Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Two dinners scheduled today by Chianina and Michaels on Naples. Owned by the same person so you would think that scheduling would be better. We opted for dinner at Michaels
tonight. www.michaelsonnaples.com. Better menu and we have done Stags Leap before which is the winery Chianina was featuring. Valentina Abbona who is with Marchesi de Barolo wines in Italy was hosting. She is part of the family. Apparently the town that the winery is there are only 700 people. Probably all family since it is Italy.
Started out with Branzino de Sale. Salt baked Mediterranean sea bass. Very good flavor, fish was moist and cooked perfectly. Unfortunately I had one fish bone in the flesh and another at the table had several. Paired with a 2016 Gavi di Gavi. Wine was perfect with the dish
The Antipasti was Vitello Tonnato which is a roasted and chilled veal loin with tuna sauce and caper berries. The sauce was interesting and really accented the veal loin. The large caper berry on top. One person at the table had never eaten a caper berry before. New experience for them. Similar to a green olive flavor but different texture. A 2016 Barbera D'Alba "Ruvei" was the wine selection. Not you typical rustic wine. I really liked this one. Full, rich and very easy drinking.
Third course is Agnolotti Del Plin, which is a beef stuffed pasta with veal reduction and fried sage. Outstanding flavor and the reduction was rich and loaded with flavor. This was my dish of the night. Wine paired was a 2014 Barbaresco. This wine was a bit on the rustic side. Dark fruit and a bit of spice.
Intermezzo is a Anatra Trio. Liberty Farms duck three ways. roasted breast, confit duck leg and duck neck panzarotto which was similar to a croquette. I liked this dish but it did not hold a candle to the stuffed pasta we just had. Three wines were served. 20121 Barolo "Cannubi", 2011 Barolo, "Coste di Rose" and a 2011 Barolo "Sarmassa". All good but when I got down to just a small amount in each glass and blended them together I was pleasantly surprised at how good that blend was.
Next dish is Brasato Di Manzo. Barolo braised short rib with polenta and escarole. I though the short rib was a bit on the dry side. Good flavor. The polenta was really good, very creamy. Paired with a 2013 Barolo. Excellent wine. Big and bold but soft on the tannins.
Dessert is a Torta Di Nocciola. Hazelnut cake with gianduia gelato. Gelato was outstanding but the cake was a bit dry but have really good favor. The wine is a NV Barolo Chinato. Almost medicinal. I wasn't taken with this wine at all.
Favorites tonight is the beef stuffed pasta and the Barbera wine. Haven't been to Michaels for dinner in quite some time. Ever since he opened Chianina I have preferred their food. But this was such a good dinner I may have to revisit soon.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Villa Maria Wines at Arte Cafe
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Another sold out dinner at Arte Cafe. Food has improved here quite a bit .Villa Maria wine is from New Zealand and Helen Morrison the winemaker was hosting, They did give away 3 bottles for door prizes which is something that Richard insists on for his customers.
Started out with a reception outside in the patio area. They served Octopus Ceviche and Grilled New Zealand mussels with a garlic, shallot butter. Both items were good. The octopus was tender and the the mussels had very good flavor. Not quite as good as the Price Edward Island mussels at the Playground but this was a New Zealand wine dinner so I guess it is best to have their mussels also These tidbits were served with a 2017 Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc. Had a very "limey" taste to it. Was refreshing.
First course is a Home Smoked Scottish Salmon in a butter lettuce cup and an avocado aioli. Salmon had excellent flavor, moist and tender and I really got into that avocado aioli. The lettuce cup was decoration to me. I suppose I could have mixed the salmon with the lettuce for a faux salad but I felt that it was a waste of salmon. Paired with a 2017 Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc. From the Marlborough, Hawkes Bay area. I did like this sau blanc. It was not your typical New Zealand, overly grassy, over acidic and cat pee Sau Blanc.
Next we have a Stuffed Quail with Wild Rice Stuffing, Pinot reduction and a potato puree. The menu said broccoli puree but that is not what we got. I would had preferred a vegetable puree in lieu of potato which to me was bland. Quail was nice. moist, good flavor and no buckshot. I remember cleaning quail and having to really search for the buckshot before cooking. One bite on a piece of metal and your teeth are gone. A 2014 Taylors Pass, Marlborough, Pinot Noir was the wine selection. Hints of dark fruit, a little chocolate. This was my favorite wine of the night. I am partial to Pinots.
Third course is a New Zealand (naturally) Lamb Chop. Three chop cut. with a Chimicuhuri Sauce and Tumeric roasted sweet potatoes and roasted cauliflower. Lamb was excellent, cooked perfectly for me, nice and red . The sauce was very good. I would not have thought to do a chimicuhimi sauce with lamb but it was perfect. The sweet potatoes had really good flavor with the Turmeric, another blending that I would never had thought of. Paired with a 2009 Private Bin Merlot- Cabernet Sauvignon. Nice wine, good structure, velvet in the mouth. Perfect with the lamb.
