Saturday, December 22, 2018
Small, private dinner at Greg's "Chez Lomita" abode. 9 of us tonight for what seems to be an annual event.
We started out with a Lobster Bisque and that was followed by appetizers of Seared Ahi with citrus soy sauce, Scallops wrapped in bacon and Mini Brie en Croute. This was accompanied with a magnum of 2009 Louis Brion Brut Champagne and a 1996 H. Billiot Fils, Millesime Champagne . Any champagne lover was in nirvana.
For the entrée we were served Chateaubriand with Bernaise sauce, mashed and roasted potatoes, roasted brussel sprouts, grilled cauliflower, baby carrots and mushrooms in peppercorn sauce. This was followed by a cheese course which I did not have any of because at that point I could not eat another bite.
The red wines that were consumed with the entrée course were a real mixed bag. Everyone was exceptionally good.
2003 Du Cru - Beaucaillo, Grand Cru Classic, St Julian
2003 Bennett Family, The Reserve, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Chateau Gruard Larose, St Julian
2003 Chateau de Maison Neuve, Michal Goudroy, Montagne, Saint Emilion
2005 BV, Georges de Latour, Private Reserve, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
???? Tobin James, Silver Reserve, Paso Robles, Syrah
2014 Niner Estate, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 Rodney Strong Symmetry, Alexander Valley, Blend
2009 Stolpman, Ballard Canyon, Angeli
Desserts were served, Chocolate Fudge Lava Cakes and French Apple Bread Pudding, I ate half of a lava cake. I am saturated with food at this point. These were accompanied by a 2002 Williams Selyem, Mistral Port and a 2008 Chateau Reiusse, Grand Cru Sauterne.
Good dinner, great wines and great company to end the holiday season one more dinner and lunch to attend in December and then on to the new year and new dining adventures. In January 2019 is Dine in LA week. Have made reservations for Providence, Spago and The Bazaar by Jose Andres . A Harvey Wallbanger soiree. And there is Margie's monthly wine dinner. January will be India Grill. No indications yet on what Michaels, Chianina , Taste and Arte Café are scheduling for 2019. February will bring the "Road Trip" Italy at the Playground. And people wonder why I don't retire.
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Starmont Wines at Arte Cafe
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Arte Cafe in Cerritos Town Center hosted another wine dinner. They do try for once a month. This months winery was Starmont which is a sub label of Merryvale. The restaurant was decorated for the holidays and a very large decorated tree was out in the "plaza" area A good crowd of people tonight buit not sold out. Probably too close to the holidays and people are shopping. I do my gig early so I can enjoy the extras that come with the season
Tables were set with the standard white tablecloths but bright red napkins in lieu of the normal white. Just added to the festive vibe.
We started out with a battered calamari and lemon aioli. Aioli was good.and the calamari was tender. Paired with a 2016 Starmont, Carneros, Sauvignon Blanc. A decent, crispy Sau Blanc. But a bit too acidic for my personal tastes. As is the "custom" several glasses of white are always poured. Not so much for the reds.
Second course set before us is a Seared rare Ahi Tuna with candied walnuts and heart of butter lettuce. Ahi had great flavor, was cooked perfectly. The butter lettuce was good but a tablespoon of dressing is not much for such a large serving. A 2015 Starmont, Carneros, Chardonnay was the wine. Oaky, Oaky Oaky. So much wood. Gave my glass away. This is a personnel thing with me. I just cannot handle, oak, vanilla, butterscotch in my white wine. Destroys the whole experience for me. Only if I have dish that has lots of fat, butter or cream in it will I drink an oaky chard. This Ahi was great but the pairing was not.
Main course is a slice prime rib with Brie toast, potatoes, squash, brussels sprouts and baby turnips. Finally a beef dish that is not cremated. Mine was actually medium rare. Richard is great with seafood, duck, lamb but on beef he usually overcooks it. Heavy salt on the crust. Paired with a Starmont, Carneros, Merlot. Decent wine but I just was not overly taken with it.
Dessert is a Chocolate Mousse cake with almonds. Very light, deep, dark chocolate. A nice end to a meal. Not heavy but very rich. A 2016 Starmont, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon was the selection. Again a decent wine but I found it to be lack luster. Could get some chocolate and toast out of it but absolutely no tannins. I considered it a weak wine. For a 2016 it should have drunk very different.
