Torres Spanish Orange Liqueur. Nice touch to the evening.
Question is and not only this restaurant - why do they served one pat of butter for two large rolls.
Dinner was good, wines were good and I won a bottle of wine as a door prize. Good evening.
Torres wines are featured tonight at Arte Cafe in Cerritos, Sold out dinner. Bargain for $59. A lot of people late because of an accident on the 91 freeway so we got off to a late start.
We started out with a Chopped Salad. Heirloom tomatoes, Machego cheese, roasted beets, avocado and sherry vinaigrette. Salad was very good and paired well with the Pazo das Bruxas, Albarino, Rias Baixas.
A bowl of cold Gazpacho was next. Shrimp and avocado, Very spicy. I ate the shrimp and avocado . A couple of spoonfuls of the gazpacho was more than enough for me.Had excellent flavor but I tasted the heated for quite awhile. Not the thing for a wine dinner. A Jean Leon 3055 Rose was paired with this dish. I did like this Rose. Full of flavor. Not whimpy at all. Named after a family member, Jean Leon who owned LaScala restaurant.
Third dish up was a Pulpo y Chorizo. Grilled octopus with Fingerling potatoes, Spanish Chorizo and olive oil. Chorizo was very good. Octopus was a little tough. Most went back to the kitchen. A 5G's Garnacha, Campo de Borja was paired with this dish. A nice wine and paired very well.
A plate of Paella was next. Loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage. Good flavors. But I have had better Paella and I have also had worse. Portions of seafood was good. Paired with a Salmos Red Blend, Priorat. My favorite wine if the evening.
Last main dish served was a Solomillo Steak, grilled ribeye with red wine reduction, pisto Machego with patats bravas (mixed veggies, mushrooms, squash, onions). Steak was perfect. Nice char on it and sizzling when it came out.. The surprise wine of the dinner turned out to be a Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvigon, Penedes. Wine Spectator gave it a 93 rating.. Excellent pairing and very good wine.
Dessert was a Housemade Spanish Flan served with a Brandy Alexander made with Torres 10 Brandy and Torres Spanish Orange Liqueur. Nice touch to the evening.
Question is and not only this restaurant - why do they served one pat of butter for two large rolls.
Dinner was good, wines were good and I won a bottle of wine as a door prize. Good evening.
Baba Ghanouj
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Baba Ghanouj was Margie's selection for dinner this month. www.babaghanoujrestaurant.com . Located in the Bixby Knolls area which is becoming quite the restaurant row. 12 people, 17 bottles of wine. No room on table for food.. With the bottles and all the wine glasses it was a tight squeeze for the food dishes.
We started out with the White Bean Soup which was nice and thick. Lots of garlic. Good flavors.
Baskets of Pita Bread showed up but the Hummus was missing. Seems it ended up being served on the dinner plate and not much of it. And for some reason it did not seem the same as the last time I was at Baba. Something was off.
A couple more appetizers were served. Sauteed Potatoes with garlic, lemon, chioli, cilantro and tahini (the potatoes are a favorite of mine) and a plate of Feta Mix, feta cheese, chopped onion. tomato. fresh oregano and olive oil with pita chips.
The main entrees were served on individual dinner plates. Consisted of Kibbie Sineeya, which is freshly ground beef with cracked wheat and layered with pine nuts. Baked and served with tabbouleh and yogurt sauce. Chicken Shawarma which is thinly sliced grilled chicken with tomato, garlic sauce and hummus. Lamb Shish Kabab, marinated pieces of lamb, charbroiled and served with hummus. And the Basmati Rice.
All the meat to me was dry, the lamb was tough and way over cooked for me and the portion size of all the sauces were very small. Flavors were excellent.
Dessert was dry also, Baklawa (Baklava) just did not have enough syrup on it.
I would have rather paid $5 more and had larger portions of all the sauces and hummus.
Wines were an interesting mix. I tried less than a third of them. Some just plain did not interest me. I did like the Alain Bally Champagne, Miraval Rose, Stolo Gewurztraminer and the Huber Barrel Select Pinot Noir.
Baba Ghanouj was Margie's selection for dinner this month. www.babaghanoujrestaurant.com . Located in the Bixby Knolls area which is becoming quite the restaurant row. 12 people, 17 bottles of wine. No room on table for food.. With the bottles and all the wine glasses it was a tight squeeze for the food dishes.
We started out with the White Bean Soup which was nice and thick. Lots of garlic. Good flavors.
Baskets of Pita Bread showed up but the Hummus was missing. Seems it ended up being served on the dinner plate and not much of it. And for some reason it did not seem the same as the last time I was at Baba. Something was off.
A couple more appetizers were served. Sauteed Potatoes with garlic, lemon, chioli, cilantro and tahini (the potatoes are a favorite of mine) and a plate of Feta Mix, feta cheese, chopped onion. tomato. fresh oregano and olive oil with pita chips.
The main entrees were served on individual dinner plates. Consisted of Kibbie Sineeya, which is freshly ground beef with cracked wheat and layered with pine nuts. Baked and served with tabbouleh and yogurt sauce. Chicken Shawarma which is thinly sliced grilled chicken with tomato, garlic sauce and hummus. Lamb Shish Kabab, marinated pieces of lamb, charbroiled and served with hummus. And the Basmati Rice.
All the meat to me was dry, the lamb was tough and way over cooked for me and the portion size of all the sauces were very small. Flavors were excellent.
Dessert was dry also, Baklawa (Baklava) just did not have enough syrup on it.
I would have rather paid $5 more and had larger portions of all the sauces and hummus.
Wines were an interesting mix. I tried less than a third of them. Some just plain did not interest me. I did like the Alain Bally Champagne, Miraval Rose, Stolo Gewurztraminer and the Huber Barrel Select Pinot Noir.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Chianina and Blackbird Wines
Wednesday, September 28, 2916
Joined friends last night for a wine dinner at Chianina, www.chianina.com, in Naples. Wines were provided by Blackbird Vineyards, www.blackbirdvineyards.com, . Sold out dinner tonight. Instead of 6 PM to 9 PM for reservations they opened it to 5 PM to 10 PM..
Noticed as I drove in the valet parking has gone from $4 to $6. Wonder if it was just for tonight. I pulled in right behind the owner, Michael Dene. I asked the attendant how Michael keeps the very shining grill of his Bentley so clean and sparkling. Found out that the grill on that very expensive Bentley is PLASTIC. Who would have thought.
We started out with a Tuna Arriveste, ahi, toasted brioche and squash. We were not too sure where the squash was or how to eat this little stack of items. Some decided to pick it up with their fingers like a sandwich and I tried the fork method. Not sure which one was the best idea. Flavors were excellent and it went well with the 2015 Arriviste Rose.
First course was a Branzino Dissonance, branzino, beets, brown butter. burgundy and spinach. Fish was very good, nice crispy skin. The beets were red and gold and cut in small cubes and laid out like a checkerboard. Nice presentation. But I was not thrilled with the wine. A 2015 Dissonance Sauvignon Blanc. Too New Zealand like for me. Decent pairing but I passed most of my wine to others.
Second course gave us Duck Arise, sliced duck, cooked perfectly, polenta two ways, roasted fennel, pomegranate sauce and mushrooms.. At this point into the dinner I was starting to fill. Ate two of their salted honey rolls with marscapone butter. I think that did me in but they were so good. Had two bites of the duck and had it boxed to go. A 2013 Arise (merlot, cab and cab franc) was poured. This wine to me was way to young. Needed time. Passed it along also to others.
The Third course consisted of Chianina Beef Rib Contrarian. Sliced rib eye beef, lobster cigar, potato puree and truffle froth.. Beef was good, Again I had two bites and had the staff add it to my take out box, After all there is dessert coming. Wine paired was a 2013 Contrarian (cab, cab franc and merlot) My favorite wine of the evening. I have had this wine before and liked it way back when.
A Cherry Tart (deconstructed) with taleggio gelato (good) and rosemary meringue was the dessert. I did manage to make room for this dish. A 2013 Illustration (merlot, cab franc and cab) was paired. It was ok but it again needed time.
A good dinner. Michael Polenske the owner of Blackbird was in attendance. Went around to each table a chatted awhile. One of my dining companion's was planning a trip up to the area next month so he got a personal invite. Wines were on the whole good but way to young to be drank now. Need to cellar. Price range was about $135 for the reds.
Joined friends last night for a wine dinner at Chianina, www.chianina.com, in Naples. Wines were provided by Blackbird Vineyards, www.blackbirdvineyards.com, . Sold out dinner tonight. Instead of 6 PM to 9 PM for reservations they opened it to 5 PM to 10 PM..
Noticed as I drove in the valet parking has gone from $4 to $6. Wonder if it was just for tonight. I pulled in right behind the owner, Michael Dene. I asked the attendant how Michael keeps the very shining grill of his Bentley so clean and sparkling. Found out that the grill on that very expensive Bentley is PLASTIC. Who would have thought.
We started out with a Tuna Arriveste, ahi, toasted brioche and squash. We were not too sure where the squash was or how to eat this little stack of items. Some decided to pick it up with their fingers like a sandwich and I tried the fork method. Not sure which one was the best idea. Flavors were excellent and it went well with the 2015 Arriviste Rose.
First course was a Branzino Dissonance, branzino, beets, brown butter. burgundy and spinach. Fish was very good, nice crispy skin. The beets were red and gold and cut in small cubes and laid out like a checkerboard. Nice presentation. But I was not thrilled with the wine. A 2015 Dissonance Sauvignon Blanc. Too New Zealand like for me. Decent pairing but I passed most of my wine to others.
Second course gave us Duck Arise, sliced duck, cooked perfectly, polenta two ways, roasted fennel, pomegranate sauce and mushrooms.. At this point into the dinner I was starting to fill. Ate two of their salted honey rolls with marscapone butter. I think that did me in but they were so good. Had two bites of the duck and had it boxed to go. A 2013 Arise (merlot, cab and cab franc) was poured. This wine to me was way to young. Needed time. Passed it along also to others.
