Saturday, June 29, 2019
Instead of our normal lunch the boys and I decided to have dinner at Baba Ghanouj. www.babaghanoujrestaurant.com. Henry had never eaten Lebanese food before and he was quite taken with the flavors and spices.
We started out with numerous appetizers. Traditional Hummus with Pita bread. Nice creamy texture and fresh made, warm pita bread.
Tabouli, made with parsley, tomatoes, onion, dried cracked wheat, olive oil and lemon. Good fresh flavors.
The Monk, which is fire roasted eggplant with garlic, lemon, yogurt, parsley, tomato, onion and olive oil. I am not a big fan of eggplant but made this way it is very good.
Warak Siam - grape leaves stuffed with rice and vegetables. Excellent flavors and the yogurt sauce was a nice add on.
Karnabeet, fried cauliflower with Tahini sauce. Loads of flavor. One of my favorites besides the potatoes. Potatoes are sautéed with garlic, lemon, chilis, cilantro and Tahini. Tahini is ground sesame seeds with olive oil.
We ordered a couple of platters of lamb kabob and chicken kabob. Chicken was tender but for me the lamb was over cooked and on the dry side.
Wines tonight pulled out all the stops. I brought a Robert Moncuit, Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, Grand Cru Champagne. My last bottle. Need to replenish soon. Nice and yeasty.
2012 Roar, Rosellas, Pinot Noir, showing quite well. Can go several more years easily.
2005 Chateau Deaux Clos St. Emilion Grand Cru. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. A bit tart on the back palate but it would lay down for several more years. Drinking very nicely now.
1981 Chateau Margaux, Premiere Grand Cru Classic. Bordeaux Dense, deep purple color, soft on the palate. Excellent wine. It was quite the treat tonight.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Gaja Wines at Michaels on Naples
Friday, June 14, 2019
Giovanni Gaja was in house to present his wines at tonight's dinner. Interesting menu and a nice line up of wines. There were five of us tonight for this dinner. They poured a glass of champagne to whet out appetites for dinner.
Started out with Polipo. Octopus carpaccio, Taggiasca olive, fried artichoke leaves. The meat was so thin and had such delicate flavor. The olives gave it just the right amount of brine. Wine was a 2016 Gaja, Chardonnay, "Rossj Bass" Langhe Piemonte. $ 95. A clean Chardonnay, slight minerality to it. Good wine and paired well.
Second course is a Vitello Tonnato. Roasted veal shoulder, tuna sauce, caper-berries and Pursulene. Meat was tender and full of flavor. The thinly sliced radishes gave it a bit if a bite but not over whelming. Tonnato (tuna sauce) was a really nice added touch. Paired with a 2015 Gaja, Ca'Marcanda, "Magari" Bolgheri, Toscano. $60. A red blend, Nice pairing but I tried the chardonnay with this dish and I liked it just as well if maybe a bit better.
Third course is a Faggiano. Roasted pheasant stuffed with chicken livers, black lentils and lardo. Lardo is cured pig fat. Fat is taken near the skin and cured over a period of time. The curing takes away the fattiness. Delicate flavor. This was a rich dish but exceedingly good. Wine is a 2015 Gaja, Barbaresco, Piemonte. $210. Rich and lush. A good foil for the richness of the pheasant and livers.
Next is Cavetelli. Hand rolled ricotta pasta, braised pork shank and gremolata.. Pasta cooked correctly. Not too al dente. You could actually bite through it without grinding your teeth. Sauce was perfect. A 2004 Gaja, Bunello di Montalcinho, "Rennina", Montalcino, Toscana. $270. Rich, opulent, bold wine.
Fifth course is Cervo. Broken Arrow Ranch vension, Weiser Farms potatoes, fava beans. Venison was not gamey at all, very tender. I really liked the flavor of the potatoes. Very small cooked with skin on.. 2015 Gaja, Ca'Marcanda, "Ca'Marcanda", Bolgheri, Toscano. $145, A red blend. Another big, lush wine. Excellent pairing.
Dessert was a Zabaglione and almond cake. Not to heavy and a nice touch to the meal. We did get a glass of a sweet dessert wine. Have no idea what it was because the brought the glass out filled.
Good food and good wine. But the prices I listed for the wines were for bottle purchase at the dinner. They printed "limited time price". I found all these wines listed at different wines stores for much less money. All of these wines a readily available in California.
