Wednesday, January 25, 2016
A good size group gathered at Il Farro in Newport tonight for dinner. www.ilfarro.com,. I don't frequent the area too much as the parking sucks in Newport and Balboa. But this was winter and a cold night. With luck I got to park right across the street from the restaurant.
We started out with four appetizers. Hot calabrese'nduja sausage in puff pastry (had a kick to it), vodka cured salmon crostini with lemon salt (salmon did not bite clean), salisfy root with beef tartar (they used soup spoons - should have had some small white porcelin spoons) and a large grilled proscuitto wrapped shrimp. These were served with a 2015 Torti White Pinot Noir. (Lombardi) Surprise of the day. I really liked with wine (bought some).
Nest was an Insalata di finocchietto, mela verde acchiughe bianche. Otherwise known as granny smith apples, shaved fennel, marinated anchovies in a pomegranate citronette dressing. I am not a fennel fan but this was very good. Had to be the dressing. Wine was a 2014 Vermentino Guadaimare Toscano. Paired very well with the salad.
The Primo Piatto was Spaghetti alla Chitarra Porto Cervo. Roasted cauliflower tossed with Chitarra (guitar) spaghetti, garlic, peanuts, olives and sprinkled with dry cured fish roe bottarga. The spaghetti is square instead of round. To me this was the best dish of the evening. Loads of flavor. I have never had something like this before. A 2014 Castellani Montepulciano d'Abruzzo was paired and went very well.
The Secondo Piatta was disappointing to me. Sliced roast veal in a a Maderia sauce with artichoke bottom and snap peas. I thought the veal was not as tender as it should be. It was cut from the round. 2012 Torti Barbera was the wine. Rustic but good,
Dessert was a trio - lemon tiramisu, chantilly millefoglie and chocolate truffle. They served a Sparkling rosato which was a little sweet for me. But the restaurant brought out a special dessert wine that was not on the menu. From Sardina and the grape was "Caparno" which I do not have yet.
Sat next to a gentleman that sells Wagu beef. He had asked if I ever had Wagu and told him yes, numerous times. I mentioned the Playground and their all steak dinner. Turns out he sells to the Playground. Next to him was an owner of a Japanese restaurant in Costa Mesa. that buys from him. I will be getting in touch with "Rick" the wagu guy and meeting him for dinner at the Japaneses place. Always nice to have connections.
This was a very nice dinner. priced reasonable. Food and wines were good. Good conversations at the table with everyone..
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Grand Cru Bordeaux Dinner
Tuesday. January 24, 2017
Dinner at a private residence tonight. Small group of 7. Theme was "Bordeaux" and the host was pouring Grand Cru's.
We started out with an array of appetizers. Cheese plate, crackers, chips, seared salmon with sauces, seared ahi with citrus soy sauce, hummus, pesto, marinated olives, fried vegetable birds nest. I had some chevere cheese a few crackers, a piece of salmon and a piece of ahi. What the others tasted like I have no idea. Way too many and conflicts of taste. To me this many appetizers is dinner.
Dinner consisted of Chateaubriand with seasoned juices, two kinds of bernaise and sauteed mushrooms in gravy. Roasted potatoes, roasted mixed vegetables, baby carrots, roasted brussel sprouts with leeks and bacon, cauliflower gratin and baguette bread.
The beef had very good flavor, cooked perfectly for me and very tender. Downfall was it was not warm. Part of that probably was one guest was late and we did not start plating until after her arrival. There were two bernaise sauces. I tried one and it was good. I had some if the mushroom gravy but it was also luke warm and had canned sliced mushrooms instead of sliced fresh. Had one roasted potato, a spoonful of mixed vegetables which I could have done without. The Brussel sprounts were very good as was the gratin.
Again as per my palate, two many flavors competing with each other. Do less dishes and concentrate of making what you do outstanding. A lot of times "less is more". Also if someone is more than 10 minutes start without them. The food was all luke warm and it took away from the flavors and enjoyment of the food.