The Third course consisted of Chianina Beef Rib Contrarian. Sliced rib eye beef, lobster cigar, potato puree and truffle froth.. Beef was good, Again I had two bites and had the staff add it to my take out box, After all there is dessert coming. Wine paired was a 2013 Contrarian (cab, cab franc and merlot) My favorite wine of the evening. I have had this wine before and liked it way back when.
A Cherry Tart (deconstructed) with taleggio gelato (good) and rosemary meringue was the dessert. I did manage to make room for this dish. A 2013 Illustration (merlot, cab franc and cab) was paired. It was ok but it again needed time.
A good dinner. Michael Polenske the owner of Blackbird was in attendance. Went around to each table a chatted awhile. One of my dining companion's was planning a trip up to the area next month so he got a personal invite. Wines were on the whole good but way to young to be drank now. Need to cellar. Price range was about $135 for the reds.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
495 Wine Varietals Tasted
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Was invited to a informal dinner at friends. They had a couple bottles of wine that had odd grapes in them and I brought two that I had not opened yet. Their two bottles gave me 3 more grapes and I officially added my bottles to the mix. I had counted the grapes but had not tasted them yet.
Good dinner "al fresco". Evening was perfect. Plus I now have 495 varietals tasted. My goal right now is 500 plus a few extra for good measure. I will then submit them to get my 500 certificate. There are a few people that have 600 Certificate and that will probably be my next endeavor.
Was invited to a informal dinner at friends. They had a couple bottles of wine that had odd grapes in them and I brought two that I had not opened yet. Their two bottles gave me 3 more grapes and I officially added my bottles to the mix. I had counted the grapes but had not tasted them yet.
Good dinner "al fresco". Evening was perfect. Plus I now have 495 varietals tasted. My goal right now is 500 plus a few extra for good measure. I will then submit them to get my 500 certificate. There are a few people that have 600 Certificate and that will probably be my next endeavor.
Oktoberfest Beer Dinner at Delius
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Had this dinner on my calendar for months. Showed up at 7:00 for 7:15 seating. Dave at Delius, www.deliusrestaurant.com, greeted me at said the dinner was Friday night. They had changed the date but only noted it on the reminder with the menu. Since I had the date already noted it was not something I was looking for change on. At least I was not the only one. There were 4 other people . So Dave sat us in the private cellar room. We had the same menu and beers that were served the night before.
We started out with a Apple and Celery Confit with Belgium Endive and Chevre Salad and Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Nice clean , crisp dish with loads of flavor. The beer was a Schneider Weisse Hopfenweisse, Light beer, wheaty and paired well with the salad.
Second course is a Cambozola and Nutmeg Spaetzle (so good) with Mushrooms and Fine Herbs. My favorite dish of the night. The beer was a Flensburger Dunkel. Again the beer paired really well with the dish.
Next up was a Pretzel and Mustard Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Pickled Okra, Brussels Sprouts and Brown Butter Balsamic Drizzle. Great flavors and the beer was a Hofbrau Oktoberfest. A light wheat beer.
Main course is a a Caraway Braised Brisket, Caramelized Carrot Puree, Cipollini Onions, Seared Red Cabbage.. Good German flavors. Paired with a Weihenstephaner Doppelbock. My favorite beer of the night. Dark, chocolate, my kind. I am partial to Porters and Stouts so this was right in there.
Dessert was a mixed bag. Roasted Kabocha Squash and Pepita Bread (toasted). On the sweet side but not what I would pick for dessert. Maybe toast in the morning with butter. On top was a scoop of Bock Infused Cream Cheese Ice Cream. To die for.
A good dinner, nice dining companions. That is what life is about.
Had this dinner on my calendar for months. Showed up at 7:00 for 7:15 seating. Dave at Delius, www.deliusrestaurant.com, greeted me at said the dinner was Friday night. They had changed the date but only noted it on the reminder with the menu. Since I had the date already noted it was not something I was looking for change on. At least I was not the only one. There were 4 other people . So Dave sat us in the private cellar room. We had the same menu and beers that were served the night before.
We started out with a Apple and Celery Confit with Belgium Endive and Chevre Salad and Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Nice clean , crisp dish with loads of flavor. The beer was a Schneider Weisse Hopfenweisse, Light beer, wheaty and paired well with the salad.
Second course is a Cambozola and Nutmeg Spaetzle (so good) with Mushrooms and Fine Herbs. My favorite dish of the night. The beer was a Flensburger Dunkel. Again the beer paired really well with the dish.
Next up was a Pretzel and Mustard Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Pickled Okra, Brussels Sprouts and Brown Butter Balsamic Drizzle. Great flavors and the beer was a Hofbrau Oktoberfest. A light wheat beer.
Main course is a a Caraway Braised Brisket, Caramelized Carrot Puree, Cipollini Onions, Seared Red Cabbage.. Good German flavors. Paired with a Weihenstephaner Doppelbock. My favorite beer of the night. Dark, chocolate, my kind. I am partial to Porters and Stouts so this was right in there.
Dessert was a mixed bag. Roasted Kabocha Squash and Pepita Bread (toasted). On the sweet side but not what I would pick for dessert. Maybe toast in the morning with butter. On top was a scoop of Bock Infused Cream Cheese Ice Cream. To die for.
A good dinner, nice dining companions. That is what life is about.
Wine & Cheese at Total Wine
Thursday, September 22, 2016
9 of us attended a wine & cheese pairing at Total Wine in Huntington Beach . Don't have too many comments. Wines were decent, cheese also. But the person leading the seminar had no clue of what he was doing. Cheese's were cut in large chunks with no knives to make them smaller. So it was eitherr bite them or try to break a piece. Not the best way to handle it. I really wish they would bring back the person that was doing the seminars before It's really bad when I know more about the cheese, wine and regions that the clueless dude.
9 of us attended a wine & cheese pairing at Total Wine in Huntington Beach . Don't have too many comments. Wines were decent, cheese also. But the person leading the seminar had no clue of what he was doing. Cheese's were cut in large chunks with no knives to make them smaller. So it was eitherr bite them or try to break a piece. Not the best way to handle it. I really wish they would bring back the person that was doing the seminars before It's really bad when I know more about the cheese, wine and regions that the clueless dude.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Dim Sum with a Couple of The Boys
Monday, September 19, 2016
Thought it might be only Henry and I today. Seems everyone is not in good shape lately. Terry is still in the hospital. Steve is not feeling well, A couple of others had issues. So it was nice to see CJ at the table. He has been on the sicky side lately also. He did not drink anything and ate very little.
Henry brought a 2013 Michael Davis, Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon and I opened at 2010 AP Vin, Rosellas, Pinot Noir.
Food was are normal selections. Nothing new. Hope we get a healthy group next month. I am craving a lot fs seafood.
Thought it might be only Henry and I today. Seems everyone is not in good shape lately. Terry is still in the hospital. Steve is not feeling well, A couple of others had issues. So it was nice to see CJ at the table. He has been on the sicky side lately also. He did not drink anything and ate very little.
Henry brought a 2013 Michael Davis, Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon and I opened at 2010 AP Vin, Rosellas, Pinot Noir.
Food was are normal selections. Nothing new. Hope we get a healthy group next month. I am craving a lot fs seafood.
Stan's Cellar Cleaning
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Time to clean out the cellar again. Stan does this once in awhile to pare down the numerous bottles of wine he has. I did not keep track of anything. But the majority of the wines were in the 1990's and only a few were over the hill. I am sure that after I left he brought out a few more bottles. That is how he does things.
It was good to see Phil again. He was heading back to France later in the week. Need to visit him someday. He lives in a cave near the Loire. Charles showed up. He has been missing for awhile. Seems his son was in an accident and Charles has been taking care of him.
Turned out to be a nice day and a small group. My preference these days.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Dinner at The Playground with Paul Wasserman
Wednesday, September 14, 2016.
Sold out dinner again at the 2.0 room at the Playground . www.playgrounddtsa.com,.
Paul Wasserman was in attendance. His mother writes a column for the New York Times and is a large importer of wines from Burgundy.
As always the food was top notch and different. 13 plates and 6 wines.
We started out with glasses of NV Parigot, Cremant de Bourgone de Rose. 100% Pinot to whet the appetite.
A 2011 Don Patrick Charlin, Rousette du Bugey Montagnieu, Savoie, Altesse was poured.
I really liked this wine and it paired perfectly with the housemade grilled whole wheat flatbread. Accompanied by Broccolini Sofritto over Broccolini. A cappacio of Conserva Artichokes, Salsa Verde with Red Fresno Chile's and a Conserva of Shellfish, Preserved Lemon and Chile Flake. These were all clean your plate dishes. Flavors were great and you kept going back for more.
Third wine was a 2012 Sylvian Patialle, Marsannay Blanc. Made from a pink chardonnay grape. Another one to add to my list. The 3 dishes served with this wine were a Ocean Trout Tatare, Nicoise Olives, Tomato Concussed, Candied Lemon Zest and handmade Purple Potato Chips. A Heirloom Tomato Salad with Roasted Garlic Buratta (housemade). Needless to say I was happy. I even ate the tomatoes. And the third dish of this trio was Lobster, Vanilla Butter and Corn. Some of the best corn I have eaten. Lobster was sweet and tender and there were large pieces in the dish. You knew you were eating Lobster. The Vanilla Butter was unusual but very good and gave a very different take to flavored butter.