The majority of time when I do these wine dinners I take home the last course so I can have dessert. I am usually very full by the end of the meal. Tonight it was quite different. I devoured everything on my plate and nothing went home with me. Portions on these dinners are usually small which suites me so I have no idea why I did not feel full after 5 courses and dessert. I had one piece of bread so I wouldn't fill up early in the meal. In retrospect I could have had several pieces.
A few of us discussed if we felt the dinner was worth $210 plus tax & tip. (about $270). We did not . Thought is should have been more in the range of $160 to $170.
Giovanni Gaja was in house to present his wines at tonight's dinner. Interesting menu and a nice line up of wines. There were five of us tonight for this dinner. They poured a glass of champagne to whet out appetites for dinner.
Started out with Polipo. Octopus carpaccio, Taggiasca olive, fried artichoke leaves. The meat was so thin and had such delicate flavor. The olives gave it just the right amount of brine. Wine was a 2016 Gaja, Chardonnay, "Rossj Bass" Langhe Piemonte. $ 95. A clean Chardonnay, slight minerality to it. Good wine and paired well.
Second course is a Vitello Tonnato. Roasted veal shoulder, tuna sauce, caper-berries and Pursulene. Meat was tender and full of flavor. The thinly sliced radishes gave it a bit if a bite but not over whelming. Tonnato (tuna sauce) was a really nice added touch. Paired with a 2015 Gaja, Ca'Marcanda, "Magari" Bolgheri, Toscano. $60. A red blend, Nice pairing but I tried the chardonnay with this dish and I liked it just as well if maybe a bit better.
Third course is a Faggiano. Roasted pheasant stuffed with chicken livers, black lentils and lardo. Lardo is cured pig fat. Fat is taken near the skin and cured over a period of time. The curing takes away the fattiness. Delicate flavor. This was a rich dish but exceedingly good. Wine is a 2015 Gaja, Barbaresco, Piemonte. $210. Rich and lush. A good foil for the richness of the pheasant and livers.
Next is Cavetelli. Hand rolled ricotta pasta, braised pork shank and gremolata.. Pasta cooked correctly. Not too al dente. You could actually bite through it without grinding your teeth. Sauce was perfect. A 2004 Gaja, Bunello di Montalcinho, "Rennina", Montalcino, Toscana. $270. Rich, opulent, bold wine.
Fifth course is Cervo. Broken Arrow Ranch vension, Weiser Farms potatoes, fava beans. Venison was not gamey at all, very tender. I really liked the flavor of the potatoes. Very small cooked with skin on.. 2015 Gaja, Ca'Marcanda, "Ca'Marcanda", Bolgheri, Toscano. $145, A red blend. Another big, lush wine. Excellent pairing.
Dessert was a Zabaglione and almond cake. Not to heavy and a nice touch to the meal. We did get a glass of a sweet dessert wine. Have no idea what it was because the brought the glass out filled.
Good food and good wine. But the prices I listed for the wines were for bottle purchase at the dinner. They printed "limited time price". I found all these wines listed at different wines stores for much less money. All of these wines a readily available in California.
The majority of time when I do these wine dinners I take home the last course so I can have dessert. I am usually very full by the end of the meal. Tonight it was quite different. I devoured everything on my plate and nothing went home with me. Portions on these dinners are usually small which suites me so I have no idea why I did not feel full after 5 courses and dessert. I had one piece of bread so I wouldn't fill up early in the meal. In retrospect I could have had several pieces.
A few of us discussed if we felt the dinner was worth $210 plus tax & tip. (about $270). We did not . Thought is should have been more in the range of $160 to $170.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
555 East Steakhouse Dinner
Wednesday. June 12, 2018
6 of us gathered tonight to have a great dinner at 555 in Long Beach. Traffic was really good so several of us were at least 30 minutes early for our reservation. It was great that they seated us instead of waiting for the others to arrive. It takes a bit to get all the paraphernalia out with the glasses, wines etc., We all bring our own glasses even though the restaurant provides them. With no corkage it best to be a good guest.
Started out with six oysters. Wellfleet and Padanaram from Massachusetts. Nice briny slippery things.
