Margie's Holiday Dinner at Prime Cut Cafe

Saturday, December 5, 2020 Prime Cut Cafe Just got this dinner in the day before the shutdown again. Ten of us tonight. Seated outside because of protocal now. A table of four and a table of 6. It was very festive with all the holiday lights shimmering. I opted for the prime rib which is their specialty. Split a salad with CJ. And Creme Brulee for dessert. 10 people 14 wines. I brought a 2017 Rancho de Philo Triple Cream Sherry for after dinner. Exceptionaly good. Other wines were 2006 Bollinger Champagne, always good. 2015 Nickel and Nickel, CC Ranch, Rutherford, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon. Showing well. 2019 Twomy, Sauvignon Blanc, did not taste. 2017 Rasmussen, Cabernet Sauvignon, decent. 2013 Il Barone, Castello di Amorosa, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon, decent. NV, Torre Fornello, Italy, Malvasia Dolce Sparkling. Very fruity, apricot, thick viscosity, almost too sweet but good in small doses. 2018 Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc. Did not taste. 2013 Domingos Brothers, Three Tears Vineyard, Howell Mtn, Preston Family Vineyards, Napa Valley, red blend. Good and interesting. 2013 Williams Selyem, San Benito County, Vista Verde Vineyards, Port. Did not taste. 2015 Mumm, Napa Valley, Sparling Rose, Good. 2006 Lancaster Estate, Nicoles Red Wine, Alexander Valley. Did not taste. 2000 Chateau St. Michelle, Columbia Valley, WA, Cabernet Sauvignon. Very good, took some time to open. 2005 BV Georges de la Tour, Calistoga, Cabernet Sauvignon, Excellent. Have no idea what January will bring due to the state wide shut down.

Grgich Wines at Arte Cafe

Tuesday, November 17, 2020 Taking advantage of these wine dinners before the country gets shut down (except for politicians who feel they are special). Grgich wines tonight. Mike Grgich is still kicking. In his late 90's. His wines are always good except for Chardonnay which is a bit too oaky for me. But that is a personal preference. Seated outdoors in the fenced area. Band came into play close to the end which was good since they where set up just on the other side of the fence right by our table. Started out with a Kale salad with apples, cranberries, goat cheese, seared ahi and a pine nut vinaigrette. Very good, loads of flavor. I ate the whole thing. Paired with a 2017 Grgich Fume Blanc. Good pairing and a really nice wine. Up next was a plate of scallop. summer corn, Nueske bacon, lentils and corn puree. Good flavors but I am not a fan on lentils, ate a few spoonfuls of them but that was it. A 2017 Chardonnay was the wine selection. Tasted OK with the food but it was a bit too oaky for me. Third course is a Crispy skin Oro Salmon with bouillabaisse broth and herbal oils. Unfortunately my salmon was over cooked, which us rare for Richard to do. Even in the broth it was dry. Good flavor in the broth. Others at the table said thier's was cooked perfectly. Just not my day I guess. A 2016 Merlot was poured. Nice Merlot and paired very well with bthe salmon. Main is a Chateaubriand with Pommes Puree, Ratatouille and veal demi. I was served ends cuts of the beef. That should never be sent from the kitchen to a diner paying full price. One of the people at my table likes the ends so we traded plates. That meat had excellent flavor and was cooked to just a medium rare. The wine is a 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. Nocde pairing. Dessert is a White Choicolate Mousse with Walnut Dust. Interesting. light and decadent. They poured a dessert wine which was Violetta., Good dinner, but have had much beter at Arte Cafe. Good company and a very enjoyable evening.

Issara Restaurant for Margie's Monthly Dinners

Saturday, November 7, 2020 Issara in Huntington Beach was our destination tonight. A very highly rated Thai restaurant. Orange County has allowed in house dining for a few weeks now. So we got lucky that the weather took a turn to rain and wind and we did not have to dine outside tonight. There were 12 of us and they broke us up to tables of 4. A bit close but not bad. None of us have had Covid or been around anyone that has it. A bit dicey but not too much. There are several of us old folks that have health issues but I am not hibernating forever. I try to be careful but not paranoid. Everyone ordered their own dinners off the limited menu. So a wide variety of food. I ordered the "Wings" which are really good as an appetizer. We got soup, salad, white rice, a choice of brown rice or shrimp fried rice along with our entree. I had ordered the Crying Tiger steak. After the wings and soup I was full. So the entire meal came home with me for tomorrows lunch. Two of the best wines tonight were the 2018 Penner-Ash, Zena Crown Vineyard, Pinot Noir and the 2010 Roar, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir. There were 7 white wines (overkill), 2 Rose's and 7 reds. I only tasted the Rose's and a couple of the whites. A few reds but most of the wine I did not get to taste. A homemade wine, 2019 Beetlejuice, Cabernet Sauvignon was interesting. Good balance and nice fruit but will not hold for too long. I also liked the 2017 Enroute, Les Pommiers, RRV, Pinot Noir. The balance of the wines are as follows. 2018 Buscador, Chenin Blanc, 2019 Dr. Heidemann's Riesling, 2017 Tobin James Chardonnay, 2014 Danseier, Syrah, 2018 Draj Chenin Blanc, NV Chateau St. Jean Sparkling Rose, 2017 Navarro, Gewurztraminer, 2017 Loring, Pinot Noir, 2017 Fess Parker, Viognier, 2018 Donnhof Rieslng and a 2007 Sea Smoke Southing, Pinot Noir.

