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.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
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
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Magic Castle Adventure
Saturday July 2, 2016
The Magic Castle beckoned again. I have not been here in at least 15 years. Interesting how memory works. I thought the Castle was much further off the 101 freeway that it was an I also thought the driveway was longer and steeper. Inside also was changed and that was not a memory problem. They had added numerous more bar/cocktail areas. Some only with 6 seats. Alcohol sales are a big part of their revenue so it is understandable why they did it when they renovated. The bar with "Irma" was smaller.
I had forgotten how many times you have to navigate stairs. There are 3 floors. When you enter, the first floor has some small showrooms when you first go in. Then up to the second floor for dining. Then up and down depending on what showroom you want.
Dinner was good. I had scallops and they were cooked correctly. Others had Sea Bass and Pork Chop. No one complained about the food. Service was good as it should be. We ordered a bottle of Failla Pinot. Light weight but went well with the seafood.
The shows were good. One was a standout. You never know what is going on at the Castle. This was a Saturday and the place was packed. We entered at approximately 5:30 and left about 11:00 and only go into 3 showrooms.
Ran into a acquaintance who is a member. He gave us a small tour and explained the history of the Castle. Had a book with lots of old pictures. Quite interesting and informative.
My next visit will be soon. I have another pass and thinking about taking the family. Sunday Brunch is the only time that people under 21 can visit. My great grandson would be quite taken with the magic.
The Magic Castle beckoned again. I have not been here in at least 15 years. Interesting how memory works. I thought the Castle was much further off the 101 freeway that it was an I also thought the driveway was longer and steeper. Inside also was changed and that was not a memory problem. They had added numerous more bar/cocktail areas. Some only with 6 seats. Alcohol sales are a big part of their revenue so it is understandable why they did it when they renovated. The bar with "Irma" was smaller.
I had forgotten how many times you have to navigate stairs. There are 3 floors. When you enter, the first floor has some small showrooms when you first go in. Then up to the second floor for dining. Then up and down depending on what showroom you want.
Dinner was good. I had scallops and they were cooked correctly. Others had Sea Bass and Pork Chop. No one complained about the food. Service was good as it should be. We ordered a bottle of Failla Pinot. Light weight but went well with the seafood.
The shows were good. One was a standout. You never know what is going on at the Castle. This was a Saturday and the place was packed. We entered at approximately 5:30 and left about 11:00 and only go into 3 showrooms.
Ran into a acquaintance who is a member. He gave us a small tour and explained the history of the Castle. Had a book with lots of old pictures. Quite interesting and informative.
My next visit will be soon. I have another pass and thinking about taking the family. Sunday Brunch is the only time that people under 21 can visit. My great grandson would be quite taken with the magic.
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