But these wines are a second label and not expensive so you can't expect too much from them. The dinner price is $49 including wine. So a bargain in todays market. Had good converstaion with numerous people I knew that attended also. The wine rep, Dina gave away numerous gifts. Chopsticks, canned wine ( I got Pinot Grigio) and they had a lot of raffle prizes. I did win a bottle of chardonnay which I gave away. Chardonnay is not my favorite white grape and I do prefer Chablis in lieu of California Chard's. But a good time was had by all - nice to have some cheer in the season with so much discontent going on around us.
Arte Cafe in Cerritos Town Center hosted another wine dinner. They do try for once a month. This months winery was Starmont which is a sub label of Merryvale. The restaurant was decorated for the holidays and a very large decorated tree was out in the "plaza" area A good crowd of people tonight buit not sold out. Probably too close to the holidays and people are shopping. I do my gig early so I can enjoy the extras that come with the season
Tables were set with the standard white tablecloths but bright red napkins in lieu of the normal white. Just added to the festive vibe.
We started out with a battered calamari and lemon aioli. Aioli was good.and the calamari was tender. Paired with a 2016 Starmont, Carneros, Sauvignon Blanc. A decent, crispy Sau Blanc. But a bit too acidic for my personal tastes. As is the "custom" several glasses of white are always poured. Not so much for the reds.
Second course set before us is a Seared rare Ahi Tuna with candied walnuts and heart of butter lettuce. Ahi had great flavor, was cooked perfectly. The butter lettuce was good but a tablespoon of dressing is not much for such a large serving. A 2015 Starmont, Carneros, Chardonnay was the wine. Oaky, Oaky Oaky. So much wood. Gave my glass away. This is a personnel thing with me. I just cannot handle, oak, vanilla, butterscotch in my white wine. Destroys the whole experience for me. Only if I have dish that has lots of fat, butter or cream in it will I drink an oaky chard. This Ahi was great but the pairing was not.
Main course is a slice prime rib with Brie toast, potatoes, squash, brussels sprouts and baby turnips. Finally a beef dish that is not cremated. Mine was actually medium rare. Richard is great with seafood, duck, lamb but on beef he usually overcooks it. Heavy salt on the crust. Paired with a Starmont, Carneros, Merlot. Decent wine but I just was not overly taken with it.
Dessert is a Chocolate Mousse cake with almonds. Very light, deep, dark chocolate. A nice end to a meal. Not heavy but very rich. A 2016 Starmont, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon was the selection. Again a decent wine but I found it to be lack luster. Could get some chocolate and toast out of it but absolutely no tannins. I considered it a weak wine. For a 2016 it should have drunk very different.
But these wines are a second label and not expensive so you can't expect too much from them. The dinner price is $49 including wine. So a bargain in todays market. Had good converstaion with numerous people I knew that attended also. The wine rep, Dina gave away numerous gifts. Chopsticks, canned wine ( I got Pinot Grigio) and they had a lot of raffle prizes. I did win a bottle of chardonnay which I gave away. Chardonnay is not my favorite white grape and I do prefer Chablis in lieu of California Chard's. But a good time was had by all - nice to have some cheer in the season with so much discontent going on around us.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Stone-Fire Grill
Saturday. December 8, 2018
My first foray into a Stone-Fire Grill. I will say I was surprised at the quality of the food. I had ordered the Branzino which was cooked correctly and had tons of flavor. Several in the group had salmon which they all raved about and the rest of them seemed to lean towards the tri tip.
Only issue with me was the concrete floors and metal chairs. But it is semi fast food so not much ambiance. But prices were reasonable and quality was good.
Odd selection of wines tonight but some really good ones. Seemed off to be drinking really quality wines at a fast food venue but it worked. All the wines were very good and it was interesting to try the mix.