Halloween at CJ's

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 This year because of Covid CJ is breaking up the invites to see his Halloween display into small groups. 3 tonight. We brought the food and CJ provided the wines. As usual the diorama was great. He has so many pieces that he cannot set up all at one time. Really like his witch on a broomstick circling above in front of the full moon on the back drop. I suggested he move his furnture around and have two large long tables set up. CJ opened a Gruet Cuvee 89 Rose which was very good. 2009 Sea Smoke Southing, Pinot Noir, good by not great and a 2004 Chimney Rock, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was spectacular. Not a big cab fan but this really hit all notes. So maybe next year will be Covid free and CJ can go back and do his big production at Halloween.

Williams Selyem Wine Tasting

Saturday, October 17, 2020 Started with 8 people and ended with 5. Illnesses taking its toll. At least it wasn't Covid. Everyone brought their own entree and the host supplied all the sides and appetizers. I brought a boneless rib eye and the host did grill it perfectly. He had sides of risotto, not cooked well at all, a dish he called Paella which was not Paella but just rice with a few veggies and not sure if I saw any seafood in it at all. The roasted beets were good along with the brussel sprouts. Both I suspect came from a takeout because of the containers. And everything was luke warm. An appetizer plate fared better. Ahi Tuna, Shrimp, 3 cheeses and a dollop of loster to put into your lobster bisque soup. Soup was close to being cold. Instead of trying to impress people with the number of dishes people should remember less is less but better. A 2008 Veuve Cliquot Grande Dame Brut was poured. Very good. We had 5 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir wines tonight. My favorite was the 2011 Peay Vineyard. Disappointed in the 2009 Precious Mountian. Could be bottle variation because this vineyard is usually one the of best. Rounding out the line up was a 2012 Russian River Vineyard, 2010 Flax Vineyard, Russian River Valley, and a 2012 Sonoma County. Goods wines. mediocre food but great company.

Prisoner Wine Dinner at Arte Cafe

Friday, October 16, 2020 Birthday dinner for Douglas at Arte Cafe. He brought a bottle of Bailly Lepierre Reserve Brut to share his celebration. We started out with Unshackled Rose. Decent wine. Nothing exciting. But did pair well with the salad. Smoked Yellowtail and strawberry with greens and a great honeyed balsamic vinegar reduction. Would never had thought to combine fish and strawberries but it worked out well. Second course was Mussels in lemon garlic butter with a nice piece of garlic toast. Paired with Prisoner Chardonnay. Not the best chard I have had. Very acidic. It did improve slightly with the mussels. A Unshackled Red Blend was poured next. It was OK. Paired with a Pork Tenderloin with orange blossom honey mustard, rice pilaf and grilled zucchini. Perfectly cooked. Loads of flavor. Entree is a braised Short Rib with smashed potatoes and braised bok choy. Again a very tasty dish. Wine was a Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon. Again OK but nothing special. A bit disappointed in the wines tonight Dessert is a Green Tea Ice Cream with Straaberries. A perfect end to a meal. Good food, mediocre wines. But at $59 it is still a bargain.

Oktober Fest at Jagerhaus

Saturday, October 3, 2020 12 of us tonight for dinner at the Jagerhaus restaurant in Anaheim, Because of Covid we were split into 3 tables. I felt that only 12 with 3 tables worked out mush better that 23 at 2 tables last month at Buon Gusto. Much easier to get up and talk with others and share wine. Sometimes at these dinners there are so many wines that there is no way to taste them all even with very small pours. I had ordered my "Ham Hock" the day before. It was succulent and moist. Very large, so much so that I will be able to use the skin to flavor a pot of beans. Had red cabbage and spatzele on the side. A very mixed bag of wines tonight. Most people tried to keep the "German" theme in their selection of wines 2016 Selbach-Oster Pinot Blanc, dry - good 2016 Mebmer, Rotwein Trocken, Pinot Noir - light NV Weingut Lothar Kettern, Spatzburgunder Rose Sekt - very good 2018 Wavery St Wines, Sangiovese Rose - barely drinkable 2019 Wavery St Wines Malbec Rose - colored water 2010 Merrian Snedred, Red Blend - ok NV Von Winning Extra Brut Riesling - very good 2018 Alzinger, Gruner Veltliner - very good 2015 Freiherr Von Gleichenstew Pinot Noir = very light 2018 Blue Nun - still the same after all these years 2018 Castoro, Pinot Grigio - did not taste 2014 Denner, Ditch Digger - very good 2018 Kellermeister Privot, Gruner Veltliner - not great 2019 Singing, Gruner Veltliner - OK 2018 Peju Winemaker Select, Red Wine OK 2013 Huber Sta. Rita Hills, Dornfelder - Excellent

