Sunday, November 18, 2018
Wine Country in Signal Hill held a brunch at Arte Cafe in Cerritos. Wines were from Francois Chidaine. I have had these wines before. They are good and are reasonable in price
We started out with numerous pours of Vouvray Petillant ($20) along with Eggs Benedict with Country Ham. Good flavor to the ham, sauce was good but as normal the damm English Muffin had hard edges to it. This always irritates me with Eggs Benedict. Makes it difficult to cut. I know it's a lot of work for the kitchen to cut the edges but I really wish restaurants would do this. But a nice start to the afternoon.
Second course is a Fresh Diver Scallop with corn and Beurre Blanc sauce. Perfectly cooked scallop, sweet and the corn was awesome. Fresh, small kernels cut off the cob. This was my favorite of the day. A 2016 Chenin Blanc, d'Ailleurs ($19) was the pairing. Good selection for this dish. Wine was crisp without being too acidic. Nice, smooth mouthfeel. Could have another serving of this dish and wine.
Third course is a Arugula Salad with goat cheese, beets, oranges and a Dijon Vinaigrette. The Arugula got pushed to the side but the rest of it was very good. Beets were baby and sweet. One of my favorite Francois Chidaine wines were poured. A 2017 Touraine, Sauvignon Blanc. ($14) This is how a Sau Blanc should taste. Not like cat pee that the New Zealand Sau Blancs seem to favor.
Fourth course is a Braised Short Rib with sliced fennel, potato squares, baby turnips and whole grain mustard sauce. Meat was tender and moist. Sauce was dynamite. I am not a fennel fan but this was braised and had a nice sweet taste to it. Baby turnips were delicate. Another very good dish. Paired with a 2017 Touraine, Rouge. ($14) A Blend of Cabernet Franc, Cot (Malbec) and Pinot d'Aunis. Another good pairing.
Dessert was a Rose Poached Pear with caramel sauce, pistachios and whipped cream. A nice light, refreshing dessert to end the meal.
A very nice Sunday brunch at a reasonable price. Wish Richard would do more of these through the year.
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