Sunday, January 31, 2016

January Meeting of The Wino's

New year - off to Santa Monica for the first of the years tastings. Light rain when I left, got very heavy about 15 miles down the freeway and then by time I got to LAX it was sunny and clear. The winds were the real problem. Buffeted the car and trash flying all over. 41 miles to gallon going up and 39 coming back. Light traffic and low speeds because of the weather.

Because of the weather Stan had everyone up to his casa above the garages in.lieu of on the lawn. Made it nice for everyone top sit around the table. Unless you have been invited for a special dinner or special wine event Stan's house is off limits. Lots a steep stairs.

A small group today because of various reasons and some just plain phony excuses. Theme today was California Sparkling's and California Red Bordeaux Blends. A lot of appetizers, Host made tri tip and chicken thighs.. Not one dessert was brought. But we had lots of really good food. Cindy brought a savory cheesecake that she made. It was really good. Someone brought spring rolls with 3 sauces. Glad I ate them early because later in the day I saw someone triple dip into the sauces. Took a roll, dipped it, ate a bite, dipped into the next sauce and took a bite and then dipped it the third time into a sauce and finished it off. Could not bring myself to eat another one.

Some very good wines today. A sparkling was the first emptied and then the wine I brought, 2009 Flora Springs, Trilogy was next to be emptied. Always boost's  my ego when my wines are one of the first to become a dead solider.

A couple of wines besides mine that really stood out to me  was the 2009 Alpha Omega II and the 2001 Rosenthal "Meritage"

Balsamic & Oil Tasting at Antica & Dinner at Nayada

Saturday. January 30, 2016

CJ hosted a Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil food pairing and tasting at Antica in Los Alamitos. www.anticaoliveoil.com. 18 people in attendance. All food and wine provided.

 We started out with a Goat cheese and peach chutney. Chutney hard excellent flavor. Paired with a NV Segura Vindas Brut Cava.

Next was a salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, onions and feta cheese. I ditched the onions and tomatoes. A Tuscan Herb olive oil with a traditional balsamic vinegar made the dressing. Oil was put on first to coat the greens so the balsamic would adhere to the greens and not end up at the bottom of the bowl.  A 2014 Famille Bourgier Chenin Blanc and a 2014 Trimbach Pinot Blanc were the wines of choice. Both paired well with the salad,

Third dish was Hummus with Crackers. Plain hummus drizzled with a Persian Lime olive oil. Did like the flavor of this oil.  The wines were 2015 Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc and a 2014 Meiomi Pinot Noir. I did not like the pairings. Wines were good on their own but paired with the food did nothing for me.

A turkey sandwich made with turkey breast, Fontina cheese, cucumber, red onions, lettuce, herb de Provence olive oil, herb de Provence spice on a marble rye bread was served. . Ditched the cucumber, way to thick and the red onions . Paired with a 2014 Aliane Cotes de Provence Rose and a 2013 Byron-Nielson Pinot Noir. Decent pairing. The rose was the winner here.

Fifth dish was a Cream Cheese with Fig Balsamic Jam and crackers. Jam was very good. Wines were a 2011 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel and a 2013 Murphy-Goode Liar's Dice Zinfandel. Pairing was ok but nothing exceptional.

Last dish was a Mixed Fruit Bowl, chopped bananas, strawberries, grapes, apples and oranges. Dressed with a Peach Balsamic Vinegar which was very good and blended well with the fruit. A NV Segura Viudas Brut Rose Cava was the final wine and it did pair nicely with the fruit.

A nice tasting and pairing. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Four of us decided to go out to dinner afterwards. I had brought a bottle of wine with me  just in case this would happen.

Went over to Nayada on Carson across from the Long Beach Town Center.  No one was starving but we felt we needed something else to eat. 

Ordered Garlic Chicken Wings, Spring Rolls, Chicken Satay and a order of Beef with Garlic and Pepper. More than enough to eat. Had a 2009 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir and a 2009 Rusack Anacapa (Bordeaux blend) Both wines were showing quite well. Made it an early night. Big day tomorrow.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Balvenie Scotch Dinner at Chianina

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Chianina in the shore hosted a Balvenie Scotch whiskey dinner tonight.www.chianina.com                People have a hard time understanding our hard spirits can pair with food. It can be done. All the pairings tonight were good except the dessert course. That was a total failure as far as a pairing goes. Don't know what they were thinking. The rep from Balvenie was there from Scotland. Interesting to talk with. I am familiar with this label and have a nice bottle in my stash.