Even the bread had issues. It was heated in the over but the crust was chewy not crisp. Frankly I thought it was heated in the microwave. It was a baguette and they should have crisp crusts. Heat them whole then cut them.
The wines were excellent. 1995 Chateau Chauvin, St. Emilion, Gand Cru Classic was my favorite. 2006 Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Grand Cru Classic. Opened up quite nicely after an hour or so in the decanter. 2006 Chateau Mondorion, Grand Cru, 29010, Chateau de Chanlegrine, Graves. 2005 Reignac, 2010 Chateau Vellois. A 2005 Chateau Coutel, Premiere Cru Classic, Sautherne-Barsac was the last served with dessert.
Dessert was a pineapple upside down cake with berries.
We had a range of conversations, from political to porn and everything in between. I was the only republican in the group but I swing between very conservation and fairly liberal, depending on what it is. I am basically more of a constitutionalists.
I was also the only one working so I had to depart earlier than the rest. I am sure the conversation kept going at a good pace. An enjoyable evening with a good group of interesting people.
Dinner at a private residence tonight. Small group of 7. Theme was "Bordeaux" and the host was pouring Grand Cru's.
We started out with an array of appetizers. Cheese plate, crackers, chips, seared salmon with sauces, seared ahi with citrus soy sauce, hummus, pesto, marinated olives, fried vegetable birds nest. I had some chevere cheese a few crackers, a piece of salmon and a piece of ahi. What the others tasted like I have no idea. Way too many and conflicts of taste. To me this many appetizers is dinner.
Dinner consisted of Chateaubriand with seasoned juices, two kinds of bernaise and sauteed mushrooms in gravy. Roasted potatoes, roasted mixed vegetables, baby carrots, roasted brussel sprouts with leeks and bacon, cauliflower gratin and baguette bread.
The beef had very good flavor, cooked perfectly for me and very tender. Downfall was it was not warm. Part of that probably was one guest was late and we did not start plating until after her arrival. There were two bernaise sauces. I tried one and it was good. I had some if the mushroom gravy but it was also luke warm and had canned sliced mushrooms instead of sliced fresh. Had one roasted potato, a spoonful of mixed vegetables which I could have done without. The Brussel sprounts were very good as was the gratin.
Again as per my palate, two many flavors competing with each other. Do less dishes and concentrate of making what you do outstanding. A lot of times "less is more". Also if someone is more than 10 minutes start without them. The food was all luke warm and it took away from the flavors and enjoyment of the food.
Even the bread had issues. It was heated in the over but the crust was chewy not crisp. Frankly I thought it was heated in the microwave. It was a baguette and they should have crisp crusts. Heat them whole then cut them.
The wines were excellent. 1995 Chateau Chauvin, St. Emilion, Gand Cru Classic was my favorite. 2006 Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Grand Cru Classic. Opened up quite nicely after an hour or so in the decanter. 2006 Chateau Mondorion, Grand Cru, 29010, Chateau de Chanlegrine, Graves. 2005 Reignac, 2010 Chateau Vellois. A 2005 Chateau Coutel, Premiere Cru Classic, Sautherne-Barsac was the last served with dessert.
Dessert was a pineapple upside down cake with berries.
We had a range of conversations, from political to porn and everything in between. I was the only republican in the group but I swing between very conservation and fairly liberal, depending on what it is. I am basically more of a constitutionalists.
I was also the only one working so I had to depart earlier than the rest. I am sure the conversation kept going at a good pace. An enjoyable evening with a good group of interesting people.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Time for Dim Sum Again
Monday, January16, 2016
Back with the boys for Dim Sum at the Seafood Palace. Since it is a holiday the restaurant was busier than most Mondays. Mr. Do was helping out which is always nice. He takes care of us. Only 3 today. In our age bracket it is hard to keep everyone healthy for any extended period of time. I think I may be coming down with something. Dry cough that will not go away. I can only hope whatever it is will be short. The boys are thankful because I cannot talk as much without coughing.
