Pinot Showdown at the Sky Room

Friday, April 29, 2016

The Sky Room at the Breakers hotel in Long Beach, www.theskyroom.com hosted a dinner tonight with 3 Pinots from California and 3 Pinots from Oregon. We did not know that the wines would be brown bagged and tasted blind. Flights of two wines each and we had to guess which wine from the list. Not quite what I expected from a dinner but you just go with the flow. Since you are drinking two wines with each course your palate is going to be changing quite a bit because of the food. Our guesses were checked after every flight. I managed to get 3 right and received a bottle of 2007 Coquelicot, Mon Amour, a bordeaux blend. The owner of the Sky Room also owns the winery.

When I arrived I was a bit early so I got to pick out the seats for dinner. Choose ones facing the windows because of the view. We had a couple at the same table and two no shows. The no shows apparently were restaurant reviewers and they were getting comp'd dinners. I though that it was very tacky for them not to be there. The restaurant could have sold those seats to others.

Dinner started late because of people not being there on time. Our first course was a Lyonnaise Salad consisting of Applewood Bacon, Frisee and Radicchio, Poached Egg, Heirloom Grape Tomatoes, Brioche Crouton, Shallots and Sherry Vinaigrette.  Flavors were good but again the damm Frisee that just does not want to go into your mouth neatly. The brioche crouton was large, the salad sat upon it. That needed to cut with a knife.  My pet peeve , salads that need a knife. The two wines that were served was a Gainey, Sta Rita Hills,  CA and a Left Coast Cellars "Cali's Cuvee", Willamette Valley. No years were listed.

Second course  was a Sicilian Style Grilled Swordfish with a Caponata of Cherry Tomatoes, Plums, Capers, Shallots, Garlic, Roasted Pine Nuts, Basil and White Wine Sauce,. Fish was excellent. Cooked perfectly.  I was not wild about all the sweet in the Caponata and thought it clashed with the wines that were paired. A Serene Domaine "Yamhill Cuvee", Yamhill, Carlton, OR and a Dutton Estate, "Karmen Isabella", Russian River Valley, CA.. The Dutton was my favorite wine of the evening.

Main course served is a filet of Venison with Salsify, Brussels Sprouts, Morel Mushrooms, Star Anise, Cloves and Juniper Berry Sauce. Venison was perfect, tender and full of flavor. This was a well done plate. The wines were Neely "Picnic Block", Santa Cruz Mountains, CA and a Soter "Mineral Springs Ranch" Yamhill, Carlton, OR

Dessert was a Tart made with Strawberries and Rhubarb. Flavor were good but to me it was heavy after this meal. My preference would have been something very light and airy.

View is wonderful from the Sky Room. Service impeccable. Noise level is ridiculous. There are no acoustics at all because of the walls being almost a 100% glass. But on top of that especially for weekends the noise from the bar, cocktail lounge and dance floor. Loud music and a lot of dancers tonight. The place was packed. My head was throbbing when I left. But it was an enjoyable dinner with good friends and spectacular views.