Started off with a cocktail made with Belvenie Monkey Shoulder,  Bourbon, Proseco and Maple Syrup and Lemon Twist.  Light, refreshing and quite good. Appetizer was a Savory Beignet stuffed with Mustard Greens and Kale. Interesting, Good flavor.

First course was a Winter Chicory Salad, Rabbit Confit, Endive, Frise and Mustard Seed Vinaigrette. Light and good flavor.  Perfect match to the cocktail.They also served a Balvenie 12 Yr Doublewood with this course. Aged 12 years in Sherry barrels.

Second course served was a Roasted Guinea Fowl, Butternut Squash Puree, Parsnip Puree. Braised Cabbage and Winter Spice. Meat was cooked perfectly. I have not had Guinea Fowl since I left Arizona in 1975. Used to have a flock of approximately 50 of them. They along with geese make great "watchdogs". Neighbors used to come and walk the property to collect the feathers. They made beautiful lures for fly fishing. This dish was an exceptional treat for me. Paired with a Balvenie 14 Yr Caribbean Cask. Aged 14 years in Rum barrels.

Third course was a Grilled Venison Loin, Brussel Sprouts, Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Pureed Dates and Demi Sauce.. Venison was cooked perfectly. I would have liked to have a bit more sauce and preferably a fruit sauce. A Balvenie 17 Yr Doublewood was the choice for this dish. Aged 17 years in Sherry barrels.

Dessert was very good. Scotch was very good. They just did not go well together. Do not know what the chefs was thinking. It was a deconstructed Orange Creamsicle. Orange Meringue, Vanilla Cream and Citrus. Looked beautiful and tasted great. The Scotch was a Balvenie 21 Yr Portwood. Aged 21 years in Port barrels. This scotch would have been better paired with a dark, dense dessert. Not light and airy.

Good Scotch, Good Food and Good Company. 

Thursday, January 21, 2016

The Playground and Melville Wines

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

The Playground in DTSA  (downtown santa ana) , www.playgrounddtsa.com, hosted a dinner with Chad Meville of Melville Wines.  Limit of 17 people so with Chad and his 2 guests that left 14 seats open. This dinner sold out in one day. $150 inclusive.

Started out with  plate of appetizers. Onion Soubise Brioche (carmelized onions), Duck Proscuitto with Fig, Fennel & Manchego Cheese,  Potato Stick wrapped in Benton Country Ham,  Ceviche on a mini Tortilla shell and a Savory Cookie made with Apple & Celery. After this plate I knew I was in trouble. Everything on it I devoured. Flavors were so good.  Paired with a 2014 Inox Chardonnay. This is their stainless fermented chard.

Next was a Chino Farms Gargilou. A salad with 38 ingredients. A small piece of leek, a tiny roasted baby turnip, etc., Again I devoured. Dressing was light, flavors exceptional. . Wine served was a 2013 Estate Chardonnay and a 2003 Estate Chardonnay. Interesting to compare the same wine but 10 years between them. The 03 was fuller mouth feel, heavier viscosity, darker color. 13 was fruity and brighter. I preferred the 03.

Third dish of the evening was a Smoked Scallop with Spinach, Satsuma and Sasuhi Rice. This dish apparently will show up on the 28 course  A to Z dinner that is invitation only. This is the "S" dish. Scallop was perfect and lightly smoked.  A 2013 Estate Pinot Noir was the wine selected.

Fourth course was a Duck Breast, Huitlacoche Grits, Pistachios, Freeze Dried Corn, Burnt Strawberries and Strawberry Grastique. Sounds weird but unbelievable flavors. Paired with a 2014 Terraces Pinot Noir and a 2014 Block M Pinot Noir.  These wines were way to young to be opened. I did like the Block M a bit better, But 5 years on them is what is needed.

Up next was  Braised Lamb, Mole, Pureed  Parsnips and blackberries. The Mole was to die for. Never would have thought to pair it with lamb. Lamb was super tender.  Wine served was a 2012 Donna, Syrah. Good pairing..

Dessert was Honeycomb with Hard Cheeses, Quince Paste, Pan Perdu, Dried Apricots and Marcona Almonds topped with a very finely shredded Percoino Cheese. Made a light cloud covering the other ingredients. Unusual and very good. Wine was a 2013 Verna's Viognier.