We had a really nice selection of wines. I brought a 2011 Brave and Maiden, Union (blend) which I think is going to be much better in a couple of days. Steve brought a 2003 Poggio, San Polo, Brunello di Montalcino which he had opened the day before and drank some. It was showing well. Nice balance, good fruit . He did not seem to be as happy with it as I was. Steve also brought a Loring, Aubaine, Pinot Noir. Did not write down the year. Loring is always good. Henry's wine was a 2012 Hogue Cellars, Columbia Valley, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. That was showing well also. We did good today.
Started out with a few items from the cart. Shrimp Dumplings with a herb, might have been ramps, A slight bitter taste to the greens. Our fried Seaweed wrapped minced shrimp and pork and a different one that we had before - a sticky rice ball with minced shrimp. I just could not get into this one. Shrimp was not noticeable, all I got in taste was sticky rice. I would just as soon pass on this one again.
Henry ordered beef with wide noddles which was really good but I was stuffed and couldn't enjoy it as much as I should. The dish before was stir fried lobster with thin noodles. We o'd on this plate. With just 3 of us we got a lot of lobster. this is one of the best dishes Seafood Palace puts out.
Another good Monday lunch tucked away. Hopefully other's will be on the mend for the next one. I always look forward to these small lunches. Time to catch up with friends and have a relaxing few hours. we do miss Terry.
Back with the boys for Dim Sum at the Seafood Palace. Since it is a holiday the restaurant was busier than most Mondays. Mr. Do was helping out which is always nice. He takes care of us. Only 3 today. In our age bracket it is hard to keep everyone healthy for any extended period of time. I think I may be coming down with something. Dry cough that will not go away. I can only hope whatever it is will be short. The boys are thankful because I cannot talk as much without coughing.
We had a really nice selection of wines. I brought a 2011 Brave and Maiden, Union (blend) which I think is going to be much better in a couple of days. Steve brought a 2003 Poggio, San Polo, Brunello di Montalcino which he had opened the day before and drank some. It was showing well. Nice balance, good fruit . He did not seem to be as happy with it as I was. Steve also brought a Loring, Aubaine, Pinot Noir. Did not write down the year. Loring is always good. Henry's wine was a 2012 Hogue Cellars, Columbia Valley, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. That was showing well also. We did good today.
Started out with a few items from the cart. Shrimp Dumplings with a herb, might have been ramps, A slight bitter taste to the greens. Our fried Seaweed wrapped minced shrimp and pork and a different one that we had before - a sticky rice ball with minced shrimp. I just could not get into this one. Shrimp was not noticeable, all I got in taste was sticky rice. I would just as soon pass on this one again.
Henry ordered beef with wide noddles which was really good but I was stuffed and couldn't enjoy it as much as I should. The dish before was stir fried lobster with thin noodles. We o'd on this plate. With just 3 of us we got a lot of lobster. this is one of the best dishes Seafood Palace puts out.
Another good Monday lunch tucked away. Hopefully other's will be on the mend for the next one. I always look forward to these small lunches. Time to catch up with friends and have a relaxing few hours. we do miss Terry.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Back to Providence
Sunday, January 15, 2017
It is "Dine in LA Week" again so back to Providence. www.providencela.com . It is the only time I can afford this restaurant. Special dinner set up at $99 plus tax and tip. Got out of here tonight for $180. Had to share the corkage and contribute to the cost of Stan's wine he brought. A 2006 Moet Chandon, Grand Vintage and a 2007 Calera, Selleck Vineyard, Mt. Harlan, Pinot Noir. Both excellent wines.
The restaurant itself seems small and dark but they have numerous dining areas. The bar is small . 6 seats but this is not a place where you go to drink. I did have a cocktail made with kumquats while waiting for our dining companions. It was excellent. But at $14 it should be. Service is beyond what you would expect. Large staff. No one rushes you. They don't start clearing the plates until everyone at the table is finished. It is easy to see why it was given a Michelin 2 star rating.
Their regular menu, which is all "tasting" menus runs from $120 with wine $165, $185 with wine $270, $220 with wine $325. Plus everyone in the party must order the same menu. Corkage is $50 per bottle. So you would only bring a really good wine here. And never bring a wine they have on their wine list.