Wine Dinner at Arte Cafe

Saturday, September 26, 2020 This is the first wine dinner that Arte Cafe has had since January. Covid restrictions were lifted for restraurant has a large fenced patio area with a fireplace and an area for a band which they did have tonight. Tables were set up with 6 ft spacing. I had no qualms about being here. We started off with a glass (several) of Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Excellence. Then onto the first course which was a Smoked Salmon Toast. Two very large pieces. I took one home because of the size. Flavor was wonderful. Light smoke and not fishy at all. Next came a Red Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and spicy Cajun Shrimp. Shrimp were cooked perfectly. Beets were very tender and seet. The wine was a Louis Latour Chardonnay, Grand Ardche. I did not like this wine. It did pair well with the beets and goat cheese but it just was not my style of Chardonnay. Which for being French was odd to me. Tasted more like a California wine. Third course is a Petit Filet Mignon with Lobster Medallion, scalloped potatoes and braised Swiss Chard. Beef was cooked perfectly. Rare to Medium which is my style, good flavor. Lobster was very succulent and tender. Only issue is I felt the potatoes needed a bit more salt. Wine poured was a Justin Isoceles. Decent but not a blockbuster. Dessert was a very delicate and light Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. Excellent dessert. Loads of delicate flavor and very light on the palate. The wine was The Calling Monterey Pinot Noir. OK but a little lackluster. It was so nice to be able to get out and socialize and feel normal again. Food was good, wines were OK but for $59 it was a a bargain. Have signed up for the Prisoner Wine dinner in October and the Grgich Wine dinner in November.

Buon Gusto Restaurant

Saturday, September 12, 2020 Margie's monthly dinner was held tonight at Buon Gusto in Huntington Beach. www.buongustohb.com. , 4 blocks from my house which made it very convenient. Since we are still in the Covid 19 crisis the restaurant had a very large 3 sided tent outside. I was seated at the back next to the flapping side of the tent. Nothing to stop the flapping in the wind. A few of use used our wine bags to try to stabilze it somewhat. It did help slightly but that side kept moving all evening. We had two large tables. 22 people and 29 wines. The tables were very crowded with all the glasses and bottles on them. Then they bring out plates of rolls which take more space. In the era of Covid these were my observations of the restaurant and the guests. Some servers had masks, some had gloves. Some had nothing. The menus were the regular plastic covered books. Did anyone sanitize them before setting them at each place ? I did not touch mine. I knew ahead what I was going to order. The plates of rolls came out. I did not take one but I also did not notice any tongs for handling. Packets of butter on the plate. People bare handed took rolls, butter. Who is to say their hands were germ free. Apparently some people had reservations about others handling their bottles of wine. My take, over parinoid. You go to a dinner with 22 people, sit arm to arm, breathe all over the table and air space, don't wear gloves yourself, help yourself to the community plate of rolls with bare hands, touch the menu that may not have been sanitized, are served by people without face masks and gloves and are not seated a social distance apart and you are friggin worried about someone touching your bottle of wine ??? I ordered the Oso Bucco which I have had the past. Very disappointed this time. Sauce was very watery, no where near a gravy consistency and no flavor. It was desperate for salt. A couple of people remarked about the downgrade of quality. The only saving grace is the portions are huge and you can take a lot of leftovers home. Then doctor the food up yourself so it has some flavor. Several people came around with their wines. I have no idea what was in each of my glasses so I am not making a comment about what I liked or didn't besides a oaky chardonnay. There were 3 bottles of the same Prosecco brought. A testment to the quality. NV Moretti, Valdobbiadne, Prosecco (3 bottles) 2014 Kirkland, Brunello di Montalacino (actually a higher rated wine, about $35) 2014 Ruffino, Reserva Ducale, Ora, Chianti Classico NV Mumm Brut ???? Eberle. Sangiovese 2019 "J" Pinot Gris 2012 Freemark Abbey, Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Chateau Margene, Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese ???? Umbria Rosso 2016 Decuganano del Barbi 2017 Saddleback, Vermentino 2016 Montoliva Mark's Magia 2009 Ben Marco, Malbec 2017 Bertani, Valpolicella, Ripasso NV Bosco Di Gica, Brut ???? Cuvee Oerlander, white blend ???? Castello Di Gabbiano, Chinati Classico 2013 Bran Caia, Toscano 2019 Albino Armani, Pinot Grigio 2012 Coquelicot, Syrah 2015 Verrazzano, Chianti 2016 Cesar Toxqui, Sangiovese 2016 Brutocao, Quadrigo 2016b R. Guigal, Crozes. Hermitage 2018 Le Volte Dell, Toscano, Ornellaia 2017 Chateau Montelena. Chardonnay (oaky) NV Bollinger, Rose Brut