Then they passed out "gummi's" . The green one was made with Woodruff (moss) and red was Concord Grapes. Fun flavors.

Wines were all good, food was exceptional as always. Sat next to a gentleman that was a dead ringer for Jacques Pepin. But this man had an Irish accent. So another exceptional dinner at the Playground. can't wait for the next one.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Arte Cafe's 20th Anniversary Wine Dinner

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Four of us tonight for this dinner at Arte Cafe in Cerritos.  www.artecamellia.com,  Started out with three "amuse bouches".  Some kind of seafood on a toast round, smoked salmon on a blini and "pig in a blanket" The "seafood on toast was good as was the "pig" but the smoked salmon was very fishy. I like strong flavors but this tasted old to me.

3 of us ordered splits of bubbly. Cheap stuff but just as good as the wine served through out dinner. Wines were from White Oak Winery of Alexander Valley. Mediocre at best.

First course was a Pasta Appetizer. Looked like very thin spaghetti with a soft egg in the middle. Had decent flavor and the egg was good. I thought it was a quail egg but the others said no. The waitress had no clue. Wine was a 2014 Sauvignon Blanc from the Russian River. Way to grassy and very weak finish. Gave my wine away.

Second course was the best of the night. Sea Scallop, cooked perfectly with spinach and lobster sauce. Sauce was excellent. Paired with a 2014 Chardonnay from the Russian River. Way to oaky and gain I gave my wine away. Good thing I still had the cheap bubbly.

Third course up was a grilled salmon with a crusty top with vegetable ragout. Salmon was cooked correctly and had nice flavor. Decent dish. Wine was a 2013 Pinot Noir from Russian River. Mediocre but I did drink it

Fourth course was a sliced leg of lamb with fresh herb au jus. Lamb had good flavor, could have been more tender but OK. Paired with a 2013 Cabernet from Napa. Another mediocre wine.

Dessert was a creme brulee. Hard to mess that up. 

They offered coffee but had no decaf. Waitress took my clean wine glass and away and then poured the cab into the glass that had a bit of pinot left in it. Service had always been a real weak point at Arte Cafe along with terrible acoustics and loud music. By the end of the evening I was getting really irritable. The noise level was terrible and I was having a hard time hearing what anyone at the table had to say.

There was a "gift bag" set on each table. It did not matter whether you had 2 people of 6 people. Same gift bag. 2 half bottles of wine, two hair clips, 1 tee shirt and 1 wine opener.

The dinner was only $45 plus tax & tip. Price was reasonable so I take that into consideration. did not expect that much from it.

 

Private Party at Delius

Saturday, January 16, 2016

The dynamic trio rented out Delius restaurant for the evening. Quite a feat on a Saturday night. This was in celebration of their "commitment" to each other. Otherwise a wedding reception with no wedding per say. Approx  100 people. Open bar. Choice of 3 different cocktails, The Hugh, The Mark and The Kurt. 2 wine bars set up and beer available also.

Large table set up in the prixe fixe room and loaded with cheeses etc., and two very large cakes. One pineapple and the other chocolate. Both were exceptionally good. And the waiters passing around at least a dozen different kinds of appetizers.

Hugh did the saber opening of the champagne. Dave made him do it in the parking area just in case. But it went off without a hitch.

This was a very memorable and fun evening. Good food, drinks and great people.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Dim Sum with the boys

Monday. January 11, 2016

Six today for Dim Sum.  A very excellent selection of wines. Not one would I turn down.

2012 Baker & Brain, Gruner Veltliner
2010 Perrin, Cotes du Rhone Reserve
2008 Stolpman, Rubens Block, Syrah
NV, Segura Viudas,  Cava
2007 Krupp Brothers, Verasion - excellent
1998 Bonnlzeaux. (Dessert Wine) - outstanding
2007 Brown Estate, Chaos Theory, Napa

We stated out with the sour, hot, spicy soup. This soup is a given for us. Then onto another given, salt and  pepper calamari. A few things off the cart, shrimp dumplings, shu mai pork, minced shrimp in seaweed and fried.

Then onto stir fried lobster with special sauce. Pain to eat since my right thumb still does not want to cooperate. Chinese greens.

Then a new dish - Singapore Stir Fry - rice noodles, shrimp, pork, vegetables and curry. Really a good dish

Last dish was filet of beef French Style. Always a winner.

Topped it off with egg custard tarts for dessert.

A nice Monday with good friends, good food and excellent wines.