Next trio of dishes consisted of Beet salad (fabulous beets) with Faro, Brown Butter Honey Vin, Fennel, Pistachios and Orange. A Charred and Braised Escarol with White Beans. I absolutely loved this dish. So good. Followed by Fingerling Potatoes with Chorizo and Smoked Egg Vin. Wine paired was a 2012 Sylvian Patialle, Marsannay 'Les Longeroies" Pinot Noir. Very light Pinot. Very French
Fifth wine was a 2014 Jean-Baptiste Souillard, Crozes-Hermitage "Les Habrards" Syrah . Bigger wine that the Pinot and paired beautifully with the Mole with Masa Gnocchi, Coppa di Testa, TMG. Mushrooms with Fried Shallot Cream, Caper Raisins in Puree and Crispy Garlic. Another dish you could wipe you plate for. Accompanied by a slice of Wagu Rib Eye cooked perfectly.
A palate cleanser of Lychee Sorbet, Strawberries and Lime Zest was welcomed before dessert
Dessert consisted of Membrillo, Manchego, Candied Pecans, Love Cake, Hazelnut Gelato and Poached Sultanas.. The wine was a Caves Jean Bourdy "Galant des Abbesses". A Pinot based wine. Not too sweet and a good pairing
Beautiful dinner tonight. Unbelievable food. Worth every dime I paid for it.
Sold out dinner again at the 2.0 room at the Playground . www.playgrounddtsa.com,.
Paul Wasserman was in attendance. His mother writes a column for the New York Times and is a large importer of wines from Burgundy.
As always the food was top notch and different. 13 plates and 6 wines.
We started out with glasses of NV Parigot, Cremant de Bourgone de Rose. 100% Pinot to whet the appetite.
A 2011 Don Patrick Charlin, Rousette du Bugey Montagnieu, Savoie, Altesse was poured.
I really liked this wine and it paired perfectly with the housemade grilled whole wheat flatbread. Accompanied by Broccolini Sofritto over Broccolini. A cappacio of Conserva Artichokes, Salsa Verde with Red Fresno Chile's and a Conserva of Shellfish, Preserved Lemon and Chile Flake. These were all clean your plate dishes. Flavors were great and you kept going back for more.
Third wine was a 2012 Sylvian Patialle, Marsannay Blanc. Made from a pink chardonnay grape. Another one to add to my list. The 3 dishes served with this wine were a Ocean Trout Tatare, Nicoise Olives, Tomato Concussed, Candied Lemon Zest and handmade Purple Potato Chips. A Heirloom Tomato Salad with Roasted Garlic Buratta (housemade). Needless to say I was happy. I even ate the tomatoes. And the third dish of this trio was Lobster, Vanilla Butter and Corn. Some of the best corn I have eaten. Lobster was sweet and tender and there were large pieces in the dish. You knew you were eating Lobster. The Vanilla Butter was unusual but very good and gave a very different take to flavored butter.
Next trio of dishes consisted of Beet salad (fabulous beets) with Faro, Brown Butter Honey Vin, Fennel, Pistachios and Orange. A Charred and Braised Escarol with White Beans. I absolutely loved this dish. So good. Followed by Fingerling Potatoes with Chorizo and Smoked Egg Vin. Wine paired was a 2012 Sylvian Patialle, Marsannay 'Les Longeroies" Pinot Noir. Very light Pinot. Very French
Fifth wine was a 2014 Jean-Baptiste Souillard, Crozes-Hermitage "Les Habrards" Syrah . Bigger wine that the Pinot and paired beautifully with the Mole with Masa Gnocchi, Coppa di Testa, TMG. Mushrooms with Fried Shallot Cream, Caper Raisins in Puree and Crispy Garlic. Another dish you could wipe you plate for. Accompanied by a slice of Wagu Rib Eye cooked perfectly.
A palate cleanser of Lychee Sorbet, Strawberries and Lime Zest was welcomed before dessert
Dessert consisted of Membrillo, Manchego, Candied Pecans, Love Cake, Hazelnut Gelato and Poached Sultanas.. The wine was a Caves Jean Bourdy "Galant des Abbesses". A Pinot based wine. Not too sweet and a good pairing
Beautiful dinner tonight. Unbelievable food. Worth every dime I paid for it.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Highlands Wine Tasting
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Seven of us invited tonight for a private tasting of Highlands wines, www.highlandswinery.com, .
This is a small production winery in Napa with a total case production of 1,500 cases. Their website gives a detailed story on how the winery started and the people involved. Interesting reading. Winery began in 2001.
We had 5 wines available to taste. Started with a 2013 Merlot, Cofrin (?) vineyards. 14.2% alcohol. Good Merlot and I am not a Merlot fan. This I would drink.
Two Zinfandel's were next. Both I liked but the 2012 was a bit softer than the 2013 probably because of the year difference but there was a big difference in the fruit also. The 13 was 14.9% and the 12 was 15 %. The 12 had a bit more pepper and spice on the palate.We all agreed that the 2012 was the bottle of choice. Interesting that they use "Burgundian Yeast" in these wines. 18 months in new and used French Oak barrels.
A 2009 Laird Vineyard Cabernet and a 2007 Laird Vineyard Cabernet were up next. Nice balance, good dark fruits, hints of chocolate and mint. The 2009 was the winner in this pair.
I will probably order a few Zinfandel's. I did like them that much. Merlot is not a favorite, If someone buys it I will drink it but not purchase myself. The cabs are to me overpriced because I am not a cab drinker. I would pay that for a Pinot.
Good tasting, good nibblies and good people to share it with.
Seven of us invited tonight for a private tasting of Highlands wines, www.highlandswinery.com, .
This is a small production winery in Napa with a total case production of 1,500 cases. Their website gives a detailed story on how the winery started and the people involved. Interesting reading. Winery began in 2001.
We had 5 wines available to taste. Started with a 2013 Merlot, Cofrin (?) vineyards. 14.2% alcohol. Good Merlot and I am not a Merlot fan. This I would drink.
Two Zinfandel's were next. Both I liked but the 2012 was a bit softer than the 2013 probably because of the year difference but there was a big difference in the fruit also. The 13 was 14.9% and the 12 was 15 %. The 12 had a bit more pepper and spice on the palate.We all agreed that the 2012 was the bottle of choice. Interesting that they use "Burgundian Yeast" in these wines. 18 months in new and used French Oak barrels.
A 2009 Laird Vineyard Cabernet and a 2007 Laird Vineyard Cabernet were up next. Nice balance, good dark fruits, hints of chocolate and mint. The 2009 was the winner in this pair.
I will probably order a few Zinfandel's. I did like them that much. Merlot is not a favorite, If someone buys it I will drink it but not purchase myself. The cabs are to me overpriced because I am not a cab drinker. I would pay that for a Pinot.
Good tasting, good nibblies and good people to share it with.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Fuego is Margie's September Dinner Locale
Saturday, September 10, 2016
11 of us tonight at Fuego at the Maya Hotel on the bay in Long Beach. Beautiful night, perfect weather for dinning al'fresco.
We had several choices an on the first course I took the Fuego salad which was very good. It consisted of baby greens, chili dusted pecans (good), goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes, cilantro (boo), fuji apples and a creamy chipolte dressing. Other choice was Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup. Everyone raved about the soup. I knew if I had ordered the soup that I would not be able to eat anything else.
Main course I choose the Quinoa which was made with Sauteed Garlic Spinach (looked more like Kale to me) woodland mushrooms, summer squash (tasted more like butternut or acorn) corn relish and broiled paneer cheese (which I took for Tofu). Good flavors and not heavy.
Other main choices were Chicken, Flank Steak Rioja and Salmon. All I have had before.
Dessert I choose the Kahlua Chocolate Cake with Expresso powder and Nutella Ganache, Decadent. I may have been better off with the Coconut Flan but chocolate beckons me.
Wines were interesting. Several I think were too big and over powering for the food we were having .
I brought a 2010 Sinor-LaValle, Aubaine Vineyard Pinot Noir and was quite happy with it. A 2010 Huber Pinot Noir was the hit. I did try and like a 2015 Juilette La Sangliere Rose, NC Cava, a Lando Russian River Pinot Noir and a 2014 Siete Fincas, Mendoza, Argentina, Torrentes.
Even though we were having "South American" food I think the Malbecs and Sangiovese were not compatible with the menu. I tried a couple other of the wines but they were not to my taste and one of them was way over the hill - it was a dumper.
Another good dinner arranged by Margie for us. It takes a lot of work and coordination to do these dinners. I for one appreciate the effort it takes. Unless you have done something similar you have no idea what it takes.
11 of us tonight at Fuego at the Maya Hotel on the bay in Long Beach. Beautiful night, perfect weather for dinning al'fresco.
We had several choices an on the first course I took the Fuego salad which was very good. It consisted of baby greens, chili dusted pecans (good), goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes, cilantro (boo), fuji apples and a creamy chipolte dressing. Other choice was Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup. Everyone raved about the soup. I knew if I had ordered the soup that I would not be able to eat anything else.
Main course I choose the Quinoa which was made with Sauteed Garlic Spinach (looked more like Kale to me) woodland mushrooms, summer squash (tasted more like butternut or acorn) corn relish and broiled paneer cheese (which I took for Tofu). Good flavors and not heavy.
Other main choices were Chicken, Flank Steak Rioja and Salmon. All I have had before.
Dessert I choose the Kahlua Chocolate Cake with Expresso powder and Nutella Ganache, Decadent. I may have been better off with the Coconut Flan but chocolate beckons me.
Wines were interesting. Several I think were too big and over powering for the food we were having .
I brought a 2010 Sinor-LaValle, Aubaine Vineyard Pinot Noir and was quite happy with it. A 2010 Huber Pinot Noir was the hit. I did try and like a 2015 Juilette La Sangliere Rose, NC Cava, a Lando Russian River Pinot Noir and a 2014 Siete Fincas, Mendoza, Argentina, Torrentes.
Even though we were having "South American" food I think the Malbecs and Sangiovese were not compatible with the menu. I tried a couple other of the wines but they were not to my taste and one of them was way over the hill - it was a dumper.