Dessert is a Fresh Berry parfait infused with Frangelico Hazelnut liqueur. Strawberries and blueberries. Light after a heavy meal.
The bread served tonight was a Foccacia which is a first. Normally it is plain dinner rolls.
Richard seemed to outdo himself on this dinner. Everyone was saying how he upped his game. Hope he keeps it going.
Another sold out dinner at Arte Cafe. Food has improved here quite a bit .Villa Maria wine is from New Zealand and Helen Morrison the winemaker was hosting, They did give away 3 bottles for door prizes which is something that Richard insists on for his customers.
Started out with a reception outside in the patio area. They served Octopus Ceviche and Grilled New Zealand mussels with a garlic, shallot butter. Both items were good. The octopus was tender and the the mussels had very good flavor. Not quite as good as the Price Edward Island mussels at the Playground but this was a New Zealand wine dinner so I guess it is best to have their mussels also These tidbits were served with a 2017 Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc. Had a very "limey" taste to it. Was refreshing.
First course is a Home Smoked Scottish Salmon in a butter lettuce cup and an avocado aioli. Salmon had excellent flavor, moist and tender and I really got into that avocado aioli. The lettuce cup was decoration to me. I suppose I could have mixed the salmon with the lettuce for a faux salad but I felt that it was a waste of salmon. Paired with a 2017 Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc. From the Marlborough, Hawkes Bay area. I did like this sau blanc. It was not your typical New Zealand, overly grassy, over acidic and cat pee Sau Blanc.
Next we have a Stuffed Quail with Wild Rice Stuffing, Pinot reduction and a potato puree. The menu said broccoli puree but that is not what we got. I would had preferred a vegetable puree in lieu of potato which to me was bland. Quail was nice. moist, good flavor and no buckshot. I remember cleaning quail and having to really search for the buckshot before cooking. One bite on a piece of metal and your teeth are gone. A 2014 Taylors Pass, Marlborough, Pinot Noir was the wine selection. Hints of dark fruit, a little chocolate. This was my favorite wine of the night. I am partial to Pinots.
Third course is a New Zealand (naturally) Lamb Chop. Three chop cut. with a Chimicuhuri Sauce and Tumeric roasted sweet potatoes and roasted cauliflower. Lamb was excellent, cooked perfectly for me, nice and red . The sauce was very good. I would not have thought to do a chimicuhimi sauce with lamb but it was perfect. The sweet potatoes had really good flavor with the Turmeric, another blending that I would never had thought of. Paired with a 2009 Private Bin Merlot- Cabernet Sauvignon. Nice wine, good structure, velvet in the mouth. Perfect with the lamb.
Dessert is a Fresh Berry parfait infused with Frangelico Hazelnut liqueur. Strawberries and blueberries. Light after a heavy meal.
The bread served tonight was a Foccacia which is a first. Normally it is plain dinner rolls.
Richard seemed to outdo himself on this dinner. Everyone was saying how he upped his game. Hope he keeps it going.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
French Bistro Dinner at The Playground
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Been many months since I was at the Playground. www.playgrounddtsa.com. At least Jason recognized me when I rushed in. I usually give my self 90 minutes to get to downtown Santa Ana from work. Today was a nightmare. Took me 40 minutes to where it usually takes 20 minutes. Very heavy truck traffic. By really pushing through 3 yellow lights I was able to pick up some time. I was about 12 minutes late getting there. But they were 4 of people that came in later than I did. At least I wasn't holding up the show.
This is a 13 course dinner. Jason took a picture of his working menu for me so I didn't have to continually write everything down. They had an 8:00 dinner tonight also so I couldn't take the menu home. No one knows what they will be eating at the Playground except for the general theme of the dinner. Everything is a surprise. I like it because I do not have to make decisions. Everything is made in house.
We started out with a cocktail made with cognac, vermouth, plum, lemon and sparkling rose wine.
This was so good. I could have drank numerous glasses of it.
Then the housemade brioche bun with housemade butter. They come fresh and straight from the oven. They really have their timing down to a science here.
A salad Lyonnaise was next. Greens with warm bacon vinaigrette , fingerling potatoes confit & chips, azark egg and pickled shallots. To die for. Dressing was not acidic at all . Just a nice warm taste. A 2017 Cassis was paired with this dish.
A roasted baby beet, red & yellow, marinated in shallot oil, Vadouvin aioli, goat cheese, orange, hazelnut, mint. Another dish that I could have eaten a lot of. But you learn to pace yourself at these dinners.
A huge bowl of Price Edward Island Mussels with an absolutely wonderful sauce was set down in front of us. These were the best mussels I have ever had. Tender, succulent and great flavor.
A 2015 Vinealis Pouilly Fume was the next wine poured.
Fish en pappiotte, wild mushrooms (4 kinds), green beans, lemon, thyme and butter. White fish baked in parchment paper. So delicate.
A creamed corn souffle with grueye cheese. Just a large spoonful was enough. It is so rich.
Moules frites, creme fraiche-dijon -white wine sauce, shallot, garlic, chives aioli. French fries never tasted so good.
