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.