East Meets West Wine Dinner at Arte Cafe

Wednesday, January 23, 2018

Interesting concept for tonight's dinner. Asian style food with wines from the west, CA, OR & WA. Again a full house. More thought tonight on the table settings. White tablecloths, maroon napkins and red rose petals strewn around. Didn't think to take a picture before I sat down.  Maybe they are gearing up for the Chinese New Year.  Price was still $49 but I noticed for their next dinner February 1 the price goes up to $53. That is fair with the rise in food prices.

All wines tonight are under the Chateau St. Michelle conglomerate. I believe the winery  rep said they have 60 labels in their portfolio.

Started out with Crispy Shrimp Dumplings with chili lime sauce. Nice sauce, just the right amount of heat tempered by the lime. Richard the chef/owner Chinese heritage will shine tonight.  Wine served is a 2016 Chateau St. Michelle, "Horse Heaven Hills", WA, Sauvignon Blanc. Nice wine, not to acidic , crisp with light citrus. Perfect with that chili lime sauce.

First course is a Jumbo Diver Scallops in "Birdnest" with Shitake Mushrooms and fresh ginger/soy butter. Perfectly cooked scallops and mushrooms in a deep fried noodle birdnest set upon pureed cauliflower. The white scallop with the black mushroom made a beautiful contrast. Again the sauce really heightened the flavors of this dish.  Paired with a 2016 Patz & Hall , Dutton Ranch, Sonoma, Chardonnay. Finally a chardonnay that I will drink. Nice green apple with some spice notes and no oak at all. Again a very good pairing.

Second course is a Butter Lettuce Cup filled with Chicken and fresh Asian Vegetables. Filled your lettuce roll with the chicken mixture and sauce.   Wine is a 2016 Erath, OR,  Pinot Noir. A good showing of a Oregon Pinot. Lighter with hints of dark cherry with a bit of anise on the back palate. 

Next was a choice of braised pork belly or beef short rib. I chose the Braised Pork Belly with Garlic Noodles and Boy Choy.  Really had a garlic taste  to the dish and the pork belly melted in your mouth. A very good combination. Wine paired was a 2014 Antica, Napa Valley, CA, Cabernet Sauvignon. A perfect pairing. Wine was rich with deep dark fruit and a bit of toast.Very light tannins, well balanced. 

Dessert was Exotic Chinese Fruits in Puff Pastry Shell with cream. Nice light ending to a rich meal. The wine was not my favorite of the night. I think it fell a bit short. 2016 Eroica, Columbia Valley, WA, dry Riesling.