A 2016 Domaine Y. Clerget, Meursault was the next wine selection.
Melted leeks, garlic sabayon and buckwheat . Unusual combination but again so good.
Grilled pork belly (my favorite) au poivre. Tender and succulent
A Crozes Hermitage was the first red wine. A very nice syrah.
Braised short rib, pommes puree. The potatoes were so smooth and creamy. Loaded with butter. Meat was extremely tender and had such good flavor.
Roasted baby vegetables, carrots, turnips and pearl onions. I was getting full and I knew we had dessert coming so I did pass on this dish.
2007 Chateau Pradeaux Bandol. 10 years in oak before bottling. Still had noticeable tannins.
Now the desserts.
Baked Camembert, apple compote drizzled with salted caramel, A apricot financier drizzled with white chocolate and Pot du creme, raspberries marinated in raspberry syrah and chantily. They make their own syrup. I don't remember much except it is in a plastic bag that they warm the raspberries in and it creates a syrup that they drain off.
Last wine is a 2015 Domiane de la Taille Aux Loups, Montlouis Sur Loire Moelleux. Not overly sweet and paired very well with all the desserts.
I have never had a bad dish here at the Playground. They are stellar cooks and take great pride in putting forth the best food they can. Nothing is ever scrimped regarding quality. This type of dining is not for everyone. If you are picky or have allergies these prix fixe dinners are not for you. Never do they make substitutions. If you fall into that category then there is the main restaurant that you can dine at. You sit at a long bar that seats 18 people on the higher bar stools. They have done a bit of renovation lately but the set up is the same. These are not inexpensive dinners , $175 to $200 but it is inclusive. You purchase a ticket on line. No refunds. If something happens and you cannot attend then give your ticket to someone who can. For what you get, quality, numerous courses and beverages and a good "show" put on by the chefs it is well worth it.
Been many months since I was at the Playground. www.playgrounddtsa.com. At least Jason recognized me when I rushed in. I usually give my self 90 minutes to get to downtown Santa Ana from work. Today was a nightmare. Took me 40 minutes to where it usually takes 20 minutes. Very heavy truck traffic. By really pushing through 3 yellow lights I was able to pick up some time. I was about 12 minutes late getting there. But they were 4 of people that came in later than I did. At least I wasn't holding up the show.
This is a 13 course dinner. Jason took a picture of his working menu for me so I didn't have to continually write everything down. They had an 8:00 dinner tonight also so I couldn't take the menu home. No one knows what they will be eating at the Playground except for the general theme of the dinner. Everything is a surprise. I like it because I do not have to make decisions. Everything is made in house.
We started out with a cocktail made with cognac, vermouth, plum, lemon and sparkling rose wine.
This was so good. I could have drank numerous glasses of it.
Then the housemade brioche bun with housemade butter. They come fresh and straight from the oven. They really have their timing down to a science here.
A salad Lyonnaise was next. Greens with warm bacon vinaigrette , fingerling potatoes confit & chips, azark egg and pickled shallots. To die for. Dressing was not acidic at all . Just a nice warm taste. A 2017 Cassis was paired with this dish.
A roasted baby beet, red & yellow, marinated in shallot oil, Vadouvin aioli, goat cheese, orange, hazelnut, mint. Another dish that I could have eaten a lot of. But you learn to pace yourself at these dinners.
A huge bowl of Price Edward Island Mussels with an absolutely wonderful sauce was set down in front of us. These were the best mussels I have ever had. Tender, succulent and great flavor.
A 2015 Vinealis Pouilly Fume was the next wine poured.
Fish en pappiotte, wild mushrooms (4 kinds), green beans, lemon, thyme and butter. White fish baked in parchment paper. So delicate.
A creamed corn souffle with grueye cheese. Just a large spoonful was enough. It is so rich.
Moules frites, creme fraiche-dijon -white wine sauce, shallot, garlic, chives aioli. French fries never tasted so good.
A 2016 Domaine Y. Clerget, Meursault was the next wine selection.
Melted leeks, garlic sabayon and buckwheat . Unusual combination but again so good.
Grilled pork belly (my favorite) au poivre. Tender and succulent
A Crozes Hermitage was the first red wine. A very nice syrah.
Braised short rib, pommes puree. The potatoes were so smooth and creamy. Loaded with butter. Meat was extremely tender and had such good flavor.
Roasted baby vegetables, carrots, turnips and pearl onions. I was getting full and I knew we had dessert coming so I did pass on this dish.
2007 Chateau Pradeaux Bandol. 10 years in oak before bottling. Still had noticeable tannins.
Now the desserts.
Baked Camembert, apple compote drizzled with salted caramel, A apricot financier drizzled with white chocolate and Pot du creme, raspberries marinated in raspberry syrah and chantily. They make their own syrup. I don't remember much except it is in a plastic bag that they warm the raspberries in and it creates a syrup that they drain off.