Another good dinner arranged by Margie for us. It takes a lot of work and coordination to do these dinners. I for one appreciate the effort it takes. Unless you have done something similar you have no idea what it takes.
Pizza and Wine
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Joined about 30 other people and feasted on at least 9 to 11 different pizzas. I tasted 4 of them and went with the exotic combinations,. Like, shrimp, artichoke, etc. Great flavors. My only disappointment was by time the pizzas arrived (not by a pizza delivery company) they were not hot anymore. Since they weren't in a "hot box" they cooled considerably. It is my personal taste but room temperature pizza does not do it for me. The crust always gets dry and tough for me. But it did not seem to bother most everyone else. Most of the pizza was gone quickly.
A lot of wine tonight, some much older which was a treat to taste them. A few were over the hill but it was an experience to try. I brought a 2010 Loring, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir. It was drinking really well. I am a fan of Gary's Vineyard, no matter who makes it.
Was talking with a man at the gathering and he happened to mention a person by name. I asked if this person's father had been a judge and he said yes. I informed him that I used to babysit the children on the man who became a judge when he was going to law school and working a night job to put himself through school. Small world. That was way before student loans and Pel grants. That is why those generations had no school debt. Maybe it took them longer to get their degree but they were debt free.
This man I was talking with also is a winemaker with a very small production. We will be having a private tasting soon to see what he has to offer.
Joined about 30 other people and feasted on at least 9 to 11 different pizzas. I tasted 4 of them and went with the exotic combinations,. Like, shrimp, artichoke, etc. Great flavors. My only disappointment was by time the pizzas arrived (not by a pizza delivery company) they were not hot anymore. Since they weren't in a "hot box" they cooled considerably. It is my personal taste but room temperature pizza does not do it for me. The crust always gets dry and tough for me. But it did not seem to bother most everyone else. Most of the pizza was gone quickly.
A lot of wine tonight, some much older which was a treat to taste them. A few were over the hill but it was an experience to try. I brought a 2010 Loring, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir. It was drinking really well. I am a fan of Gary's Vineyard, no matter who makes it.
Was talking with a man at the gathering and he happened to mention a person by name. I asked if this person's father had been a judge and he said yes. I informed him that I used to babysit the children on the man who became a judge when he was going to law school and working a night job to put himself through school. Small world. That was way before student loans and Pel grants. That is why those generations had no school debt. Maybe it took them longer to get their degree but they were debt free.
This man I was talking with also is a winemaker with a very small production. We will be having a private tasting soon to see what he has to offer.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Another Dim Sum with The Boys
Monday, August 29, 2016
Another day of Dim Sum at the Seafood Palace.
We expected Terry to join us today but he called CJ at the last minute and said he could not make it. A big disappointment. His health is not the best right now.
I had opened a 2001 Angeli as I really wanted to be able to share this wine with Terry. But not to be.
The food dishes we had were basically the same as last months dinner. Nothing new today. But we had a good time talking and laughing and before we knew it is was 3:00. A good gathering with friends.
I brought the 2001 Stolpman Angeli. Last one of that vintage that I had. Even though I decanted it it really did not open up until later that evening.
Other wines were 2008 McKeon-Phillips BPV Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 Loring Russian River Pinot Noir, 2013 Schafer-Frohlich, Blanc de Noir Trocken and NC Louis Bouillot Grand Reserve Champagne.
Another day of Dim Sum at the Seafood Palace.
We expected Terry to join us today but he called CJ at the last minute and said he could not make it. A big disappointment. His health is not the best right now.
I had opened a 2001 Angeli as I really wanted to be able to share this wine with Terry. But not to be.
The food dishes we had were basically the same as last months dinner. Nothing new today. But we had a good time talking and laughing and before we knew it is was 3:00. A good gathering with friends.
I brought the 2001 Stolpman Angeli. Last one of that vintage that I had. Even though I decanted it it really did not open up until later that evening.
Other wines were 2008 McKeon-Phillips BPV Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 Loring Russian River Pinot Noir, 2013 Schafer-Frohlich, Blanc de Noir Trocken and NC Louis Bouillot Grand Reserve Champagne.
Monday, August 29, 2016
August Gathering of the Flock
Sunday, August 28, 2016
This month's soriee's theme was Zinfandel's and Champagnes/Sparkling's. Always heavy red wines in August. Fortunately the weather was a bit cooler than normal but I still did not taste any of the Zinfandel's. Probably should have tasted a few of the older wines but frankly the set up made for bottlenecks getting to the table. By time I finished the sparkling's I had no desire to make my way through the crowd again.
A lot of appetizers and side dishes were brought but not one dessert, Now watch and at next months meeting there will be loads of desserts. I was satisfied nibbling on the appy's and I did forgo dinner. The host made some sort of brisket and as usual it was way over cooked for my taste.
The wines were a nice assortment - I only tasted the sparklings so I have no opinion of the reds at all.
NV Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc
NV Chandon Brut Classic
NV Chandon Etoile Rose
2009 Chateau Frank, Blanc de Blanc
NV Mumm, Cuvee M
NV Montanjon, Champagne
NV Patel-Prieu, Rose Champagne
1991 Seghesio, Sonoma Zinfandel
1993 Wellington Estate, Sonoma, Zinfandel
2004 Grey Wolf, Barton Family Reserve, Zinfandel
2004 Turley, Tofanelli, Zinfandel
2007 Seghesio. Home Ranch, Zinfandel
2009 Seghesio, Old Vine, Zinfandel
2009 Gersliou Bachus, Zephyrus, Zinfandel
2012 Rombauer, Napa, Zinfandel
2012 DeRose, Cienega Valley, Dry Framed Old Vine, Zinfandel
2012 Four Vines, Paso Robles, Zinfandel
2012 Oak Ridge, Lodi, Ancient Vines, Zinfandel
2012 Truett Hurst, Sonoma, Old Vine Zinfandel
2014 Opolo, Paso Robles, Zinfandel
This month's soriee's theme was Zinfandel's and Champagnes/Sparkling's. Always heavy red wines in August. Fortunately the weather was a bit cooler than normal but I still did not taste any of the Zinfandel's. Probably should have tasted a few of the older wines but frankly the set up made for bottlenecks getting to the table. By time I finished the sparkling's I had no desire to make my way through the crowd again.
A lot of appetizers and side dishes were brought but not one dessert, Now watch and at next months meeting there will be loads of desserts. I was satisfied nibbling on the appy's and I did forgo dinner. The host made some sort of brisket and as usual it was way over cooked for my taste.
The wines were a nice assortment - I only tasted the sparklings so I have no opinion of the reds at all.
NV Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc
NV Chandon Brut Classic
NV Chandon Etoile Rose
2009 Chateau Frank, Blanc de Blanc
NV Mumm, Cuvee M
NV Montanjon, Champagne
NV Patel-Prieu, Rose Champagne
1991 Seghesio, Sonoma Zinfandel
1993 Wellington Estate, Sonoma, Zinfandel
2004 Grey Wolf, Barton Family Reserve, Zinfandel
2004 Turley, Tofanelli, Zinfandel
2007 Seghesio. Home Ranch, Zinfandel
2009 Seghesio, Old Vine, Zinfandel
2009 Gersliou Bachus, Zephyrus, Zinfandel
2012 Rombauer, Napa, Zinfandel
2012 DeRose, Cienega Valley, Dry Framed Old Vine, Zinfandel
2012 Four Vines, Paso Robles, Zinfandel
2012 Oak Ridge, Lodi, Ancient Vines, Zinfandel
2012 Truett Hurst, Sonoma, Old Vine Zinfandel
2014 Opolo, Paso Robles, Zinfandel
Delius & German Wines
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Took a friend of mine for dinner tonight for her birthday. She is an independent wine rep so it was a treat for her to sit for the entire dinner and not have to work the room. We shared our table with Warren who is a regular at Delius. His wife does not drink wine so he was an independent diner tonight. Lucky for him that he ended up with two hot dates for the evening. This is an annual dinner at Delius, www.deliusrestaurant.com. The rep from Rudy Weist Imports was not available so Dave, the owner was hosting. But I did miss talking with Allie.
We started out with a glass of NV Fritz Muller , Muller Thurgau, Secco, Rheinhessen. A nice, light, refreshing white wine.
Our first course was Kumamoto Oysters, blackberries and champagne with chervil. Interesting combination and seemed to blend well. Susan doesn't eat oysters so I devoured her plate also. So I had 6 oysters. Nice way to start a meal. Wine paired was a 2014 Wagner Stemple, Pinot Blanc, Siefersheimer, Rheinhessen. Again a good pairing of wine and food.
Next came a plate with Grilled Cornbread, Knockwurst, Arugula Frisee salad with a jalapeno-apricot vinaigrette. Cornbread was good, and a little different, But that damm frisee to me is a pain to eat but the jalapeno-apricot dressing was excellent. . A 2015 Schnaitmann, Rose, Evoe! Wurttemberg was the wine of choice. A very nice Rose and a good pairing.
Third course served was a Seared Monkfish, Baked Cambozola and Roasted Black Grapes.. Monkfish is one of my favorite fishes. This was very good quality - much better than the monkfish at a dinner somewhere else awhile back. Better quality and cooked much better The Cambozola cheese was in a puff pastry and it was good. Normally cheese does not pair well with fish The roasted black grapes weer a surprise. Nice added touch the the plate. Paired with a 2006 Gunderloch Riesling, Auslese, 3 Star, Rheinhessen, (Halbtrocken) . Excellent wine and a perfect pairing.