I shared an aged Chateaubriand with 2 others. 35 ounce cut of meat at $4.35 per ounce. They do not have this cut of meat on the regular menu. Only the daily aged list. So it does vary when it is available. Split 3 ways it becomes affordable. Meat was excellent. Ordered medium rare and that is how it came out. I had a side of sauteed spinach and some mushrooms with it. Was good and ate no bread or rolls. Fills you up to soon.
Unfortunately they did not have any kind of cheese plate on the menu. None of us ordered desserts but we would have loved to have some cheese to go with the Sauternes that I brought. So it did not get opened and I put it back in the cooler when I got home. Another time will come up to open it.
We had quite an array of wine tonight.
2008 Bollinger, La Grande Annee, Champagne - always good - both champagnes were emptied.
2012 Louis Roederer Rose Champagne - always good
1984 Special Selection, Caymus Vineyard, Napa , Cabernet Sauvignon - took quite awhile to open up - a bit on the downside but interesting and enjoyable.
2000 Blanket Estate, Paradise Hill Vineyard, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - good. full, light fruit, no tannins
2010 Saxum, James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles, Grenache, Syrah. Mouvedre (Mataro) , Wine Spectators Wine of The Year 2010. Big, plush, heavy fruit. I would guess it will much softer the next day after sitting. I had to take my wines to work with me so I did not get a chance to decant. I think several hours in the decanter would have been best. That is why I think it will be fabulous the next day.
2012 Liparita, Grand Prize, V Block, Yountville, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - slightly off the peak. Could have been that particular bottle as it is only 7 years old
2012 Highlands, Napa, Zinfandel - big. fruity, lush on the palate
6 of us gathered tonight to have a great dinner at 555 in Long Beach. Traffic was really good so several of us were at least 30 minutes early for our reservation. It was great that they seated us instead of waiting for the others to arrive. It takes a bit to get all the paraphernalia out with the glasses, wines etc., We all bring our own glasses even though the restaurant provides them. With no corkage it best to be a good guest.
Started out with six oysters. Wellfleet and Padanaram from Massachusetts. Nice briny slippery things.
I shared an aged Chateaubriand with 2 others. 35 ounce cut of meat at $4.35 per ounce. They do not have this cut of meat on the regular menu. Only the daily aged list. So it does vary when it is available. Split 3 ways it becomes affordable. Meat was excellent. Ordered medium rare and that is how it came out. I had a side of sauteed spinach and some mushrooms with it. Was good and ate no bread or rolls. Fills you up to soon.
Unfortunately they did not have any kind of cheese plate on the menu. None of us ordered desserts but we would have loved to have some cheese to go with the Sauternes that I brought. So it did not get opened and I put it back in the cooler when I got home. Another time will come up to open it.
We had quite an array of wine tonight.
2008 Bollinger, La Grande Annee, Champagne - always good - both champagnes were emptied.
2012 Louis Roederer Rose Champagne - always good
1984 Special Selection, Caymus Vineyard, Napa , Cabernet Sauvignon - took quite awhile to open up - a bit on the downside but interesting and enjoyable.
2000 Blanket Estate, Paradise Hill Vineyard, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - good. full, light fruit, no tannins
2010 Saxum, James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles, Grenache, Syrah. Mouvedre (Mataro) , Wine Spectators Wine of The Year 2010. Big, plush, heavy fruit. I would guess it will much softer the next day after sitting. I had to take my wines to work with me so I did not get a chance to decant. I think several hours in the decanter would have been best. That is why I think it will be fabulous the next day.
2012 Liparita, Grand Prize, V Block, Yountville, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - slightly off the peak. Could have been that particular bottle as it is only 7 years old
2012 Highlands, Napa, Zinfandel - big. fruity, lush on the palate
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Margies Wine Dinner at Mahe
Saturday, June 8, 2019
For her monthly wine dinner Margie chose Mahe in Seal Beach. Building has been there forever. I remember passing it when I was a child. Used to be the Glider Inn and it had an airplane on the roof. I had not been inside in over 20 years.
Seating arrangement was a bit odd but there was not much that could be done because of the layout of the room. We have numerous tables set up in a U shape. Some people were seated on banquettes
attached to the wall and others had free standing chairs. Made it a bit awkward for conversation. But because of the facility itself that is what is was.
A selection of sushi and tempura was served as appetizers. Mahe is known for their sushi. This to me was the meal. I could have sushi and tempura and forgot the other stuff. All of the selections were very good. Then came a green salad which I passed on.