Last wine is a 2015 Domiane de la Taille Aux Loups, Montlouis Sur Loire Moelleux. Not overly sweet and paired very well with all the desserts.
I have never had a bad dish here at the Playground. They are stellar cooks and take great pride in putting forth the best food they can. Nothing is ever scrimped regarding quality. This type of dining is not for everyone. If you are picky or have allergies these prix fixe dinners are not for you. Never do they make substitutions. If you fall into that category then there is the main restaurant that you can dine at. You sit at a long bar that seats 18 people on the higher bar stools. They have done a bit of renovation lately but the set up is the same. These are not inexpensive dinners , $175 to $200 but it is inclusive. You purchase a ticket on line. No refunds. If something happens and you cannot attend then give your ticket to someone who can. For what you get, quality, numerous courses and beverages and a good "show" put on by the chefs it is well worth it.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
K'ya Bistro Happy Hour
Monday, September 17, 2018
Took a drive down the coast to meet Susan at the K'ya Bistro in the La Casa del Camino Hotel in Laguna Beach. www.kyabistro.com. Traffic was decent at 4:00 in the afternoon. Took about an hour to get there. The ocean was perfect today, blue and green and not that dingy, dirty color it is at times. Emerald Bay was gorgeous. I have not been down this far on the coast in numerous years. Traffic is usually the biggest issue.
The hotel is very old . At least 60 to 70 years old or more. Mainly a "Spanish" style. Needs a lot of updating. Had a great rooftop bar where you could get hard liquor. The bar downstairs was strictly beer and wine.
Happy hour is from 5:00 to 6:00 everyday. 50% all food purchases. This was Susan's selling point. Very limited wine list. The list in the restaurant was much smaller than the online list. They need to update their website.
I ordered a White Sangria and it was a nice drink. Nothing on the wine list appealed to me.
I started out with Salmon Toast. Two came on the plate. Sourdough toast with a nice thin piece of cured salmon with capers, shallots and Dijon. Also had the obligatory micro greens on top which I proceeded to get rid of. They look good in a picture but a real pain to eat. This was very good but I am sure happy I only ordered one other dish. Very filling.
Next I had Steak Tartare with capers, shallots and Dijon Aioli. Came with 4 small slices of sourdough. The tartare was nice but not spectacular. Nothing wrong with it but. Any way too much bread. Between the salmon toast and this bread it is overkill for me.
For dessert I had a "Bite". One chocolate truffle, about the size of a very large walnut. Too big to handled with your fingers (also messy) bit it was difficult to cut into fork size pieces. It was good but I have had better. Maybe I should have opted for another dessert, Perhaps sorbet.
But the pricing was great. The Sangria was $12. The salmon toast came to $3 and the tartare was $3.50. The "bite" was .50 cents. A real bargain. Too bad it filled me up otherwise I was interested in trying their short rib taco.
Susan outdid me in the food department. She had the Avocado Toast, Warm Brie with berries, almonds and Pita bread, Tapenade with feta garlic and Naan bread, Citrus salad with orange, cranberries, fennel, parmesan cheese, almonds and white balsamic. She topped it with a peanut crunch bite.
It was a trek to drive here. I might do it again but not on heavy traffic days, which leaves out the summer time. I am not much for driving the coast highway too much past Newport blvd. Roads narrow and traffic is obscene.
Took a drive down the coast to meet Susan at the K'ya Bistro in the La Casa del Camino Hotel in Laguna Beach. www.kyabistro.com. Traffic was decent at 4:00 in the afternoon. Took about an hour to get there. The ocean was perfect today, blue and green and not that dingy, dirty color it is at times. Emerald Bay was gorgeous. I have not been down this far on the coast in numerous years. Traffic is usually the biggest issue.
The hotel is very old . At least 60 to 70 years old or more. Mainly a "Spanish" style. Needs a lot of updating. Had a great rooftop bar where you could get hard liquor. The bar downstairs was strictly beer and wine.
Happy hour is from 5:00 to 6:00 everyday. 50% all food purchases. This was Susan's selling point. Very limited wine list. The list in the restaurant was much smaller than the online list. They need to update their website.
I ordered a White Sangria and it was a nice drink. Nothing on the wine list appealed to me.
I started out with Salmon Toast. Two came on the plate. Sourdough toast with a nice thin piece of cured salmon with capers, shallots and Dijon. Also had the obligatory micro greens on top which I proceeded to get rid of. They look good in a picture but a real pain to eat. This was very good but I am sure happy I only ordered one other dish. Very filling.
Next I had Steak Tartare with capers, shallots and Dijon Aioli. Came with 4 small slices of sourdough. The tartare was nice but not spectacular. Nothing wrong with it but. Any way too much bread. Between the salmon toast and this bread it is overkill for me.
For dessert I had a "Bite". One chocolate truffle, about the size of a very large walnut. Too big to handled with your fingers (also messy) bit it was difficult to cut into fork size pieces. It was good but I have had better. Maybe I should have opted for another dessert, Perhaps sorbet.