India Grille

Saturday, January 9, 2016

15 tonight for Margie's monthly get together. A few of us did a recon a few months back to pick out the menu.I was not wild about the seating but it is what it is when you have a large group. My thumb is still aching and non usable so I am still not in the best of moods. Plus I woke up at 2:00 am really sick and had that mess to clean up.

We started out with Onion Bhaji - sweet onions battered in spices and garbanzo bean flour and deep fried. Very good

Yellow Dal Soup - lentils with potatoes and peas. Decent but I am not a lentil fan so don't go by my taste Then some Yellow Paratha, wheat bread stuffed with potatoes and peas. A tad too spicy for me.

Main dishes were Seekh Kabab - Minced, ground lamb rolled into logs and grilled, came with sauteed onions and bell peppers.  Chicken Chau Chau - pan fried noodles with chicken and vegetables. Vegetable Korma - Mixed vegetables in a creamy cashew curry sauce - Always a good one for me. Garlic Naan. Basmati rice. Bengan Bharta - roasted,  pureed eggplant with spices and a cream sauce - Very good. Chicken Tikka - tandoori roasted white meat chicken in a mild sauce - another standard that is always good.

Dessert was Kulfi, pistachio Ice Cream with saffron, cardamon and nuts

A very mixed bag of wines tonight:

NV Louis Bouillot. Grand Reserve, Cremant de Bourgone - good
2009 Huber, Sta Rita Hills, Barrel Select, Pinot Noir - excellent , one of the first bottles emptied
2009 Sea Smoke, Sta Rita Hills, Botella, Pinot Noir - gone in a flash
2013 Domaine Weinbach, Riesing Cuvee Laurance - very good
NV Mailly Grand Cru, Brut - good 
2012 Albrecht, Pinot Gris - did not tatste
2012 DeRose, Cienega Valley, Zinfandel - did not taste
2011 Stolpman, L'Avion (Roussane) - did not taste
2010 Perry Creek, Fairplay, Zinfandel - did not taste
2012 Two Sisters, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2014 Lincourt, Sta Rita Hills, Gruner Veltliner - did not taste
NV Pommery Reims Brut - excellent
201`2 Fog Crest, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2011 Hillard Bruce, Sta Rita Hills, Sun, Pinot Noir - excellent
2013 Tercero, Outlier (Gewurztraminer) - a favorite wine for me
2013 Melville, Sandys Vineyard, Pinot Noir - did not taste
20143 Hart, Temecula, Arneis - good
2014 Picpoul de Pinet - did not taste
2010 Tobin James, Fat Boy - did not taste




Holiday Brunch

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Brunch at my house today.  Sliced thumb open on the cheese grater. Kitchen sink backed up. Not the best of days for me. This is January 11 and I am just getting around to posting. Did a major job on the thumb.

Had about 25 people in for my annual holiday brunch. This will probably be my last one for a large group. I will leave myself an opening for a small group. Everyone usually brings  a small dish and  a bottle of wine etc., it still runs me at least $250 plus my time. The thing that really gauls me is people seem more than willing to show up but never reciprocate in return. After numerous  years of this I think it's time to shut it down. Just invite those that open their doors to me.

I put out 6 bottles of Louis Bouillot, Cremant de Bourgone.  Made 3 egg casserole dishes and had two types of sausages and a spiral sliced ham. There were some interesting side dishes but the desserts were lack luster.

My thumb pounded the entire day. Hard to keep a happy face when you are in pain.

The list of wines brought follows - spelling may be off because I cannot hold a pen properly.

2009 Graham Beck , Breui Zero, Premier Cuvee - excellent
201 BV Rutherford, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - always a good choice
NV  Ctsan Don Reserve, Club Cuvee - do not remember
NV Schramsberg, Blanc de Blanc - gone by time I heard it was on the table
2013 Hartley Ostini, Hitching Post, Cork Dancer, Pinot Noir - good
2007 LeVieille Ferme Cotas du Ventaux, Rouge - good
2012 Truett Hurst, 3 Vineyards, Zinfandel - did not taste
2014 Rockview Reserve, Mendocino, Chardonnay - did not taste
2012 Gavarint, Elin Grasso, Langhe, Nebbiolo - good
2014 Silverado Vineyards, Miller Ranch, Napa, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste
2010 Halter Ranch Syrah - did not taste
23012 Sin Zin, Alexander Valley, Zinfandel - OK
2009 Tobin James, Reserve, Merlot - did not taste