My entree selection was grilled Mahi. Came with a nice selection of julienned vegetables and a non-discript blob of mashed potatoes. Potatoes really lacked flavor. Fish was grilled perfectly and had good flavor.
There also was planks of sourdough bread available. I did pass as it would fill me up too soon. As it was I had a couple of bites of my mahi and had them box it up for take home. After all there was dessert and I do have my priorities.
Dessert was creme brulee with fresh berries on top. This was good and light.
20 wines were brought tonight. Most which I did not taste. It became a walk about to see what wines were on the table or what you wanted to share with others.
Mine were a 2016 Stolpman Rose (it is National Rose Wine Day) and a 2012 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir.
Other wines:
2015 Danien, Pinot Noir
NV Pommery, Brut Royal Champagne
2018 Spear, Onesa Chardonnay
2016 Rock Falls Chardonnay
2015 Talley, Pinot Noir
2016 Kenneth Volk Chardonnay
2015 J.Lohr GSM
2016 Peake Ranch Pinot Noir
NV Maysara, Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose
2015 Arbor Brook Sauvignon Blanc
2015 Dusky Goose Pinot Noir
2016 Occidental Pinot Noir
NV Tropical Passion Fruit Moscato
NV Mumms Napa Cuvee Sparkling
2016 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay
1997 Beaulieu BV Reserve, Tapestry
2017 Robar Fume Blanc
2015 Archery Summit Pinot Noir
For her monthly wine dinner Margie chose Mahe in Seal Beach. Building has been there forever. I remember passing it when I was a child. Used to be the Glider Inn and it had an airplane on the roof. I had not been inside in over 20 years.
Seating arrangement was a bit odd but there was not much that could be done because of the layout of the room. We have numerous tables set up in a U shape. Some people were seated on banquettes
attached to the wall and others had free standing chairs. Made it a bit awkward for conversation. But because of the facility itself that is what is was.
A selection of sushi and tempura was served as appetizers. Mahe is known for their sushi. This to me was the meal. I could have sushi and tempura and forgot the other stuff. All of the selections were very good. Then came a green salad which I passed on.
My entree selection was grilled Mahi. Came with a nice selection of julienned vegetables and a non-discript blob of mashed potatoes. Potatoes really lacked flavor. Fish was grilled perfectly and had good flavor.
There also was planks of sourdough bread available. I did pass as it would fill me up too soon. As it was I had a couple of bites of my mahi and had them box it up for take home. After all there was dessert and I do have my priorities.
Dessert was creme brulee with fresh berries on top. This was good and light.
20 wines were brought tonight. Most which I did not taste. It became a walk about to see what wines were on the table or what you wanted to share with others.
Mine were a 2016 Stolpman Rose (it is National Rose Wine Day) and a 2012 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir.
Other wines:
2015 Danien, Pinot Noir
NV Pommery, Brut Royal Champagne
2018 Spear, Onesa Chardonnay
2016 Rock Falls Chardonnay
2015 Talley, Pinot Noir
2016 Kenneth Volk Chardonnay
2015 J.Lohr GSM
2016 Peake Ranch Pinot Noir
NV Maysara, Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose
2015 Arbor Brook Sauvignon Blanc
2015 Dusky Goose Pinot Noir
2016 Occidental Pinot Noir
NV Tropical Passion Fruit Moscato
NV Mumms Napa Cuvee Sparkling
2016 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay
1997 Beaulieu BV Reserve, Tapestry
2017 Robar Fume Blanc
2015 Archery Summit Pinot Noir
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Erath Wines at Arte Cafe
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
My "hot" date got sick on me so I managed to get a seat at another table by being a bit "needy". I arrived first and the staff was in a very controlled crisis. Seems there was a party of seven people that Arte Cafe had no record of a reservation. So staff was scrambling to get a table big enough for them. They took our table of five and converted it to a seven then took a table of 4 and converted to for our five. Their square tables have semi-rounds on the sides that fold down if not needed. It's hidden by the tablecloth. After five minutes or so everything calmed down.
We started out with Florentine Oysters with spinach and hollandaise. These oysters are cooked in the shell with the spinach and sauce on top. Nice, plump and very good. Wine is a 2015 Erath Pinot Gris. $14. Not a big fan of Pinot Gris (Grigio). But I did consume two glasses.