But the pricing was great. The Sangria was $12. The salmon toast came to $3 and the tartare was $3.50. The "bite" was .50 cents. A real bargain. Too bad it filled me up otherwise I was interested in trying their short rib taco.
Susan outdid me in the food department. She had the Avocado Toast, Warm Brie with berries, almonds and Pita bread, Tapenade with feta garlic and Naan bread, Citrus salad with orange, cranberries, fennel, parmesan cheese, almonds and white balsamic. She topped it with a peanut crunch bite.
It was a trek to drive here. I might do it again but not on heavy traffic days, which leaves out the summer time. I am not much for driving the coast highway too much past Newport blvd. Roads narrow and traffic is obscene.
Friday, September 14, 2018
Italian Wine At Arte Cafe
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Mike Levine from Southern Wines and Spirits was the wine rep tonight. Saw Mike last week at Michael's which was the first time in over a year so we have caught up. Richard the chef/owner at Arte prepared Italian dishes tonight to compliment the wines. Not quite as sold out as the last two dinners but this was a region of wine and not a specific label. People are very influenced by labels and not all the times for the best. But it is what it is.
We started out with a Calamari salad with cranberries and lemon aioli. The greens were brussell sprout leaves. Leaves had been cooked slightly and then blanched to keep the color. I found it a very likable green for a salad. Calamari rings were lightly battered and deep fried and the lemon aioli was very good with a nice tang and diced green apples add a crunchy, slightly sweet element. A very refreshing 2017 Feudi di San Gregorio, Falanghina was paired with the salad. This wine grape originated in Greece. Has a pear, apple note with a bit of spice.
Second course is a Flatbread with spicy Italian sausage, tomatoes and greens. Flavor was good but trying to cut the flatbread was impossible. It also was very awkward to try and pick it up because of the size. So I ate the sausage. A 2015 Feudi di San Gregorio, Rubrato Aglianico was the wine. Went well with the spiciness of the dish. Agliancio is an interesting grape. Black fruits, figs, almost a smoke tinge to it.
Next is a Petite Filet Florentina with Italian roasted purple and white potatoes, green beans, cauliflower and broccoli. Beef was a good cut and had good flavor. Richard redeemed himself with this beef dish. He is not known for doing beef well. Paired with a 2015 Gaja Ca Marcanda Promis, 55% merlot, 35% syrah and 10% sangiovese. A good pairing and the wine had black fruit, licorice and some spice to to it. A young wine but seems to be very well balanced.
Dessert is a version of pecan pie with a raspberry sauce. Not overly sweet. Served with a 2015 Il Poggione, Rosso de Montalcino. Slighty sweet but not overpowering. 100% Sangiovese. This wine is on Wine Spectators 2017 Top Wine list so someone at the table bought it for out tasting later this month.
A good dinner for the price. Next one at Arte Cafe will be Villa Maria. This winery seems to making the rounds of restaurants right now.
Mike Levine from Southern Wines and Spirits was the wine rep tonight. Saw Mike last week at Michael's which was the first time in over a year so we have caught up. Richard the chef/owner at Arte prepared Italian dishes tonight to compliment the wines. Not quite as sold out as the last two dinners but this was a region of wine and not a specific label. People are very influenced by labels and not all the times for the best. But it is what it is.
We started out with a Calamari salad with cranberries and lemon aioli. The greens were brussell sprout leaves. Leaves had been cooked slightly and then blanched to keep the color. I found it a very likable green for a salad. Calamari rings were lightly battered and deep fried and the lemon aioli was very good with a nice tang and diced green apples add a crunchy, slightly sweet element. A very refreshing 2017 Feudi di San Gregorio, Falanghina was paired with the salad. This wine grape originated in Greece. Has a pear, apple note with a bit of spice.
Second course is a Flatbread with spicy Italian sausage, tomatoes and greens. Flavor was good but trying to cut the flatbread was impossible. It also was very awkward to try and pick it up because of the size. So I ate the sausage. A 2015 Feudi di San Gregorio, Rubrato Aglianico was the wine. Went well with the spiciness of the dish. Agliancio is an interesting grape. Black fruits, figs, almost a smoke tinge to it.
Next is a Petite Filet Florentina with Italian roasted purple and white potatoes, green beans, cauliflower and broccoli. Beef was a good cut and had good flavor. Richard redeemed himself with this beef dish. He is not known for doing beef well. Paired with a 2015 Gaja Ca Marcanda Promis, 55% merlot, 35% syrah and 10% sangiovese. A good pairing and the wine had black fruit, licorice and some spice to to it. A young wine but seems to be very well balanced.
Dessert is a version of pecan pie with a raspberry sauce. Not overly sweet. Served with a 2015 Il Poggione, Rosso de Montalcino. Slighty sweet but not overpowering. 100% Sangiovese. This wine is on Wine Spectators 2017 Top Wine list so someone at the table bought it for out tasting later this month.
A good dinner for the price. Next one at Arte Cafe will be Villa Maria. This winery seems to making the rounds of restaurants right now.