Again we were offered the "Chef's Table" so we could watch the kitchen staff prepare the plates. Also it is private and quiet. Could seat 5 or 6 in a pinch. And again we received numerous "amuse's" over the set menu.
Started out with a Pisco Bubble. Don't know how they make the bubble but put in your mouth and the bubble melts and the Pisco flows out. Scallop Tacos, diced scallops with wasabi and rice craker in a folded Nasturtium leaf. Then onto crab folded into a very thinly sliced piece of radish set in a crab shell on a bed of ice. A chocolate mousse , topped with bit of cherry pudding , a drop of champagne anglaise on top of a buckwheat round. Black mussel on foccacia toast with wood sorrel mushrooms, herbs and garlic. A black mussel soup with foam served in a small glass. All this followed by the "Cigar Box" Grade 5 Wagu beef wrapped around a buckwheat thin and filled with a sour plum aioli Shaped like a cigar and presented in a an old vintage cigar box.
This was just the amuse's. Now onto dinner which I hope I can finish
Striped Bass Sashimi, pomegranate, ruby red grapefruit, ume.
Nancy's Day Boat Sea Scallop., buckwheat, parsnip and pepitas.
Striped Bass with tiny vegetables no bigger than peas. Carrots, beets, peas, turnips and thin slices of black truffle in a truffle bouillon.
A tray of breads were passed .I really likes the brioche and the seaweed foccacia. All served with Normandy butter.
Dessert as "Fallen Branch",. looked like a branch with bark falling away filled with a chocolate grenache on a bed of anglaise and illanke. Followed by a plate of macaroons. Different flavors. Did not note what they were and did not taste because I was so full.
I need a better way of keeping track of what they are serving. I don't want to spend on my time keeping notes and not eating. I am sure some of these descriptions need to edited.
Providence is one of the highest rated restaurants in Los Angeles. You pay for the impeccable service and great food. But once a year is a real treat for me.
It is "Dine in LA Week" again so back to Providence. www.providencela.com . It is the only time I can afford this restaurant. Special dinner set up at $99 plus tax and tip. Got out of here tonight for $180. Had to share the corkage and contribute to the cost of Stan's wine he brought. A 2006 Moet Chandon, Grand Vintage and a 2007 Calera, Selleck Vineyard, Mt. Harlan, Pinot Noir. Both excellent wines.
The restaurant itself seems small and dark but they have numerous dining areas. The bar is small . 6 seats but this is not a place where you go to drink. I did have a cocktail made with kumquats while waiting for our dining companions. It was excellent. But at $14 it should be. Service is beyond what you would expect. Large staff. No one rushes you. They don't start clearing the plates until everyone at the table is finished. It is easy to see why it was given a Michelin 2 star rating.
Their regular menu, which is all "tasting" menus runs from $120 with wine $165, $185 with wine $270, $220 with wine $325. Plus everyone in the party must order the same menu. Corkage is $50 per bottle. So you would only bring a really good wine here. And never bring a wine they have on their wine list.
Again we were offered the "Chef's Table" so we could watch the kitchen staff prepare the plates. Also it is private and quiet. Could seat 5 or 6 in a pinch. And again we received numerous "amuse's" over the set menu.
Started out with a Pisco Bubble. Don't know how they make the bubble but put in your mouth and the bubble melts and the Pisco flows out. Scallop Tacos, diced scallops with wasabi and rice craker in a folded Nasturtium leaf. Then onto crab folded into a very thinly sliced piece of radish set in a crab shell on a bed of ice. A chocolate mousse , topped with bit of cherry pudding , a drop of champagne anglaise on top of a buckwheat round. Black mussel on foccacia toast with wood sorrel mushrooms, herbs and garlic. A black mussel soup with foam served in a small glass. All this followed by the "Cigar Box" Grade 5 Wagu beef wrapped around a buckwheat thin and filled with a sour plum aioli Shaped like a cigar and presented in a an old vintage cigar box.