2000 Chateau Grand Mayne, Saint-Emlion Grand Cru
2008 Laetitia, Clone 667, Pinot Noir
2003 Renwood, Grandpere, Zinfandel
2010 Ravens Wood, Old Hill, Zinfandel
NV Marc Herbrart, Brut
2010 Thomas George, Zinfandel
3012 Clos Pepe, Pinot Noir
2013 Clos Pepe, Barrel Fermented, Chardonnay.
My first foray into a Stone-Fire Grill. I will say I was surprised at the quality of the food. I had ordered the Branzino which was cooked correctly and had tons of flavor. Several in the group had salmon which they all raved about and the rest of them seemed to lean towards the tri tip.
Only issue with me was the concrete floors and metal chairs. But it is semi fast food so not much ambiance. But prices were reasonable and quality was good.
Odd selection of wines tonight but some really good ones. Seemed off to be drinking really quality wines at a fast food venue but it worked. All the wines were very good and it was interesting to try the mix.
2000 Chateau Grand Mayne, Saint-Emlion Grand Cru
2008 Laetitia, Clone 667, Pinot Noir
2003 Renwood, Grandpere, Zinfandel
2010 Ravens Wood, Old Hill, Zinfandel
NV Marc Herbrart, Brut
2010 Thomas George, Zinfandel
3012 Clos Pepe, Pinot Noir
2013 Clos Pepe, Barrel Fermented, Chardonnay.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Table 301 Bistro Open House
Monday, December 3, 2018
Table 301 Bistro in downtown Long Beach had their open house today. www.table301bistro.com. This is a new venture for Dave and Louise who owned Delius restaurant for 23 years . Sits right at the edge of the Promenade. Very eclectic and geared to the newer generation of foodies. Bar has windows that open so those outside on the patio area can order and be served drinks. A large open outside area with a large firepit and overhead heating sits at the back. This is where they will have live music.
Open house was limited to 200 people and it was filled. They served a small cocktail and passed appetizers all evening. Toward the end they started serving desserts,
Food was good after a real shaky start when they first opened. Problems with the chefs and quality. They seemed to have worked the bugs out and it should be a successful run for them. Everything we were served tonight was good. Especially liked their mushroom pizza. They have a wood burning pizza over in the kitchen which you can see through the windows.
Will be going back soon for either brunch or perhaps an early dinner. At my age I am not into noise that the newer generations seems to take in stride.
Table 301 Bistro is a good addition to the downtown area. I just wish Long Beach would do more to upgrade the whole downtown. City fathers seem to be lacking in some foresight. All they seem to be interested in is raking in the parking revenue.
So congrats to Dave and Louise and hope your run with Table 301 is as successful as the 23 years of Delius.
Table 301 Bistro in downtown Long Beach had their open house today. www.table301bistro.com. This is a new venture for Dave and Louise who owned Delius restaurant for 23 years . Sits right at the edge of the Promenade. Very eclectic and geared to the newer generation of foodies. Bar has windows that open so those outside on the patio area can order and be served drinks. A large open outside area with a large firepit and overhead heating sits at the back. This is where they will have live music.
Open house was limited to 200 people and it was filled. They served a small cocktail and passed appetizers all evening. Toward the end they started serving desserts,
Food was good after a real shaky start when they first opened. Problems with the chefs and quality. They seemed to have worked the bugs out and it should be a successful run for them. Everything we were served tonight was good. Especially liked their mushroom pizza. They have a wood burning pizza over in the kitchen which you can see through the windows.
Will be going back soon for either brunch or perhaps an early dinner. At my age I am not into noise that the newer generations seems to take in stride.
Table 301 Bistro is a good addition to the downtown area. I just wish Long Beach would do more to upgrade the whole downtown. City fathers seem to be lacking in some foresight. All they seem to be interested in is raking in the parking revenue.
So congrats to Dave and Louise and hope your run with Table 301 is as successful as the 23 years of Delius.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Champagne Fest at Wine House
Sunday, December 2, 2018
This was the Wine House in Los Angeles annual Champagne Fest. I have gone several years in a row and have always got the VIP entrance ticket, Pay more but gives you a head start on the higher end Champagnes. A total of 90 Champagnes were poured today. I did taste 26 of them. I made a point of eating something after every pour otherwise I would not have walked out of there.
Lots of very good appetizers were being passed around along with tables full of cheeses and meats.
The most expensive wine was a 2007 Salon "Le Mesnil" Grand Cru, Blanc de Blanc. At $525 it was a total disappointment to me . Had a 94/96 rating but it was lost on me.
