Arte Cafe and Guest Chef

Saturday, May 25, 2019

An unusual night for Arte Cafe to host a wine dinner. Holiday weekend but the dinner was well attended. The main dining area was crammed and tight. Richard had a guest chef come in . He was from Ten Ten Restaurant. There is one in Cerritos and one in Artesia. Which place he came from is unknown to me. 

We started out with House made Pot Stickers. Nice flavor. I was not taken with a vinegar sauce for dipping. But the stickers themselves had good flavor. I found the dough to be a bit on the "tough" side.  My friend Henry's pot stickers are far better.  A 2017 Tenet "Le Fervent" Rose, Rhone. France was the wine choice. Not a big fan of this wine

Next is a Carmelized Shrimp and Walnut. Very good shrimp, fresh and cooked perfectly.. A 2016 Eroica, Riesling, WA. is the selection., This was a very nice dry Riesling. Paired well with the shrimp.

Third course is an Egg Soup with white corn and fresh crabmeat. Needed a bit of salt to enhance it.  But it was a nice thick soup with good flavors  A 2015 Caymus Conundrum wine was poured. I have never been a fan of this wine. A blend of white grapes but it just doesn't knock by socks off.

Fourth dish is a Stir Fried White Fish with back bean sauce along with a Chicken Chow Mein. Fish was good. Fresh and moist with a subtle flavor. The black bean sauce really enhanced the flavors. The Chow Mein was mostly noodles. Not an inspiring dish. A 2016 Erath, Pinot Noir, Oregon. Good wine, typical Oregon Pinot, light and well balanced.

Last main dish is a Stir Fried Pepper Filet Mignon Beef with onion. Small pieces of beef with a nice bite to them. Tender and good flavors. Paired with a 2016 "The Convert" red blend, WA., A blend of Syrah, Merlot, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Cinsult, Mouvedre and Viognier.  Bright wine, nicely balanced. hint of pepper and spic. My favorite wine along with the Riesling tonight.

Dessert is Cocoa Dusted Truffles with fresh raspberries. A 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was the selection. OK pairing but not stellar. Truffles were good and the fresh raspberries were a nice final bite.

A good dinner for Arte Cafe. Not great as some as the others but a good showing. Food was good but nothing was outstanding. Typical Chinese dishes that numerous restaurants serve. But the price was right at $49. And two people at the table won bottles of wine in the raffle. Fun evening.