Second course is Dungeness Crab on top of fresh pear "sticks" and Brussels sprout leaves. Pears were fresh and tangy. A good foil for the crab. I liked this dish a lot. A 2014 Erath Willakia Vineyard Chardonnay, $34 was the selection. I could only get a hint of oak on the nose but the taste was very off putting to me. Did not finish the glass.
A 2016 Erath Estate Pinot Noir, #34, was poured. Did not like the herbaceous, stemy taste on the back palate but after it sat in the glass for awhile that softened Decent wine but not my style of Pinot. Others at the table really liked it. A Cedar planked Sockeye Salmon was the next dish. Covered with fresh creamed corn Corn was cut off the cob and blanched. Very fresh. Salmon was a bit dry. Unusual for Richard to dry a piece of fish. Wasn't overly dry but not much moisture on the inside.
Fourth course is a Double Cut Lamb Chop with a goat cheese Bechamel sauce, mashed potatoes and a grilled cauliflower "steak". Meat was tender and cooked perfectly. I really liked the sauce. Interesting flavor. Only issue was everything on the plate was "white". Lamb was covered with the white sauce, white mashed potatoes and white cauliflower served on a white plate. Even a white Endive leaf for decoration. The dish screamed for color. We eat with our eyes also. Paired with a 2015 Erath Price Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir. This wine suited my palate more than the wine before. Dark fruits and a hint of cherry.
Dessert is a fresh mixed berry cobbler with freshly whipped cream. A tad sweet but very good flavors.
A good dinner for the price. $49. With tax and tip it was $100 less than the dinner at Chianina on Monday. Maybe not the level of sophistication as Chianina but more than acceptable for the price. And we got rolls with dinner. I don't particularly like the rolls at Arte and do not eat them very often but at least we get a basket of them.
Everything is relative to the price. Service, food, wine etc., For high dollars I expect a lot more. At Arte I get my monies worth.
My "hot" date got sick on me so I managed to get a seat at another table by being a bit "needy". I arrived first and the staff was in a very controlled crisis. Seems there was a party of seven people that Arte Cafe had no record of a reservation. So staff was scrambling to get a table big enough for them. They took our table of five and converted it to a seven then took a table of 4 and converted to for our five. Their square tables have semi-rounds on the sides that fold down if not needed. It's hidden by the tablecloth. After five minutes or so everything calmed down.
We started out with Florentine Oysters with spinach and hollandaise. These oysters are cooked in the shell with the spinach and sauce on top. Nice, plump and very good. Wine is a 2015 Erath Pinot Gris. $14. Not a big fan of Pinot Gris (Grigio). But I did consume two glasses.
Second course is Dungeness Crab on top of fresh pear "sticks" and Brussels sprout leaves. Pears were fresh and tangy. A good foil for the crab. I liked this dish a lot. A 2014 Erath Willakia Vineyard Chardonnay, $34 was the selection. I could only get a hint of oak on the nose but the taste was very off putting to me. Did not finish the glass.
A 2016 Erath Estate Pinot Noir, #34, was poured. Did not like the herbaceous, stemy taste on the back palate but after it sat in the glass for awhile that softened Decent wine but not my style of Pinot. Others at the table really liked it. A Cedar planked Sockeye Salmon was the next dish. Covered with fresh creamed corn Corn was cut off the cob and blanched. Very fresh. Salmon was a bit dry. Unusual for Richard to dry a piece of fish. Wasn't overly dry but not much moisture on the inside.
Fourth course is a Double Cut Lamb Chop with a goat cheese Bechamel sauce, mashed potatoes and a grilled cauliflower "steak". Meat was tender and cooked perfectly. I really liked the sauce. Interesting flavor. Only issue was everything on the plate was "white". Lamb was covered with the white sauce, white mashed potatoes and white cauliflower served on a white plate. Even a white Endive leaf for decoration. The dish screamed for color. We eat with our eyes also. Paired with a 2015 Erath Price Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir. This wine suited my palate more than the wine before. Dark fruits and a hint of cherry.
Dessert is a fresh mixed berry cobbler with freshly whipped cream. A tad sweet but very good flavors.
