The Depot and Tercero Wines

Friday, February 9, 2018

Larry Schaffer, owner and winemaker at Tercero Wines  teamed up with Chef Shafer of The Depot in Torrance for a dinner tonight. Reception began at 6:30 with passed appetizers of Ahi Tuna Tartare, Fried Oysters and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.  After numerous appetizers I could had called it quits. All were very good and the restaurant was very generous in the number they served you.   two wines were poured a 2014 Grenache Blanc and the 2013 Mouvedre Rose.

We seated in the back room which looks like a converted patio area from the original train depot. Cold and drafty and very, very noisy. Open seating but they did manage to get a small table for the 3 of us so we could sit together.

Next was a Shrimp and Kimchee Fried Rice. Served in a small Chinese take out box.  Shrimp were very tender and the rice was very good.  Paired with a 2014 Thhe Outlier, dry Gewurztraimer. This wine lends itself to spicy food. But what the winery has is the last of it as the vineyards were pulled and another variety planted.

A salad of beets, avocado,  mango, Meyer Lemon Oil and goat cheese was the hit of the evening. Loads of flavor. I was surprise that a 2013 Mouvedre  was paired with it. The wine is big. seemed to go ok with the dish. Not sure what else I might have paired with the beets.

Main course was Grilled Hanger Steak with braised onions, loads of mushrooms and brussel sprouts.  I felt the steak was a bit on the "tough" side. Hard to cut and chewy.  Not much flavor to it.   A 2013 Larner Syrah was the choice of wine.  Very nice syrah.

A trio of 3 desserts was set down. All good but it was overkill. 

I was glad to get into my quiet car for the drive home.  The dining area was so noisy. Some of the main dining area could have been used as they were not that busy tonight.