Entree was a Horseradish Braised Short Ribs with baked baby radishes, pea greens and sweet potato gratin. Short rib was excellent, good flavor and very tender. Baked radishes were a surprise and different. The pea greens were like micro for me and could have been left off the plate. I like pea shoots at Chinese restaurants but they are bigger and much easier to eat. I think these "micro greens" have seen their day and should be put to rest with Kale. Chefs should come up with something more innovative instead of riding a horse to death with an ingredient. The wine was a 2012 Wachtrsetter Red Wine Cuvee "Louis" Wurttemberg, 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Lemberger. The Lemberger was very predominate in this wine. It was a decent pairing but not quite perfect.
Vanilla Pot De Creme with blueberry compote and green tea cookies was the dessert course. I am used to Pot De Creme being thicker, This was almost like a soup and I wonder by them adding the blueberry compote if that was the difference. Flavor was OK but it just wasn't my thing.
Basically this was a good dinner but I don't feel it came up the Delius' standards. It fell short on numerous points. A different chef handled this dinner instead of Patrick who normally does the special wine dinners. I think it showed. I think I would say it was a bit more rustic than refined.
Took a friend of mine for dinner tonight for her birthday. She is an independent wine rep so it was a treat for her to sit for the entire dinner and not have to work the room. We shared our table with Warren who is a regular at Delius. His wife does not drink wine so he was an independent diner tonight. Lucky for him that he ended up with two hot dates for the evening. This is an annual dinner at Delius, www.deliusrestaurant.com. The rep from Rudy Weist Imports was not available so Dave, the owner was hosting. But I did miss talking with Allie.
We started out with a glass of NV Fritz Muller , Muller Thurgau, Secco, Rheinhessen. A nice, light, refreshing white wine.
Our first course was Kumamoto Oysters, blackberries and champagne with chervil. Interesting combination and seemed to blend well. Susan doesn't eat oysters so I devoured her plate also. So I had 6 oysters. Nice way to start a meal. Wine paired was a 2014 Wagner Stemple, Pinot Blanc, Siefersheimer, Rheinhessen. Again a good pairing of wine and food.
Next came a plate with Grilled Cornbread, Knockwurst, Arugula Frisee salad with a jalapeno-apricot vinaigrette. Cornbread was good, and a little different, But that damm frisee to me is a pain to eat but the jalapeno-apricot dressing was excellent. . A 2015 Schnaitmann, Rose, Evoe! Wurttemberg was the wine of choice. A very nice Rose and a good pairing.
Third course served was a Seared Monkfish, Baked Cambozola and Roasted Black Grapes.. Monkfish is one of my favorite fishes. This was very good quality - much better than the monkfish at a dinner somewhere else awhile back. Better quality and cooked much better The Cambozola cheese was in a puff pastry and it was good. Normally cheese does not pair well with fish The roasted black grapes weer a surprise. Nice added touch the the plate. Paired with a 2006 Gunderloch Riesling, Auslese, 3 Star, Rheinhessen, (Halbtrocken) . Excellent wine and a perfect pairing.
Entree was a Horseradish Braised Short Ribs with baked baby radishes, pea greens and sweet potato gratin. Short rib was excellent, good flavor and very tender. Baked radishes were a surprise and different. The pea greens were like micro for me and could have been left off the plate. I like pea shoots at Chinese restaurants but they are bigger and much easier to eat. I think these "micro greens" have seen their day and should be put to rest with Kale. Chefs should come up with something more innovative instead of riding a horse to death with an ingredient. The wine was a 2012 Wachtrsetter Red Wine Cuvee "Louis" Wurttemberg, 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Lemberger. The Lemberger was very predominate in this wine. It was a decent pairing but not quite perfect.
Vanilla Pot De Creme with blueberry compote and green tea cookies was the dessert course. I am used to Pot De Creme being thicker, This was almost like a soup and I wonder by them adding the blueberry compote if that was the difference. Flavor was OK but it just wasn't my thing.
Basically this was a good dinner but I don't feel it came up the Delius' standards. It fell short on numerous points. A different chef handled this dinner instead of Patrick who normally does the special wine dinners. I think it showed. I think I would say it was a bit more rustic than refined.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Schug Wines at Utopia
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Dinner tonight at Utopia, www.Utopiarestaurant.net, paired with wine from Schug. It had quite awhile since I have drank Schug wines. Forgot how nice they are. The restaurant was pretty much sold out. Nice to see since it was the 17th anniversary of the restaurant.
Walter Schug passed away early this year. One of his first jobs as a winemaker was at Joseph Phelps where he came up with "Insignia" blend. Then he went on to found his own winery in the Carneros area. The buildings look more like they belong in Switzerland or Germany.
We started out with a Risotto and Quinoa Mango salad with fresh herbs and olive oil, lemon dressing. I was very surprised on how good this simple salad was and it paired perfectly with the 2014 Schug, Carneros Estate Chardonnay. A bit oaky on its own but the fattiness of the olive oil really cut through the oak.
Second course was a Seared Ahi with ginger, sesame sauce. Nice flavor, the sauce had a bit of a bite to it. The wine was a 2014 Schug, Carneros Estate, Pinot Noir , Well balanced, nice fruit, some earthiness to it. It went fairly well with the dish. Good with the Ahi but a small disconnect with the ginger sesame sauce.
Next was a Grilled Pork Tenderloin with butter, garlic cream sauce topped with blue cheese. The sauce was very good not over whealmed by the cheese. The pork had good flavor but for me was a bit over cooked. for my taste. Paired with a 2012 Schug, Sonoma County, Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine was good and paired well with the pork because of the sauce.
Dessert was a Rum Raisin Gelato with some fresh berries that have been "syruped". Flavor was excellent and the wine a Schug, Lake County, Late Harvest Riesling was excellent. Not overly sweet but had a definite richness to it.
Numerous bottles of wine were given away on a raffle basis. Our table got a bottle which has not happened in quite awhile.
A good dinner, with good friends. That is what life is about, Enjoyment and friends that help make it happen
Dinner tonight at Utopia, www.Utopiarestaurant.net, paired with wine from Schug. It had quite awhile since I have drank Schug wines. Forgot how nice they are. The restaurant was pretty much sold out. Nice to see since it was the 17th anniversary of the restaurant.
Walter Schug passed away early this year. One of his first jobs as a winemaker was at Joseph Phelps where he came up with "Insignia" blend. Then he went on to found his own winery in the Carneros area. The buildings look more like they belong in Switzerland or Germany.
We started out with a Risotto and Quinoa Mango salad with fresh herbs and olive oil, lemon dressing. I was very surprised on how good this simple salad was and it paired perfectly with the 2014 Schug, Carneros Estate Chardonnay. A bit oaky on its own but the fattiness of the olive oil really cut through the oak.
Second course was a Seared Ahi with ginger, sesame sauce. Nice flavor, the sauce had a bit of a bite to it. The wine was a 2014 Schug, Carneros Estate, Pinot Noir , Well balanced, nice fruit, some earthiness to it. It went fairly well with the dish. Good with the Ahi but a small disconnect with the ginger sesame sauce.
Next was a Grilled Pork Tenderloin with butter, garlic cream sauce topped with blue cheese. The sauce was very good not over whealmed by the cheese. The pork had good flavor but for me was a bit over cooked. for my taste. Paired with a 2012 Schug, Sonoma County, Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine was good and paired well with the pork because of the sauce.
Dessert was a Rum Raisin Gelato with some fresh berries that have been "syruped". Flavor was excellent and the wine a Schug, Lake County, Late Harvest Riesling was excellent. Not overly sweet but had a definite richness to it.
Numerous bottles of wine were given away on a raffle basis. Our table got a bottle which has not happened in quite awhile.
A good dinner, with good friends. That is what life is about, Enjoyment and friends that help make it happen
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Last Summer Wine Tasting at Delius
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
This was the second and last commuter wine tasting at Delius this year. Mike Levine from Southern Wines & Spirits was there again pouring. All Italians tonight except for 1 California Zinfandel at 15.6% alcohol. Again the tasting was sold out but a completely different group of people than the tasting last month.
Three wines really stood out. a 2013 Cerulli Soinozi Percorino which was very nice. Perfect wine for summer. A 2014 Lacrima Morro D'Alba and a 20113 Cusumano NOA from Sicily.
Did not buy any wines. I am trying to drink down my stash.
Looking forward to the Passport tasting in October. That is always a fun event.
This was the second and last commuter wine tasting at Delius this year. Mike Levine from Southern Wines & Spirits was there again pouring. All Italians tonight except for 1 California Zinfandel at 15.6% alcohol. Again the tasting was sold out but a completely different group of people than the tasting last month.
Three wines really stood out. a 2013 Cerulli Soinozi Percorino which was very nice. Perfect wine for summer. A 2014 Lacrima Morro D'Alba and a 20113 Cusumano NOA from Sicily.
Did not buy any wines. I am trying to drink down my stash.
Looking forward to the Passport tasting in October. That is always a fun event.
Dinner at Old World
Saturday, August 13, 2016
This is Margie's August wine dinner. Old World in Huntington Beach. German village that had numerous shops and restaurants.
12 of us tonight for dinner. Restaurant was noisy but when the accordion player and singer came on it got beyond. . When I have to yell at the person across the table from me to be heard it is not pleasant anymore. I can understand in a beer haus but not an eating establishment.
Ten people ordered "sausages". Two of us had schnitzel. I had the Jaegerschnitzel witch has a wine mushroom sauce. Flavor was very good. But I cannot understand how you can pound out a pork cutlet to very thin and have it tough to eat. It was overcooked and it showed that. Like I said flavor was excellent. The cook just plain over cooked the meat. The red cabbage and dumplings were very good.