I took some notes but after a bit I stopped so I will list the ones I tasted without any comments.
2006 Paul Bara, Comtese Marie de France Brut - $130\NV Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Extra Brut 1er Cru - $ 55
NV Marc Hebart Brut "Cuvee de Reserve" Premier Cru Cuis - $ 46
NV Rene Geoffory Champagne Brut Premier Cru Saignee Rose - $ 65
NV Vilmart Cuvee Rubis Brut Rose - $ 88
2010 Miniere F & R Champagne Brut Zero - $ 75
NV Dhondt Grellet Le Duo Brut Rose 1st Cru - $ 63
NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve - $ 50 - 91/92
2009 Dom Perignon Brut - $ 170 - 96/98
2006 Le Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot Brut - $ 150 - 94
NV Krug Brut "Grand Reserve" 166th Edition - $159 - 95/96
2005 Henriot Cuvee Hemera Tete de Cuvee Brut - $ 180 - 97
NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Grand Siecle - $ 130 - 93/97
NV Palmer Blanc de Blanc - $ 84
2008 Cristal by Louis Roederer Brut - $ 249 - 100/97
2008 Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs - $ 110 - 94/95
2006 Pol Roger Brut Sir Winston Churchill - $225 - 95 - This I liked the best
2013 Hure Freres 4 Elements Meunier - $88
2006 Charles Heidseick Vintahe BNrut Rose - $ 130 - 94
NV Bollinger Brut "Special Cuvee" (magnum) $170 - 93
2007 Bollinger Brut Grande Annee - $125 - 93/94
2008 Delamotte Brut Blanc de Blancs - $ 90 - 93
NV Claude Cazals Cuvee Vive Blanc de Bklancs Estra Brut Grand Cru - $ 70
2006 Clos Cazala Blanc de Blancs Estra Brut Grand Cru Vielles Vignes - $ 136
This was the Wine House in Los Angeles annual Champagne Fest. I have gone several years in a row and have always got the VIP entrance ticket, Pay more but gives you a head start on the higher end Champagnes. A total of 90 Champagnes were poured today. I did taste 26 of them. I made a point of eating something after every pour otherwise I would not have walked out of there.
Lots of very good appetizers were being passed around along with tables full of cheeses and meats.
The most expensive wine was a 2007 Salon "Le Mesnil" Grand Cru, Blanc de Blanc. At $525 it was a total disappointment to me . Had a 94/96 rating but it was lost on me.
I took some notes but after a bit I stopped so I will list the ones I tasted without any comments.
2006 Paul Bara, Comtese Marie de France Brut - $130\NV Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Extra Brut 1er Cru - $ 55
NV Marc Hebart Brut "Cuvee de Reserve" Premier Cru Cuis - $ 46
NV Rene Geoffory Champagne Brut Premier Cru Saignee Rose - $ 65
NV Vilmart Cuvee Rubis Brut Rose - $ 88
2010 Miniere F & R Champagne Brut Zero - $ 75
NV Dhondt Grellet Le Duo Brut Rose 1st Cru - $ 63
NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve - $ 50 - 91/92
2009 Dom Perignon Brut - $ 170 - 96/98
2006 Le Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot Brut - $ 150 - 94
NV Krug Brut "Grand Reserve" 166th Edition - $159 - 95/96
2005 Henriot Cuvee Hemera Tete de Cuvee Brut - $ 180 - 97
NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Grand Siecle - $ 130 - 93/97
NV Palmer Blanc de Blanc - $ 84
2008 Cristal by Louis Roederer Brut - $ 249 - 100/97
2008 Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs - $ 110 - 94/95
2006 Pol Roger Brut Sir Winston Churchill - $225 - 95 - This I liked the best
2013 Hure Freres 4 Elements Meunier - $88
2006 Charles Heidseick Vintahe BNrut Rose - $ 130 - 94
NV Bollinger Brut "Special Cuvee" (magnum) $170 - 93
2007 Bollinger Brut Grande Annee - $125 - 93/94
2008 Delamotte Brut Blanc de Blancs - $ 90 - 93
NV Claude Cazals Cuvee Vive Blanc de Bklancs Estra Brut Grand Cru - $ 70
2006 Clos Cazala Blanc de Blancs Estra Brut Grand Cru Vielles Vignes - $ 136
Holiday Dinner at The Silver Trumpet
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Margie's December dinner was at the Silver Trumpet restaurant in the Avenue of The Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa. www.silvertrumpetrestaurant.com. Dinner was held in a private dining area that was decorated beautifully for the holidays.
