Balverne Wines at LaTraviata

Friday, February 26, 2016

Met friends at LaTraviata in downtown Long Beach for a wine dinner. Not familiar with the wines., Balverne. 

Got there at 6:00, reception was going on with passed appetizers. Had 3 Coconut Shrimp and decided to stop., They could have been my entire meal. LaTraviata does make the best coconut shrimp I have ever tasted.  Also were serving 2 types of Bruschetta.  They poured  a Sangiovese Rosato which I found unappealing. Not my taste.

Finally about 7:10 we sat down for dinner. I think this is going to be a long night. The noise in this room is unbearable. I have a raging headache after only one hour. The background music was not soothing. It had a  beat to it and that thump, thump was very annoying.

First course was Dover Sole Wrapped Sea Scallop with Lime Cremolata. The Cremolata was excellent, the dover sole had issues and the scallop needed 10 seconds more cooking time. Mine was close to raw, Wine was no better,  a 2015 Russian River Sauvignon Blanc. To much like a New Zealand Sau Blanc. Not my style. Overkill on the grassy, citrus flavors.

Second course served is a Fettucine Alla Crema, pasta with a Leek., Radichio Cream, Prosciutto and Pecorino Crisp. Good flavor. Would have liked a bit more on the plate. Thought the portion was "skimpy".  Paired with a 2013 Russian River Unoaked Chardonnay. Frankly this dish would have been better with a slightly oaked chardonnay. I felt the food and wine really clashed.. Wine had a bitter taste to it.,

Next the Third course which was a South African Sea Bass with Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Fresh Vegetables and Lobster Sauce. LaTraviata is known for its Sea Bass but it is usually Chilean. This fish had no flavor, soft consistency. Not thrilled with this dish. A 2013 Russian River Pinot Noir was the wine, light but decent.

Main course was Bistecca Di Manzo.  Akaushi New York Steak, Aragula, Shaved Parmesan and Olive Oil. To say the steak was thinly sliced was a erroneous statement. It was paper thin. Had decent flavor if you could find some fat on it. It cried out for some seasoning. In fact most of the dishes tonight needed just a pinch more of seasoning.  Paired with a 2012 Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon. Best wine and pairing of the evening. 

Dessert is a Tiramisu Al Panetone. Best dish of the evening. 

Not impressed with this winery. Food was OK but not what I expect from LaTraviata.  This was along, noisy evening.