Lots of wine on the table. Most I did not taste . I brought at 2010 Roar, Gary's Vineyard, Pinot Noir. It was showing very well. Lot of complexity and a well balanced wine. Good fruit and acidity. Other wines were:
2014 Lincourt, Sta. Rita Hills, Gruner Veltliner - did not taste
NV Pierrer-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne - always a good selection
2007 Alysian RRV, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2012 Ridge, Benito, Dusi Ranch, Paso Robles, Zinfandel - did not taste
2011 Diedeshimer Leinhole Spatlese Riesling - did not taste
NV Alain Bailly Brut Reserve Champagne - very good
2012 Grace Lane Riesling -did not taste on advice of the person bringing the wine
2014 Neboa, Spain, Albarino - nice clean, crisp wine
2012 Huber, Sta Rita Hills, Dornfelder - did not taste - just had the 2005 at home and it was excellent
2012 Foley, T Anchor, Sta. Rita Hills, Chardonnay - did not taste but I would imagine it was oaky
2013 Sea Smoke, Sta Rita Hills, 10, Pinot Noir - needed another few years cellaring
2012, Iron Horse, Pinot Noir - did not taste
This is Margie's August wine dinner. Old World in Huntington Beach. German village that had numerous shops and restaurants.
12 of us tonight for dinner. Restaurant was noisy but when the accordion player and singer came on it got beyond. . When I have to yell at the person across the table from me to be heard it is not pleasant anymore. I can understand in a beer haus but not an eating establishment.
Ten people ordered "sausages". Two of us had schnitzel. I had the Jaegerschnitzel witch has a wine mushroom sauce. Flavor was very good. But I cannot understand how you can pound out a pork cutlet to very thin and have it tough to eat. It was overcooked and it showed that. Like I said flavor was excellent. The cook just plain over cooked the meat. The red cabbage and dumplings were very good.
Lots of wine on the table. Most I did not taste . I brought at 2010 Roar, Gary's Vineyard, Pinot Noir. It was showing very well. Lot of complexity and a well balanced wine. Good fruit and acidity. Other wines were:
2014 Lincourt, Sta. Rita Hills, Gruner Veltliner - did not taste
NV Pierrer-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne - always a good selection
2007 Alysian RRV, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2012 Ridge, Benito, Dusi Ranch, Paso Robles, Zinfandel - did not taste
2011 Diedeshimer Leinhole Spatlese Riesling - did not taste
NV Alain Bailly Brut Reserve Champagne - very good
2012 Grace Lane Riesling -did not taste on advice of the person bringing the wine
2014 Neboa, Spain, Albarino - nice clean, crisp wine
2012 Huber, Sta Rita Hills, Dornfelder - did not taste - just had the 2005 at home and it was excellent
2012 Foley, T Anchor, Sta. Rita Hills, Chardonnay - did not taste but I would imagine it was oaky
2013 Sea Smoke, Sta Rita Hills, 10, Pinot Noir - needed another few years cellaring
2012, Iron Horse, Pinot Noir - did not taste
Wine & Fire
August 6 & 7, 2016.
This trip may be my last to this event. It is starting to get harder for me top walk around on all the rough surfaces. Might have to look at getting a cane to help. At least I did not have to drive again this year. We left Cerritos about 7 am Saturday morning and surprisingly got to Buellton about 9 AM. Two hours is really good time. We decided since we would be having a very large BBQ lunch at noon that we would skip the big breakfast at Ellens this year The seminar did not start until 10 AM but our thinking was arrive early so we don't have to walk so far. So much for "thinking". When we arrived at Hillard Bruce about 9:20 there were numerous cars ahead of us.
Seminar was good, had a great panel of winemakers from the area . Tasted 12 wines then broke for lunch. BBQ lunch was catered by the Hitching Post and was very good. View from the facility were perfect.
After checking in to the hotel we proceeded to go to the Mission for the Grand Tasting. The majority of the wineries in the Sta,. Rita Hills were represented . This is their big fest for the year. Saw about 2 dozen people that I knew at this years tasting. All from So. Ca. This is the must go to for Sta. Rita Pinot fans. Wines were good, food was good and a very enjoyable evening among the trees at the Mission. Got to talk with a lot of winemakers I knew. Perfect evening.
Sunday morning we decided to hit the Los Alamos area. I had not been in years and Cindy never had been there,. Small town about 6 blocks long. There were 4 wine tasting rooms and we hit them all. I will say nice wines, but not great wines. Frankly I was disappointed in all of them. Guess I was expecting more. I also found the prices high for what they were. Had a sandwich at Well Bread. They open at 7AM and bake all their own bread . Good sandwich and people kept coming in and out all they time we were there. Busy spot.
Found out that Full, of Life Flatbread did not open until 5:00 so we left.
Ended up in Lompoc at Scratch Kitchen for dinner. Had the crabcakes for dinner and was very disappointed. They were not cooked through. Took them back with me and recooked them when I got home. Tasted much better. Normally I would complain but I just wasn't up to it. The Loaded Potato Soup was very good but rich. Glad I just ordered a cup. Tired and worn out. Things catch up with me faster these days.
Hit happy hour at the hotels bar. We got 4 free drinks every day we were there along with cook to order breakfast.
Up early Monday to return to So Cal. It was a good trip but do not think I can handle this on my own anymore. If someone doesn't drive I will not be making this adventure again. I have done this fest for about 15 years. and it has always been the highlight of the summer.
This trip may be my last to this event. It is starting to get harder for me top walk around on all the rough surfaces. Might have to look at getting a cane to help. At least I did not have to drive again this year. We left Cerritos about 7 am Saturday morning and surprisingly got to Buellton about 9 AM. Two hours is really good time. We decided since we would be having a very large BBQ lunch at noon that we would skip the big breakfast at Ellens this year The seminar did not start until 10 AM but our thinking was arrive early so we don't have to walk so far. So much for "thinking". When we arrived at Hillard Bruce about 9:20 there were numerous cars ahead of us.
Seminar was good, had a great panel of winemakers from the area . Tasted 12 wines then broke for lunch. BBQ lunch was catered by the Hitching Post and was very good. View from the facility were perfect.
After checking in to the hotel we proceeded to go to the Mission for the Grand Tasting. The majority of the wineries in the Sta,. Rita Hills were represented . This is their big fest for the year. Saw about 2 dozen people that I knew at this years tasting. All from So. Ca. This is the must go to for Sta. Rita Pinot fans. Wines were good, food was good and a very enjoyable evening among the trees at the Mission. Got to talk with a lot of winemakers I knew. Perfect evening.
Sunday morning we decided to hit the Los Alamos area. I had not been in years and Cindy never had been there,. Small town about 6 blocks long. There were 4 wine tasting rooms and we hit them all. I will say nice wines, but not great wines. Frankly I was disappointed in all of them. Guess I was expecting more. I also found the prices high for what they were. Had a sandwich at Well Bread. They open at 7AM and bake all their own bread . Good sandwich and people kept coming in and out all they time we were there. Busy spot.
Found out that Full, of Life Flatbread did not open until 5:00 so we left.
Ended up in Lompoc at Scratch Kitchen for dinner. Had the crabcakes for dinner and was very disappointed. They were not cooked through. Took them back with me and recooked them when I got home. Tasted much better. Normally I would complain but I just wasn't up to it. The Loaded Potato Soup was very good but rich. Glad I just ordered a cup. Tired and worn out. Things catch up with me faster these days.
Hit happy hour at the hotels bar. We got 4 free drinks every day we were there along with cook to order breakfast.
Up early Monday to return to So Cal. It was a good trip but do not think I can handle this on my own anymore. If someone doesn't drive I will not be making this adventure again. I have done this fest for about 15 years. and it has always been the highlight of the summer.
August Wino's
Sunday, August 31, 2016
Everyone is out of town so a small group today. Theme was Dry or Semi Dry Rieslings and French Beaujolias. I did not get too excited over any of the Rieslings even the one I brought and I am not a Beaujolias fan but there was a 2105 Morgon, Cote du Rue that was very good.
Somehow I could not get into the "mood" of the day. So I feel I do not have much to write about.
Everyone is out of town so a small group today. Theme was Dry or Semi Dry Rieslings and French Beaujolias. I did not get too excited over any of the Rieslings even the one I brought and I am not a Beaujolias fan but there was a 2105 Morgon, Cote du Rue that was very good.
Somehow I could not get into the "mood" of the day. So I feel I do not have much to write about.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Chianina & Merryvale Wines
Wednesday, July 27, 2018
Chianina , www.chianina.com, in Naples hosted a Merryvale wine tonight. Four of us attended. Place was crowded and sold out. We started out with a "Stuzzichino" - Chilled Corn Gazpacho with crab and avocado. Excellent flavor. But I am always amazed at such a huge plate/bowl for a portion that is about a half cup. Guess to make you feel you are getting more that you are. The wine was a 2014 Merryvale, Carneros, Chardonnay. Clean wine and very light oak.
First course was a pan roasted Monkfish. This fish is one of my favorites and you do not see it on menus too often. Served with mushrooms, baby turnips, carrots and a Lobster Bordelaise sauce. Monkfish has a texture very similar to lobster. Dish was good but I felt the fish was cooked just a tad too long. Paired with a 2012 Merryvale, Carneros, Pinot Noir. Wine went well with the food but was not the best when drunk by itself.
Second course served was a Braised Lamb Cavatelli with eggplant puree, fried chickpeas and cavatelli pasta. Good dish. Loads of flavor. My favorite dish of the night. The wine was a 2012 Merryvale, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sayuvignon. Wine was way to young. I felt it did not pair as well with the food dish. I tried the Pinot with the lamb and it was a much better pairing.
Third course turned out to be a huge disappointment. Chianina New York steak with potato, bone marrow crusted squash and tomato. I had two bites of the steak and that was it. No flavor at all, under seasoned and tough. I know Chianina beef does not have much fat and is a bit more chewy was this was just plain tough and I had some grizzle.I had the waiter take the plate. He did not offer substitution. I also talked with Alejandro, the manager. He apologized but that was it. When the owner Michael Dene came around I talked with him. Not only did he apologized he took $50 off the bill. I do not think he was happy that none of his staff really "took care" of the problem. The wine wa a 2012 Merryvale Profile. A blend of Cabernet and Petite Syrah. Good wine but again way too young.