A nice menu with reasonable prices for a hotel. That was a surprise. Several people opted for the "prix fixe" dinner. I had the Scallops for the main course and they were cooked perfectly. Came on a bed of pea puree with mushrooms and hearts of palm. For dessert which I did not need was a Chocolate Pistachio Mousse which after eating I decided I really did need it.
We had a small gift exchange which Margie put a $20 limit on. That stopped me from gifting a bottle from my cellar.
A eclectic variety of wines were brought. I did taste most of them. That being said I preferred my Clos Pepe and the Kosta Browne Pinots over the rest of the wines.
2011 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir - excellent
2014 Addendum, Rutherford, Skellenger Lane, Cabernet Sauvignon - nice
2015 Dusky Goose, Willamette Valley, Chardonnay - nice wine, I did like it
NV Laguna Canyon, Brut, CA Sparkling - too sweet for me
2013 Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon - was not impressed
2014 Kosta Brow, Gulisti Ranch, Russian River, Pinot Noir - very good
2012 Two Hands, Bella's Garden, Barossa Valley, Shiraz - typical aussie fruity wine
2012 Williams Selyem, Drake Estate Vineyard, Russian River Valley Brut Blanc de Noirs - ok but not my style
NV Rombauer Vineyards, Napa Valley, Zinfandel port style - good - not too sweet but had a richness to it
2013 Blair, Arroyo Secco, Pinot Noir - I was not impressed at all. Thought it was non dimensional. It apparently won a gold medal at the 2018 OC Fair.
2006 Lancaster Estate, Alexander Valley, Nicole's , Red Blend. I did like this wine. Iyt was well balanced and had something going for it.
2013 Morlet, Sonoma Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. Not overly impressed. I think it needs more cellaring. It did open up after a bit of time and being more palatable. Be interesting to try in a couple more years.
Margie's December dinner was at the Silver Trumpet restaurant in the Avenue of The Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa. www.silvertrumpetrestaurant.com. Dinner was held in a private dining area that was decorated beautifully for the holidays.
A nice menu with reasonable prices for a hotel. That was a surprise. Several people opted for the "prix fixe" dinner. I had the Scallops for the main course and they were cooked perfectly. Came on a bed of pea puree with mushrooms and hearts of palm. For dessert which I did not need was a Chocolate Pistachio Mousse which after eating I decided I really did need it.
We had a small gift exchange which Margie put a $20 limit on. That stopped me from gifting a bottle from my cellar.
A eclectic variety of wines were brought. I did taste most of them. That being said I preferred my Clos Pepe and the Kosta Browne Pinots over the rest of the wines.
2011 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir - excellent
2014 Addendum, Rutherford, Skellenger Lane, Cabernet Sauvignon - nice
2015 Dusky Goose, Willamette Valley, Chardonnay - nice wine, I did like it
NV Laguna Canyon, Brut, CA Sparkling - too sweet for me
2013 Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon - was not impressed
2014 Kosta Brow, Gulisti Ranch, Russian River, Pinot Noir - very good
2012 Two Hands, Bella's Garden, Barossa Valley, Shiraz - typical aussie fruity wine
2012 Williams Selyem, Drake Estate Vineyard, Russian River Valley Brut Blanc de Noirs - ok but not my style
NV Rombauer Vineyards, Napa Valley, Zinfandel port style - good - not too sweet but had a richness to it
2013 Blair, Arroyo Secco, Pinot Noir - I was not impressed at all. Thought it was non dimensional. It apparently won a gold medal at the 2018 OC Fair.
2006 Lancaster Estate, Alexander Valley, Nicole's , Red Blend. I did like this wine. Iyt was well balanced and had something going for it.
2013 Morlet, Sonoma Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. Not overly impressed. I think it needs more cellaring. It did open up after a bit of time and being more palatable. Be interesting to try in a couple more years.
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