This was just the amuse's. Now onto dinner which I hope I can finish
Striped Bass Sashimi, pomegranate, ruby red grapefruit, ume.
Nancy's Day Boat Sea Scallop., buckwheat, parsnip and pepitas.
Striped Bass with tiny vegetables no bigger than peas. Carrots, beets, peas, turnips and thin slices of black truffle in a truffle bouillon.
A tray of breads were passed .I really likes the brioche and the seaweed foccacia. All served with Normandy butter.
Dessert as "Fallen Branch",. looked like a branch with bark falling away filled with a chocolate grenache on a bed of anglaise and illanke. Followed by a plate of macaroons. Different flavors. Did not note what they were and did not taste because I was so full.
I need a better way of keeping track of what they are serving. I don't want to spend on my time keeping notes and not eating. I am sure some of these descriptions need to edited.
Providence is one of the highest rated restaurants in Los Angeles. You pay for the impeccable service and great food. But once a year is a real treat for me.
Sunday, January 15, 2017
India Grill
Saturday, January 14, 2017
December was a short month for activities. Had a few people in just before the holiday. Did that instead of my large Christmas Brunch. Time to weed out people that don't reciprocate. So now after the lull it is time to get back with the socialization. Starting with tonight I have 5 events this week. Providence, Seafood Palace, Sterling Wine Dinner at Arte Café, Commuter Tasting at Delius. That will keep me busy. Need to start cutting back but that it is easier to talk about it than do it.
This was Margie's first scheduled dinner of the year. Back to India Grill in Los Alamitos. Large crowd, 21 people and had to split between two tables. I personally don't like these large number of people events. Way to hard to socialize with everyone. Of course there are some people I don't care to socialize with. So maybe it's better to have them separate from me. I may have to re-think my thinking on this one. This was not my best foot forward tonight. Had two bouts of acid reflux close together and it really did me in. I was drained.
We started out with the traditional Samosa's but tonight it seems like everything will taste spicier than normal. Also fried cheese. I did not get a menu at my place setting so I am winging this.
The main dishes staring arriving. The Rogan Josh was very good tonight. Lamb was not too overcooked for me. These ethnic restaurants seem to really overcook meat. Mainly because the meat in their countries is usually poor quality and they have a lot of diseases with their animals. And I like rare meat. Matter or personal taste.
Mango Chicken was brought out. I could not tell the difference in it and the Tiki Masala. My senses are way off tonight. Vegetables Korma tasted good but the Shrimp Chau Chau to me was inedible. It was too spicy.
Garlic Naan and Basmati Rice rounded out the menu. We topped it off with Pistachio Ice Cream with Saffron, Cardamon and nuts.
The wines were a huge mish mash. Majority of them I never saw on the table and did not taste. Margie did not do her "move the wines down the table" tonight. So the wines stayed in place unless you wanted to get up and walk around.
The best wines of the evening that I did get to taste was the wine I brought, a 2009 Pisoni, SLH, Pinot Noir, 2006 Dierberg SMV, Pinot Noir, 2011 Two Hands, Barossa Valley, Shiraz and NV Albrecht, Cremant.