A good dinner for the price. $49. With tax and tip it was $100 less than the dinner at Chianina on Monday. Maybe not the level of sophistication as Chianina but more than acceptable for the price. And we got rolls with dinner. I don't particularly like the rolls at Arte and do not eat them very often but at least we get a basket of them.
Everything is relative to the price. Service, food, wine etc., For high dollars I expect a lot more. At Arte I get my monies worth.
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
ZD Wine Dinner at Chianina
Monday, June 3, 2019
I was surprised tonight about how small of a turnout that Chianina, www.chianina.com. had for this ZD Wine dinner. Wines are good, Restaurant is good so why ? Perhaps the menu got into the fray. 3 courses aside from the canapes and dessert and two of them were meats that a lot of people are not partial to. Rabbit and Duck. I grew up on rabbit (easier to get than chicken during WW 2). My take is people want beef and pork. They don't know what they are missing. At a price tag of $130 for dinner people want what is comfy for them.
We started out with a glass of ZD 50th Anniversary Sparkling. 100% Chardonnay. It was on the dry side but had a nice crisp green apple and a pear taste to it. $75. Went very well with the "Assorted Canapes". Chicken Liver Mousse, Rabbit Rillette, Polenta with Caviar, Cucumber wrapped Crab and Raw Oyster with Caviar. I can make a meal out of "bites". These were all good
First course is a Rabbit Porchetta. Porchetta is deboned meat, rolled and cooked with herbs. A selection of spring vegetables, baby peas in pod, green beans and asparagus . All a bit too "al dente": for me. Almost on the raw side. I think it was a extremely thin slice of radish also along with a Nasturtium leaf for good measure. Flavor was good. Personally I found the meat "soft". Not my favorite way of eating rabbit. Paired with a 2017 ZD Founders Reserve Pinot Noir. $90. Big, ripe dark fruits. A bigger style Pinot.
Duck Bolognese is next. A bit salty but better than being bland. Too much pasta compared to sauce and the duck was diced so small that it was hard to tell what kind of meat it was. A 2016 ZD Cabernet Sauvignon was the selection. $75, Very dark, fruity, with a hint of spice, vanilla and a slight toast. I liked the Pinot better with this dish. I felt the Cab was too big for the Bolognese.
Main course is a Chianina Grilled Short Rib. Great flavor. Trumpet mushroom, potato puree (grey color, a big turnoff) and Swiss Chard. My meat was moist, tender and full of flavor. Had a nice fat cap to it. Another plate at the table the fat cap was way to big. Why they can't correct that in the kitchen before it is cooked I don't know. Little things mean a lot. Its known as trimming. This was the best dish of the night besides the canapes. Paired with a 2010 ZD Cabernet Sauvignon $90. Big wine but much softer on the palate than the 2016. The six years on it makes a difference.
Dessert is a Bourbon Vanilla Gelato with peaches. A light ending to the meal but personally I think it was a cop out. Way to easy. Not even a single cookie or wafer to accompany it. A Rosa Lee Sweet Whim wine was served. A blend of Petite Syrah, Petite Verdot, Zinfandel, Merlot and Chardonnay. Nice cherry / raspberry taste. Slightly sweet but not cloying.
We were offered at taste of the ZD Abacus. This years release is a blend of 26 vintages from 1992 to 2017. Price $50 for a "taste". Wine sells for $675 a bottle in 3 packs. ($2,025) Since I would never spend that much on a bottle I wasn't too keen on shelling out $50 just to taste it. Somehow my life will go on without the taste of that wine on my palate.
Dinner was good but not great. Nothing I would swoon over. We asked for some bread and were told it did not come with the "wine" dinner. It used to but guess not anymore. I would have rather had bread or rolls than the fancy presentation of the raw oyster. How much did all that salt, sea weed etc., costs in a large bowl for one oyster ? And the time it took to construct. Looked great but overkill. I have noticed a trend in restaurants lately and I am beginning to think all of them are cutting corners where they can. Food costs have soared, labor costs are going up along with almost everything else.
We had one diner at the table that opted out of the wine. The bill comes and they charged all of us for the wine pairing. which was $40 each. Dinner $90 + $40 equals $130. We did get it off the bill after a bit of arguing. But if they are not allowing people to opt out of the wine pairing they should say that at the very beginning when it was told that one person was not having wine. Not after the fact. Not cool people. Bad tactic and leaves a real bitter taste on customer relations. Patrons should not try to take undue advantage of restaurants ( I know a few - bad Karma) but in turn restaurants should not take advantage of their customers. Customers can leave and go down the street.