Dessert was excellent. A vanilla custard with peach and biscotti . Paired with a 2006 Merryvale, Anigua Muscat. Wine had good flavor but was a bit too sweet for me.
But I had good table companions and for the most part the dinner was excellent.
Chianina , www.chianina.com, in Naples hosted a Merryvale wine tonight. Four of us attended. Place was crowded and sold out. We started out with a "Stuzzichino" - Chilled Corn Gazpacho with crab and avocado. Excellent flavor. But I am always amazed at such a huge plate/bowl for a portion that is about a half cup. Guess to make you feel you are getting more that you are. The wine was a 2014 Merryvale, Carneros, Chardonnay. Clean wine and very light oak.
First course was a pan roasted Monkfish. This fish is one of my favorites and you do not see it on menus too often. Served with mushrooms, baby turnips, carrots and a Lobster Bordelaise sauce. Monkfish has a texture very similar to lobster. Dish was good but I felt the fish was cooked just a tad too long. Paired with a 2012 Merryvale, Carneros, Pinot Noir. Wine went well with the food but was not the best when drunk by itself.
Second course served was a Braised Lamb Cavatelli with eggplant puree, fried chickpeas and cavatelli pasta. Good dish. Loads of flavor. My favorite dish of the night. The wine was a 2012 Merryvale, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sayuvignon. Wine was way to young. I felt it did not pair as well with the food dish. I tried the Pinot with the lamb and it was a much better pairing.
Third course turned out to be a huge disappointment. Chianina New York steak with potato, bone marrow crusted squash and tomato. I had two bites of the steak and that was it. No flavor at all, under seasoned and tough. I know Chianina beef does not have much fat and is a bit more chewy was this was just plain tough and I had some grizzle.I had the waiter take the plate. He did not offer substitution. I also talked with Alejandro, the manager. He apologized but that was it. When the owner Michael Dene came around I talked with him. Not only did he apologized he took $50 off the bill. I do not think he was happy that none of his staff really "took care" of the problem. The wine wa a 2012 Merryvale Profile. A blend of Cabernet and Petite Syrah. Good wine but again way too young.
Dessert was excellent. A vanilla custard with peach and biscotti . Paired with a 2006 Merryvale, Anigua Muscat. Wine had good flavor but was a bit too sweet for me.
But I had good table companions and for the most part the dinner was excellent.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Providence - Dine in LA Week
Sunday. July 24, 2016
Providence restaurant in Los Angeles has been on my bucket list for years. www.providencela.com. The Chef is Michael Cumarusti and he must be so inventive to come up with these dishes we had tonight. It is a 2 star Michelin restaurant and not cheap. They have their Signature menu at $180 and with wine pairing $265. And they have their chefs tasting menu at $220 and with wine pairing at $325. This is why I have not gone. But this year they decided to participate in Dine LA Week with a special menu for $95, without wine. When Stan e-mailed and asked I jumped at the opportunity. So tonight there was four of us anticipating dinner.
They seated us at the Chef's Table which is a private room overlooking the kitchen. Probably because they know Stan. But maybe we just looked "needy". For whatever reason we did not turn down the opportunity.
I ordered a glass of wine of the menu. Corkage here is $50 per bottle and since I was the designated driver I needed to watch my alcohol consumption. Stan brought 3 bottles which he generously shared. A 1999 Billecart-Salmon, Champagne, 2009 Aubert Chardonnay and a 2009 Kistler Elizabeth Cuvee. Pinot Noir. All excellent wines. To bad I could only have a small amount of each.
We started out with 8 Amuse Buoche's, 3 on the menu and 5 comped.
Mohito Bubble - a mohito in a gelee bubble which when placed in you mouth melted and the liquid ran out.
Scallop Tacos - shell made of Nasturtium leaves - what can I say - excellent.
Lobster Dumplings with Daikon Radish - it just keeps getting better.
Foie Gras Raviolio with shaved black truffles - my favorite
Cold smoked oyster, dill powder and horseradish powder - unbelievable taste
Rock melon soup with basil seeds - inventive minds thought of this.
Smoked salmon cracker filled with salmon mousse and salmon roe on top - just a devine mouthful.
"Cigars" made of buckwheat flour, rolled around Wagu beef, umai mayonnaise - warm and delicious
Now onto to the dinner - mind you I has also ordered 6 oysters not knowing we were going to experience all these delectable, delicious bites of perfection.
Wild Fluke Sashimi, tomato gelee and dried plum.
Sea Bass with squid, mussels and clams
Liberty Farms Duck, Rhubarb, Daikon Radish and bitter greens
Also had a taste of Prawn Chips that came with Marc's salted encrusted Santa Barbara Prawns (huge) (fresh and alive in a tank) much better than those shrimp chips you get in Asian restaurants. And had a taste of Stan's Shaved Black Truffle (lots) over a poached duck egg.
The breads, Seaweed (delicious), Brioche and a plain hard crusted roll came with butter and Normandy salt.
For dessert we had "Kawa-ishi" - light, delicious, rolled in black sesame seeds. Have no idea what is in it but it was good.
Then they bring us a box of cookies, macaroons, lemon balls and a chocolate wafer with sea salt and nuts.
On top of that we each got a bag "high end" with a "housemade" muffin to take home.
Excellent meal, good wines, great company. So since we ordered extras, and had 3 bottles of wine that Stan brought we decided to split the bill. So my $95 "special" came to $240 with tip. It was worth every penny. I am really tempted to save up for another dinner at Providence. It was that good. But I also would only go with certain people that enjoy this type of dining the way I do.
Providence restaurant in Los Angeles has been on my bucket list for years. www.providencela.com. The Chef is Michael Cumarusti and he must be so inventive to come up with these dishes we had tonight. It is a 2 star Michelin restaurant and not cheap. They have their Signature menu at $180 and with wine pairing $265. And they have their chefs tasting menu at $220 and with wine pairing at $325. This is why I have not gone. But this year they decided to participate in Dine LA Week with a special menu for $95, without wine. When Stan e-mailed and asked I jumped at the opportunity. So tonight there was four of us anticipating dinner.
They seated us at the Chef's Table which is a private room overlooking the kitchen. Probably because they know Stan. But maybe we just looked "needy". For whatever reason we did not turn down the opportunity.
I ordered a glass of wine of the menu. Corkage here is $50 per bottle and since I was the designated driver I needed to watch my alcohol consumption. Stan brought 3 bottles which he generously shared. A 1999 Billecart-Salmon, Champagne, 2009 Aubert Chardonnay and a 2009 Kistler Elizabeth Cuvee. Pinot Noir. All excellent wines. To bad I could only have a small amount of each.
We started out with 8 Amuse Buoche's, 3 on the menu and 5 comped.
Mohito Bubble - a mohito in a gelee bubble which when placed in you mouth melted and the liquid ran out.
Scallop Tacos - shell made of Nasturtium leaves - what can I say - excellent.
Lobster Dumplings with Daikon Radish - it just keeps getting better.
Foie Gras Raviolio with shaved black truffles - my favorite
Cold smoked oyster, dill powder and horseradish powder - unbelievable taste
Rock melon soup with basil seeds - inventive minds thought of this.
Smoked salmon cracker filled with salmon mousse and salmon roe on top - just a devine mouthful.
"Cigars" made of buckwheat flour, rolled around Wagu beef, umai mayonnaise - warm and delicious
Now onto to the dinner - mind you I has also ordered 6 oysters not knowing we were going to experience all these delectable, delicious bites of perfection.
Wild Fluke Sashimi, tomato gelee and dried plum.
Sea Bass with squid, mussels and clams
Liberty Farms Duck, Rhubarb, Daikon Radish and bitter greens
Also had a taste of Prawn Chips that came with Marc's salted encrusted Santa Barbara Prawns (huge) (fresh and alive in a tank) much better than those shrimp chips you get in Asian restaurants. And had a taste of Stan's Shaved Black Truffle (lots) over a poached duck egg.
The breads, Seaweed (delicious), Brioche and a plain hard crusted roll came with butter and Normandy salt.
For dessert we had "Kawa-ishi" - light, delicious, rolled in black sesame seeds. Have no idea what is in it but it was good.
Then they bring us a box of cookies, macaroons, lemon balls and a chocolate wafer with sea salt and nuts.
On top of that we each got a bag "high end" with a "housemade" muffin to take home.
Excellent meal, good wines, great company. So since we ordered extras, and had 3 bottles of wine that Stan brought we decided to split the bill. So my $95 "special" came to $240 with tip. It was worth every penny. I am really tempted to save up for another dinner at Providence. It was that good. But I also would only go with certain people that enjoy this type of dining the way I do.
Friday, July 22, 2016
Italian Wines at Arte Cafe
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Arte Cafe in Cerritos, www.artecamellia.com , had a sit down wine tasting tonight. Same wine rep as the tasting at Delius on Tuesday. This time it was all Italian wines. Started out with plates of cheese and crackers and a trio of wines. Then onto a plate of meats and other goodies and finalized the food with a small bowl of beef stew. 9 wines, food for $25 - hard to beat that deal. A couple of the wines were really skunky on the nose because of their age but it did blow off and they turned out to be quite good. A 2001 Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino was the hit of the night for me. Next week Arte Cafe hosts their annual summer wine tasting. I do have that on my calendar. It seems in the summer the tasting get more frequent. Gives us winos something to do as we don't like sand in our wines so the beach is out.