The rest of the group included:
NV Wilson Creek Almond Sparkling - what can I say
2012 Anne de K Alsace, Pinot Gris - not my favorite grape
2012 Cana, Virginia, Cabernet Franc - Decent, nice balance but needed a few more years cellaring
2014 Chateau St. Michelle Riesling - had this wine too many times, did not need to try it again
2015 Boonthing, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir - very light, typical northern California Pinot - nice
2015 Neethlingshot, Pinotage - typical African dirt taste to it - you knew it was a Pinotage - nice
2015 Jadot. Beaujolais - Gamay is not my grape - did not taste
2013 Eveningland, Amity Hills, Pinot Noir - had a very small taste wasn't impressed with it any more that I was my last two Eveningland Wines
2012 Axis Mundi, Blend - did not taste - I know what it is as I have some for every day drinking
2014 Hall, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste
NV Mumm Moulin a Vent Rose - did not taste
2012 Missing Leg, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2013 Swedish Hill, Gewurztraminer - did not taste
2011 Navarro, Gewurztraminer - did not taste
2011 Samsara, Grenache Rose - did not taste
2015 Tablas Creek, Rose - did not taste - I am sure it was cloying sweet like the other Tablas Creek Roses
2009 Chateau Frank, Blanc de Noirs - I am not sure if I tasted this one or not
NV Herzog Blanc de Blanc - nice clean flavor
2014 Hursch, Gerwurztraminer - did not taste
December was a short month for activities. Had a few people in just before the holiday. Did that instead of my large Christmas Brunch. Time to weed out people that don't reciprocate. So now after the lull it is time to get back with the socialization. Starting with tonight I have 5 events this week. Providence, Seafood Palace, Sterling Wine Dinner at Arte Café, Commuter Tasting at Delius. That will keep me busy. Need to start cutting back but that it is easier to talk about it than do it.
This was Margie's first scheduled dinner of the year. Back to India Grill in Los Alamitos. Large crowd, 21 people and had to split between two tables. I personally don't like these large number of people events. Way to hard to socialize with everyone. Of course there are some people I don't care to socialize with. So maybe it's better to have them separate from me. I may have to re-think my thinking on this one. This was not my best foot forward tonight. Had two bouts of acid reflux close together and it really did me in. I was drained.
We started out with the traditional Samosa's but tonight it seems like everything will taste spicier than normal. Also fried cheese. I did not get a menu at my place setting so I am winging this.
The main dishes staring arriving. The Rogan Josh was very good tonight. Lamb was not too overcooked for me. These ethnic restaurants seem to really overcook meat. Mainly because the meat in their countries is usually poor quality and they have a lot of diseases with their animals. And I like rare meat. Matter or personal taste.
Mango Chicken was brought out. I could not tell the difference in it and the Tiki Masala. My senses are way off tonight. Vegetables Korma tasted good but the Shrimp Chau Chau to me was inedible. It was too spicy.
Garlic Naan and Basmati Rice rounded out the menu. We topped it off with Pistachio Ice Cream with Saffron, Cardamon and nuts.
The wines were a huge mish mash. Majority of them I never saw on the table and did not taste. Margie did not do her "move the wines down the table" tonight. So the wines stayed in place unless you wanted to get up and walk around.
The best wines of the evening that I did get to taste was the wine I brought, a 2009 Pisoni, SLH, Pinot Noir, 2006 Dierberg SMV, Pinot Noir, 2011 Two Hands, Barossa Valley, Shiraz and NV Albrecht, Cremant.
The rest of the group included:
NV Wilson Creek Almond Sparkling - what can I say
2012 Anne de K Alsace, Pinot Gris - not my favorite grape
2012 Cana, Virginia, Cabernet Franc - Decent, nice balance but needed a few more years cellaring
2014 Chateau St. Michelle Riesling - had this wine too many times, did not need to try it again
2015 Boonthing, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir - very light, typical northern California Pinot - nice
2015 Neethlingshot, Pinotage - typical African dirt taste to it - you knew it was a Pinotage - nice
2015 Jadot. Beaujolais - Gamay is not my grape - did not taste
2013 Eveningland, Amity Hills, Pinot Noir - had a very small taste wasn't impressed with it any more that I was my last two Eveningland Wines
2012 Axis Mundi, Blend - did not taste - I know what it is as I have some for every day drinking
2014 Hall, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste
NV Mumm Moulin a Vent Rose - did not taste
2012 Missing Leg, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2013 Swedish Hill, Gewurztraminer - did not taste
2011 Navarro, Gewurztraminer - did not taste
2011 Samsara, Grenache Rose - did not taste
2015 Tablas Creek, Rose - did not taste - I am sure it was cloying sweet like the other Tablas Creek Roses
2009 Chateau Frank, Blanc de Noirs - I am not sure if I tasted this one or not
NV Herzog Blanc de Blanc - nice clean flavor
2014 Hursch, Gerwurztraminer - did not taste
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