Torres Wines at Arte Cafe

Thursday, May 10, 2018

This is the third Torres Wine dinner I have done at Arte Cafe in Cerritos.  The rep from Spain recognized us when we first sat down and came over.   He then brought over the winemaker Xavier Rubires Ferrer to talk with us for awhile.  The winery  were first owned by Jean Leon who on his 8th stow away try got into the US.  Then after working odd jobs he accumulated enough to open a restaurant in Beverly Hills.  He  founded "La Scala" with his friend James Dean.  Upon Jean Leon's death the Torres family bought the winery in Spain.

Arte Cafe was packed tonight. This seems to be a popular winery with the patrons. Live music and a  celebration as one of the wine reps birthday was today. Lots of singing, music and noise.

We started out with multiple pours of the Jean Leon Rose 3055. 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Very light. Then the appetizer showed up. Prosciutto with Melon and then multiple pours of the Jean Leon Chardonnay 3055.  They ply us with the cheaper wines and when the reds show up the pours are not so numerous but they still give you multiple pours.

First course is a Jean Leon "Original La Scala" chopped salad. Dressing was very good  Had Rose and Chardonnay left to pair with this dish.

Second course is a Braised Duck Leg with Cannellini beans and Torres Brandy sauce. Duck had good flavor but I really was turned off by the skin. It was not crisp, just sat there flabby and unappealing. The Cannellini beans were very "al dente". Did not eat mine. Wine with this dish was a 2015 Cinco Granachas. Nice wine , light and went well with the duck.

Next was Albondigas con Patatas bravas. Spanish meatballs of veal and beef, tomato veal sauce, fried potatoes with a roasted tomato Aioli.  A very good dish and the wine was the one I liked best for the evening. A 2014 Torres Salmos, Red Blend, Priorat. 

Dessert was Miguelitos de Chocolate decadent chocolate mousse sandwiched between puff pastry. Served with Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro. I managed to snag two glasses of this wine

We also were served a piece of birthday cake.

All in all a decent dinner, a few flaws but for the price point I was happy. Lots of wine, festive occasion and at the next table was Clyde who I had not seen in awhile.  A good evening.