Arte Cafe in Cerritos, www.artecamellia.com , had a sit down wine tasting tonight. Same wine rep as the tasting at Delius on Tuesday. This time it was all Italian wines. Started out with plates of cheese and crackers and a trio of wines. Then onto a plate of meats and other goodies and finalized the food with a small bowl of beef stew. 9 wines, food for $25 - hard to beat that deal. A couple of the wines were really skunky on the nose because of their age but it did blow off and they turned out to be quite good. A 2001 Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino was the hit of the night for me. Next week Arte Cafe hosts their annual summer wine tasting. I do have that on my calendar. It seems in the summer the tasting get more frequent. Gives us winos something to do as we don't like sand in our wines so the beach is out.
First Wine Tasting of The Summer at Delius
Tuesday, July 18, 2016
Delius restaurant, www.deliusrestaurant.com, hosted their first commuter wine tasting for the summer. Sold out crowd of 38 in the Prix Fixe room. Italian and Spanish wines were the theme. 8 wines total. Several were very good and the pricing was exceptionaly good. But I am not in the buying mode. Just drinking so I did pass on the bargains. Loads of passed appetizers so it made dinner for me Ran into several people I had not seen in quite awhile. Had good conversation and closed the party down.
One more summer wine tasting coming up in August. Most years Delius has had at least 4 tastings during the summer but like everything else times change.
Delius restaurant, www.deliusrestaurant.com, hosted their first commuter wine tasting for the summer. Sold out crowd of 38 in the Prix Fixe room. Italian and Spanish wines were the theme. 8 wines total. Several were very good and the pricing was exceptionaly good. But I am not in the buying mode. Just drinking so I did pass on the bargains. Loads of passed appetizers so it made dinner for me Ran into several people I had not seen in quite awhile. Had good conversation and closed the party down.
One more summer wine tasting coming up in August. Most years Delius has had at least 4 tastings during the summer but like everything else times change.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
If It's Monday Then It's Dim Sum
Monday, July 18, 2016
It's been a couple of months since we got together for Dim Sum. With vacations etc., getting in the way. So looking forward to today's lunch with the boys. CJ picked up Terry and brought him. In two months there has been a drastic change in him. It saddens me deeply. But he is making the most of it and looks forward to be able to get out with the group.
We started out with Salt & Pepper Calamari followed by Shrimp Shu Mai. Just enough to get the taste buds going.
Then off to the Seaweed Wrapped Shrimp Deep Fried. We seem to have a tendency to stay with the tried and true for the most part
Our complimentary bowl of Spicy Sour Soup arrived. Today it was just a tad bit spicier than usual. Different cook.
A plate of Fried White Fish with Sesame Seeds and greens was very good today. This was followed by a plate of Sauteed Shrimp with Chinese Broccoli. Shrimp were perfect.
Since we had so many red wines Henry threw in a dish of Orange Peel Beef Strips. Tender and amazing flavor.
Our normal dessert of Daan Tart (egg custard tarts) was gobbled down. Another nice Dim Sum.
Our wines were mixed. A bottle of Viuda Seguras Cava started us out in the right direction.
Followed by 2003 McKeon Phillips, BPV, Cabernet Sauvignon. 2005 Stolpman Angeli, 2005 Chateau De Doyenne Bordeaux and a 2010 Forstmeister Geltz, Zilliken, Spatlese.
The Cab was spot on. The Angeli was a little tight even after being decanted but started to open up after awhile and showed what is really was. The Bordaeux was a weak wine and The Spatlese was too sweet.
It's been a couple of months since we got together for Dim Sum. With vacations etc., getting in the way. So looking forward to today's lunch with the boys. CJ picked up Terry and brought him. In two months there has been a drastic change in him. It saddens me deeply. But he is making the most of it and looks forward to be able to get out with the group.
We started out with Salt & Pepper Calamari followed by Shrimp Shu Mai. Just enough to get the taste buds going.
Then off to the Seaweed Wrapped Shrimp Deep Fried. We seem to have a tendency to stay with the tried and true for the most part
Our complimentary bowl of Spicy Sour Soup arrived. Today it was just a tad bit spicier than usual. Different cook.
A plate of Fried White Fish with Sesame Seeds and greens was very good today. This was followed by a plate of Sauteed Shrimp with Chinese Broccoli. Shrimp were perfect.
Since we had so many red wines Henry threw in a dish of Orange Peel Beef Strips. Tender and amazing flavor.
Our normal dessert of Daan Tart (egg custard tarts) was gobbled down. Another nice Dim Sum.
Our wines were mixed. A bottle of Viuda Seguras Cava started us out in the right direction.
Followed by 2003 McKeon Phillips, BPV, Cabernet Sauvignon. 2005 Stolpman Angeli, 2005 Chateau De Doyenne Bordeaux and a 2010 Forstmeister Geltz, Zilliken, Spatlese.
The Cab was spot on. The Angeli was a little tight even after being decanted but started to open up after awhile and showed what is really was. The Bordaeux was a weak wine and The Spatlese was too sweet.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Mitsuyoshi
Saturday. July 9, 2016
Margies's monthly wine activity was held at Mitsuyoshi restaurant in Stanton, www.mitsuyoshi-restaurant.com, Japanese food and Sushi bar. I did notice that lot of their clientele were Japanese and that is always a good sign.
11 of us tonight and we were seated in a small room. 2 tables, one with 5 people and one with 6 people. Table was crowded because of the wine glasses and the plates of food were large. Several of them came on trays which took more room.
Food was very good. Heard several compliments on the food. I had the Bento Box which contains a mix of numerous items. I like variety and this fit the bill. It was quite large so I did take some items home with me. I am so glad I did not order an appetizer. The restaurant did set out bowls of picked cabbage and that was more than enough for me.
Restaurant also comped us a bowl of ice cream for dessert. Margie had her usual boxes of See's candy that she passed around. I took one piece and took it home with me.
Wines were a mixed bag. I brought a 2009 Huber, Sta. Rita Hills, Barrel Select, Pinot Noir. It was well balanced, nice lightly lush mouth feel.. My personal opinion is it really over shadowed the two Sea Smoke's that were brought. I was not impressed with either one and they are twice the price of the Huber. And the vineyards are just over the hill from Sea Smoke
2012 Tablas Creek, Espirit Blanc - did not taste
2015 Patelin de Tablas, Rose - did not taste
2015 Hart, Temecula, Pinot Gris - I meant to taste this wine even though I am not a fan of Pinot Gris but never got around to it - I do like Joe Hart's wines
NV, Segura Vivdas, Spain, Cava Rose Brut - always a winner
Mio Sparkling Sake - sparkling sake is always fun
2014 Lenz Moser, Austria, Niederistereich, Gruner Veltliner - a very good wine that went well with the food
2007 Sea Smoke, Sta. Rita Hills, Southing, Pinot Noir - not impressed and 2007 was a very good year in the area - thought the wine lacked complexity and was lacking in flavor - a big disappointment - it could have been the individual bottle - by all rights this should have been a good wine
2912 Sea Smoke, Sta. Rita Hills, Southing, Pinot Noir - way to young to be opened. - again did not have that much going for it
2014 Cloudy Bay, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc - passed on this wine - have had it before and it is just not my style of Sau Blanc - too much grapefruit, too acidic and a heavy cat pee odor - Patty was trying to find a place to dump hers
2014 Equinoxe, Rhone, Crozes-Hermitage, Syrah - did not get to taste this wine - the bottle never made it to our table
2012 EOS, Dry Creek Valley, Wolcott Vineyard, Zinfandel - did not taste
Margies's monthly wine activity was held at Mitsuyoshi restaurant in Stanton, www.mitsuyoshi-restaurant.com, Japanese food and Sushi bar. I did notice that lot of their clientele were Japanese and that is always a good sign.
11 of us tonight and we were seated in a small room. 2 tables, one with 5 people and one with 6 people. Table was crowded because of the wine glasses and the plates of food were large. Several of them came on trays which took more room.
Food was very good. Heard several compliments on the food. I had the Bento Box which contains a mix of numerous items. I like variety and this fit the bill. It was quite large so I did take some items home with me. I am so glad I did not order an appetizer. The restaurant did set out bowls of picked cabbage and that was more than enough for me.
Restaurant also comped us a bowl of ice cream for dessert. Margie had her usual boxes of See's candy that she passed around. I took one piece and took it home with me.
Wines were a mixed bag. I brought a 2009 Huber, Sta. Rita Hills, Barrel Select, Pinot Noir. It was well balanced, nice lightly lush mouth feel.. My personal opinion is it really over shadowed the two Sea Smoke's that were brought. I was not impressed with either one and they are twice the price of the Huber. And the vineyards are just over the hill from Sea Smoke
2012 Tablas Creek, Espirit Blanc - did not taste
2015 Patelin de Tablas, Rose - did not taste
2015 Hart, Temecula, Pinot Gris - I meant to taste this wine even though I am not a fan of Pinot Gris but never got around to it - I do like Joe Hart's wines
NV, Segura Vivdas, Spain, Cava Rose Brut - always a winner
Mio Sparkling Sake - sparkling sake is always fun
2014 Lenz Moser, Austria, Niederistereich, Gruner Veltliner - a very good wine that went well with the food
2007 Sea Smoke, Sta. Rita Hills, Southing, Pinot Noir - not impressed and 2007 was a very good year in the area - thought the wine lacked complexity and was lacking in flavor - a big disappointment - it could have been the individual bottle - by all rights this should have been a good wine
2912 Sea Smoke, Sta. Rita Hills, Southing, Pinot Noir - way to young to be opened. - again did not have that much going for it
2014 Cloudy Bay, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc - passed on this wine - have had it before and it is just not my style of Sau Blanc - too much grapefruit, too acidic and a heavy cat pee odor - Patty was trying to find a place to dump hers
2014 Equinoxe, Rhone, Crozes-Hermitage, Syrah - did not get to taste this wine - the bottle never made it to our table
2012 EOS, Dry Creek Valley, Wolcott Vineyard, Zinfandel - did not taste
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)