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Fuego Restaurant at The Maya
Saturday, September 8, 2018
This was Margie's pick for her September dinner. www.fuegolongbeach.com. We have been here several times before. Always seems to be a change in management so it does become difficult for Margie to have continuity in a relationship with staff. When we got to the restaurant they had us set up at a table that was angled away from the view and in the sun. So what is the point of sitting outside if there is no view. And wine bottles in the sun is a real no no. The staff finally set up another table which was better but not nearly as inviting as the tables we have had in the past.
Weather was perfect for dining al freso. It had been warm during the day but was perfect for the evening.
In order to get a good price it is almost a prix fixe menu. Choice of soup or salad. 3 choices for a main and 2 choices for dessert.. This was set up as $50 per person plus tax and mandatory 18% gratuity for larger groups.
Chips, salsa, bread and butter were in abundance on the table. I refrained from any of it so I would not fill up before dinner.
I selected the salad which was greens with chili dusted pecans, goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes and cilantro (which I do not eat). Fuji apples and a creamy chipotle dressing. Salad was good but half way through eating they are bringing out the mains. It was like they were trying to rush you through dinner. The restaurant was not that busy and a lot of empty tables so I have no reason why the big rush.
I picked the salmon for my main by default. The other choices were chicken which I very rarely order in restaurants. I eat too much at home and for lunches. And flank steak which I am not a big fan of.
The salmon was OK - I don't know if it was wild caught but I would guess it was farm raised. It was moist for the most part, a tad dry in some areas. Quinotto, arugula , citrus zest, roasted almonds ( never saw them) dried cherries (one) parsley, zathar, brussel sprouts, cauliflower and lemon aioli (did not taste the aioli at all) . The dish was OK but nothing to write home about.
Dessert was the saving grace. I chose the Chocolate Trio, rounds of bitter sweet chocolate, milk and white chocolate, stacked with granache icing and raspberry sauce. This was very good.
The food here at Fuego is a take on South American cuisine. For the most part I have been happy with prior selections. Just did not do much for me this year
We had an odd selection of wines. I brought a 2012 Loring, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir which was showing OK, not great like I thought it should be. And a 2014 Tercero, Verbiage Blanc which was a white Rhonde blend. Normally I am not into white rhone grapes but Larry made a really nice wine. It went well with the salad and the salmon. I also had a 2011 Clos Pepe, Sparkling Brut Rose of Pinot Noir but it was about 6 months past prime. I had the waiter dump it.
2013 Frank Family, Carneros, Pinot Noir - nice on the light side as most Carneros Pinots are
2012 Carol Shelton, Zinfandel - new winery for me - ok wine
2012 Terra Noble, Chile Cabernet Sauvignon - can't remember if I tasted this or not
NV Bonaval, Spain, Cava Brut - a nice sparkling, light and refreshing
2017 Longoria, Clover Creek Vineyard, Albarino - this wine was very good - you can never go wrong with a Longoria Albarino.
2011 Tablas Creek, Espitit de Tables - did not taste
2014 Cowhorn, Marsanne/Rousenne blend - did not taste
2015 Mi Jueno, Chardonnay - too much butter
2015 Ken Brown, Sanford & Benedict, Pinot Noir - very good wine but Ken Browns wine always are
NV, 14 Hands, Columbia Valley Brut Rose - again a nice light refreshing sparking
2015 Brooks, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir - typical light Pinot
2016 Cakebread, Napa, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste
This was Margie's pick for her September dinner. www.fuegolongbeach.com. We have been here several times before. Always seems to be a change in management so it does become difficult for Margie to have continuity in a relationship with staff. When we got to the restaurant they had us set up at a table that was angled away from the view and in the sun. So what is the point of sitting outside if there is no view. And wine bottles in the sun is a real no no. The staff finally set up another table which was better but not nearly as inviting as the tables we have had in the past.
Weather was perfect for dining al freso. It had been warm during the day but was perfect for the evening.
In order to get a good price it is almost a prix fixe menu. Choice of soup or salad. 3 choices for a main and 2 choices for dessert.. This was set up as $50 per person plus tax and mandatory 18% gratuity for larger groups.
Chips, salsa, bread and butter were in abundance on the table. I refrained from any of it so I would not fill up before dinner.
I selected the salad which was greens with chili dusted pecans, goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes and cilantro (which I do not eat). Fuji apples and a creamy chipotle dressing. Salad was good but half way through eating they are bringing out the mains. It was like they were trying to rush you through dinner. The restaurant was not that busy and a lot of empty tables so I have no reason why the big rush.
I picked the salmon for my main by default. The other choices were chicken which I very rarely order in restaurants. I eat too much at home and for lunches. And flank steak which I am not a big fan of.
The salmon was OK - I don't know if it was wild caught but I would guess it was farm raised. It was moist for the most part, a tad dry in some areas. Quinotto, arugula , citrus zest, roasted almonds ( never saw them) dried cherries (one) parsley, zathar, brussel sprouts, cauliflower and lemon aioli (did not taste the aioli at all) . The dish was OK but nothing to write home about.