I was surprised tonight about how small of a turnout that Chianina, www.chianina.com. had for this ZD Wine dinner. Wines are good, Restaurant is good so why ? Perhaps the menu got into the fray. 3 courses aside from the canapes and dessert and two of them were meats that a lot of people are not partial to. Rabbit and Duck. I grew up on rabbit (easier to get than chicken during WW 2). My take is people want beef and pork. They don't know what they are missing. At a price tag of $130 for dinner people want what is comfy for them.
We started out with a glass of ZD 50th Anniversary Sparkling. 100% Chardonnay. It was on the dry side but had a nice crisp green apple and a pear taste to it. $75. Went very well with the "Assorted Canapes". Chicken Liver Mousse, Rabbit Rillette, Polenta with Caviar, Cucumber wrapped Crab and Raw Oyster with Caviar. I can make a meal out of "bites". These were all good
First course is a Rabbit Porchetta. Porchetta is deboned meat, rolled and cooked with herbs. A selection of spring vegetables, baby peas in pod, green beans and asparagus . All a bit too "al dente": for me. Almost on the raw side. I think it was a extremely thin slice of radish also along with a Nasturtium leaf for good measure. Flavor was good. Personally I found the meat "soft". Not my favorite way of eating rabbit. Paired with a 2017 ZD Founders Reserve Pinot Noir. $90. Big, ripe dark fruits. A bigger style Pinot.
Duck Bolognese is next. A bit salty but better than being bland. Too much pasta compared to sauce and the duck was diced so small that it was hard to tell what kind of meat it was. A 2016 ZD Cabernet Sauvignon was the selection. $75, Very dark, fruity, with a hint of spice, vanilla and a slight toast. I liked the Pinot better with this dish. I felt the Cab was too big for the Bolognese.
Main course is a Chianina Grilled Short Rib. Great flavor. Trumpet mushroom, potato puree (grey color, a big turnoff) and Swiss Chard. My meat was moist, tender and full of flavor. Had a nice fat cap to it. Another plate at the table the fat cap was way to big. Why they can't correct that in the kitchen before it is cooked I don't know. Little things mean a lot. Its known as trimming. This was the best dish of the night besides the canapes. Paired with a 2010 ZD Cabernet Sauvignon $90. Big wine but much softer on the palate than the 2016. The six years on it makes a difference.
Dessert is a Bourbon Vanilla Gelato with peaches. A light ending to the meal but personally I think it was a cop out. Way to easy. Not even a single cookie or wafer to accompany it. A Rosa Lee Sweet Whim wine was served. A blend of Petite Syrah, Petite Verdot, Zinfandel, Merlot and Chardonnay. Nice cherry / raspberry taste. Slightly sweet but not cloying.
We were offered at taste of the ZD Abacus. This years release is a blend of 26 vintages from 1992 to 2017. Price $50 for a "taste". Wine sells for $675 a bottle in 3 packs. ($2,025) Since I would never spend that much on a bottle I wasn't too keen on shelling out $50 just to taste it. Somehow my life will go on without the taste of that wine on my palate.
Dinner was good but not great. Nothing I would swoon over. We asked for some bread and were told it did not come with the "wine" dinner. It used to but guess not anymore. I would have rather had bread or rolls than the fancy presentation of the raw oyster. How much did all that salt, sea weed etc., costs in a large bowl for one oyster ? And the time it took to construct. Looked great but overkill. I have noticed a trend in restaurants lately and I am beginning to think all of them are cutting corners where they can. Food costs have soared, labor costs are going up along with almost everything else.
We had one diner at the table that opted out of the wine. The bill comes and they charged all of us for the wine pairing. which was $40 each. Dinner $90 + $40 equals $130. We did get it off the bill after a bit of arguing. But if they are not allowing people to opt out of the wine pairing they should say that at the very beginning when it was told that one person was not having wine. Not after the fact. Not cool people. Bad tactic and leaves a real bitter taste on customer relations. Patrons should not try to take undue advantage of restaurants ( I know a few - bad Karma) but in turn restaurants should not take advantage of their customers. Customers can leave and go down the street.
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