Dessert was the saving grace. I chose the Chocolate Trio, rounds of bitter sweet chocolate, milk and white chocolate, stacked with granache icing and raspberry sauce. This was very good.
The food here at Fuego is a take on South American cuisine. For the most part I have been happy with prior selections. Just did not do much for me this year
We had an odd selection of wines. I brought a 2012 Loring, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir which was showing OK, not great like I thought it should be. And a 2014 Tercero, Verbiage Blanc which was a white Rhonde blend. Normally I am not into white rhone grapes but Larry made a really nice wine. It went well with the salad and the salmon. I also had a 2011 Clos Pepe, Sparkling Brut Rose of Pinot Noir but it was about 6 months past prime. I had the waiter dump it.
2013 Frank Family, Carneros, Pinot Noir - nice on the light side as most Carneros Pinots are
2012 Carol Shelton, Zinfandel - new winery for me - ok wine
2012 Terra Noble, Chile Cabernet Sauvignon - can't remember if I tasted this or not
NV Bonaval, Spain, Cava Brut - a nice sparkling, light and refreshing
2017 Longoria, Clover Creek Vineyard, Albarino - this wine was very good - you can never go wrong with a Longoria Albarino.
2011 Tablas Creek, Espitit de Tables - did not taste
2014 Cowhorn, Marsanne/Rousenne blend - did not taste
2015 Mi Jueno, Chardonnay - too much butter
2015 Ken Brown, Sanford & Benedict, Pinot Noir - very good wine but Ken Browns wine always are
NV, 14 Hands, Columbia Valley Brut Rose - again a nice light refreshing sparking
2015 Brooks, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir - typical light Pinot
2016 Cakebread, Napa, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste
Monday, September 3, 2018
Lunch at Seafood Palace
Monday, September 3, 2018
Busy day today at the Seafood Palace. www.seafoodpalacerestaurant.com. Holiday lunch crowd. Only 4 of us today but we had a really obscene time.
Started out with the spicy sour soup. Not much spice today. Must be a different chef.
A dish of sautéed white fish with garlic green beans was our first selection. White fish was very succulent and just the right amount of garlic on the beans.
Next we had garlic scallops. Lightly breaded and deep fried. Scallops were cooked perfectly.
Henrys favorite dish, fat noodles with beef and vegetables. Always a hit
New dish for us at the Seafood Palace. Orange beef. Nice tender pieces of fried beef with orange peel. I really liked this dish. Just the right amount of orange flavor. We will be ordering this again.
Last dish was Honey Walnut Shrimp. Shrimp were very succulent and tender. Nice amount of honey sauce with the candied walnuts. Some of the best Honey Walnut Shrimp around. Large shrimp and loads of sauce.
I brought a 2010 Pisoni, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir. Good wine. Will go several more years. I also brought the leftover bottle of 2014 Tercero Outlier that I took to Nayada Saturday night.
Other wines were a 2016 Lucien Crochet Sancerre. Someone else brought this same wine to Saturday night. It went beautifully with the seafood. 2014 Stolpman, Ballard Canton Estate Syrah. This is the flagship wine of Stolpman Vineyards and always a winner. 2014 Black Stallion, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. Good wine but I am not familiar with the winery nor am I a Cab fan.
Busy day today at the Seafood Palace. www.seafoodpalacerestaurant.com. Holiday lunch crowd. Only 4 of us today but we had a really obscene time.
Started out with the spicy sour soup. Not much spice today. Must be a different chef.
A dish of sautéed white fish with garlic green beans was our first selection. White fish was very succulent and just the right amount of garlic on the beans.
Next we had garlic scallops. Lightly breaded and deep fried. Scallops were cooked perfectly.
Henrys favorite dish, fat noodles with beef and vegetables. Always a hit
New dish for us at the Seafood Palace. Orange beef. Nice tender pieces of fried beef with orange peel. I really liked this dish. Just the right amount of orange flavor. We will be ordering this again.
Last dish was Honey Walnut Shrimp. Shrimp were very succulent and tender. Nice amount of honey sauce with the candied walnuts. Some of the best Honey Walnut Shrimp around. Large shrimp and loads of sauce.
I brought a 2010 Pisoni, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir. Good wine. Will go several more years. I also brought the leftover bottle of 2014 Tercero Outlier that I took to Nayada Saturday night.
Other wines were a 2016 Lucien Crochet Sancerre. Someone else brought this same wine to Saturday night. It went beautifully with the seafood. 2014 Stolpman, Ballard Canton Estate Syrah. This is the flagship wine of Stolpman Vineyards and always a winner. 2014 Black Stallion, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. Good wine but I am not familiar with the winery nor am I a Cab fan.
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Nayada Thai Restaurant
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Have not been to Nayada in quite awhile. Seven of us tonight - mixed group. No set menu so it was a free for all in ordering. I just went with the flow. I will say I was disappointed in several of the dishes. Not sure if it was the quality of the food or the dishes selected. I found that I preferred the selection of appetizers over the main dishes and they were not all my favorites either
We started out with Garlic Wings which were very good. and Deep Fried Calamari. These to me were the best of night. The Spring Rolls are all veggies but way too much cucumber and lettuce for me. I had two bites out of mine and left it. Golden Bags which is pastry filled with a pork mixture and deep fried. OK but. Fried tofu - small sticks of tofu deep fried, too small so you did not get the good taste of the tofu. The last three did nothing for me.
Bear in mind there are numerous people ordering the mains.
Crab Fried Rice - I personally though it was awful. I found it dry, no flavor and the crab tasted old to me.
Beef with noodles and vegetables - again not a memorable dish - nothing bad but nothing really good.
Scallops with vegetable - scallops were tender and decent flavor but all these vegetables seem to be coming out of the same pot.
Then there was a dish of "Vegetables" which had way to much "heat" for me. The burn from it lasts way to long. I had one bite and that threw my palate off. And besides we had vegetables with two other dishes.
Apparently there was a dish of yellow curry - it never got to me - I did see it in someone's hands at one time .
I fill up fast at my advance age so I wasn't hungry after the appetizers so having mediocre food didn't make much difference to me. But this dinner was not the best I have had a Nayada. I don't think it was the restaurant as much as the selections people made. Everything was too much alike. And I really missed the deep fried catfish and the Tom Yum Soup. I supposed I could have ordered those dishes but we had enough food that leftovers were taken home.
The wines brought seemed to be all over the place also.
I brought a NV Bernard Bremont, Ambonnay Brut, Grand Cru. It was going downhill. Still barely drinkable. I need to start culling out my older sparklings and whites. I also brought a 2014 Tercero, Outlier, a dry Gerwurztraimer. This wine always pairs well with spicy food.
2016 Lucien Crochet Sancerre - very good
2014 Domaine Schlumberger, Alsace, Grand Cru Riesling - very good
2016 Ried Mohlberg, Austria, Gruner Veltliner - very good
2012 Martinelli, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir - very good
NV Celebration, France, Brut Sparkling - very good
Orlana, Portugal, Rose - not my favorite - way to " strawberry fields forever " sweet for me
2015 Ferrari-Carrano, Siena (red blend) - not impressed
The hit of the evening was a 1992 Bollinger, Grand Annee, Brut Champagne - excellent wine
Have not been to Nayada in quite awhile. Seven of us tonight - mixed group. No set menu so it was a free for all in ordering. I just went with the flow. I will say I was disappointed in several of the dishes. Not sure if it was the quality of the food or the dishes selected. I found that I preferred the selection of appetizers over the main dishes and they were not all my favorites either
We started out with Garlic Wings which were very good. and Deep Fried Calamari. These to me were the best of night. The Spring Rolls are all veggies but way too much cucumber and lettuce for me. I had two bites out of mine and left it. Golden Bags which is pastry filled with a pork mixture and deep fried. OK but. Fried tofu - small sticks of tofu deep fried, too small so you did not get the good taste of the tofu. The last three did nothing for me.
Bear in mind there are numerous people ordering the mains.
Crab Fried Rice - I personally though it was awful. I found it dry, no flavor and the crab tasted old to me.
Beef with noodles and vegetables - again not a memorable dish - nothing bad but nothing really good.
Scallops with vegetable - scallops were tender and decent flavor but all these vegetables seem to be coming out of the same pot.
Then there was a dish of "Vegetables" which had way to much "heat" for me. The burn from it lasts way to long. I had one bite and that threw my palate off. And besides we had vegetables with two other dishes.
Apparently there was a dish of yellow curry - it never got to me - I did see it in someone's hands at one time .
I fill up fast at my advance age so I wasn't hungry after the appetizers so having mediocre food didn't make much difference to me. But this dinner was not the best I have had a Nayada. I don't think it was the restaurant as much as the selections people made. Everything was too much alike. And I really missed the deep fried catfish and the Tom Yum Soup. I supposed I could have ordered those dishes but we had enough food that leftovers were taken home.
The wines brought seemed to be all over the place also.
I brought a NV Bernard Bremont, Ambonnay Brut, Grand Cru. It was going downhill. Still barely drinkable. I need to start culling out my older sparklings and whites. I also brought a 2014 Tercero, Outlier, a dry Gerwurztraimer. This wine always pairs well with spicy food.
2016 Lucien Crochet Sancerre - very good
2014 Domaine Schlumberger, Alsace, Grand Cru Riesling - very good
2016 Ried Mohlberg, Austria, Gruner Veltliner - very good
2012 Martinelli, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir - very good
NV Celebration, France, Brut Sparkling - very good
Orlana, Portugal, Rose - not my favorite - way to " strawberry fields forever " sweet for me
2015 Ferrari-Carrano, Siena (red blend) - not impressed
The hit of the evening was a 1992 Bollinger, Grand Annee, Brut Champagne - excellent wine
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