Poolside Lunch

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Beautiful day for poolside dining.  3 people, 3 tables and 3 wines, 3 cheese plates. Sounds like the Three Musketeer's  have arrived.  Also on menu was Noodles with Vegetables, Kung Pao Beef, and Grilled chicken. In this environment with the Covid 19 hanging over it is nice to socialize even with small groups and social distancing. We all need conversations with others.

NV   Palmer & Co, Brut Reserve, Champagne

2008 Krupp Brothers, Stagecoach Vineyard, Veraison, Cabernet Sauvignon - wine had a very funky nose. It had been decanted for a couple of hours before. It finally blew off a few hours later and became a very quaffable beverage.

2013 Sinor-LaValle, Bassi Vinyards. White Label, Pinot Noir

Multiple Decade Tasting at Chez Lomita

Saturday, August 29, 2020

11 people, 11 wines with 6 feet social distancing between the tables. Poolside. Wines from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's. It was a beautiful evening but unfortunately the wind did not die down early and made for a very breezy evening.  The food suffered from this. Everyone brought a food dish to share. Only one person who had a hot dish put it into one of the crockpots supplied and that was a Beef Bourgeon which very good.   The lamb chops looked great but were over cooked, dry and cold. The duck was lukewarm.  At least my cheese plate weathered the elements in fine fashion.

There was supposed to be 22 wines but the host decided that 11 people and 11 wines would be best. I am glad he made that decision. The wines listed are in the order we tasted them. My scoring in parentheses up to 20 points)

2011 Beaune les Montrevenots Burgundy, Premiere Grand Cru, Pinot Noir (11)

1999 Domiane de Courcel  Pommand Grans Clos des Epenots. Premiere Grand Cru, Pinot Noir (13)

1998 Earl Jean-Paul Versino Cht-du-Pape, GSM (12)

1999 M. Chapoutier Les Varonniers Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone (15)

2010 Vieux Telegraphe Cht-du-Pape  (my favorite of the evening) (16)

2010 Chateau Grand Mayne Grand Cru, Saint-Emilion (second favorite of the evening) (16)

1975 Canon, St. Emilion  (12)

2003 Chateau Leoville Barton Cru Clos Saint Julian (15)

1982 Ducru Beaucaillou, St. Julien (13)

1996 Chateau Lafon-Rochet Grand Cru (13)

1982 Priure Lichine, Bordeaux (13)

1999 Chateau Malescot St. Esupery, Grand Cru, Margaux (14)

1976 Chateau Palmer,  Margaux (15)

2009 Chateau Palmer. Margaux (15)

1993 D' Yquem, Bordeaux Sauternes (18)

1963 Dow's Vintage Port (14)

Sunday Brunch at Michaels on Naples

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Michaels has outdoor seating upstairs so they are open. Good distance between tables. Felt comfortable eating here. Being seated outside and upstairs there was a lot of air movement.

 Strange day. Sitting across from us were old acquaintances of mine that I had not seen in years and in the other area was Douglas. We had reservations for 10:30 and left at 3:00.  A long, very nice , relaxing outing.

I started with a Strawberry Bellini which was good. We ordered  a bottle of Franciascorta, Racicirbastr. Rose Brut which was a "special" discounted price.  Very nice light Rose, hint of strawberry. Off dry.  We liked it so much that we ordered a second bottle.

We all had the Eggs Benedict, Michaels style. Ciabatta bread, toasted with Procuitto.   and Arugula salad.. Side of crispy baked Fingerling potatoes.  Very good. 

They did have a large selection for brunch. But no menus. They bring an app to scan to your phone . This is their menu. I know that I what is happening in todays world but I like to read a menu not scroll.. I am just getting a bit old I guess. Too set in my ways.

I will go back for brunch again in a few weeks.  Have been doing  a few things lately but I really want to space my outings until this Covid issue is over.

Margie's Monthly Dinner at Mahe

Saturday, August 8, 2020

Dinner at Mahe in Sunset Beach tonight. Limited to 10 people.  We had a table of 4 and a table of 6

Weather was really just about perfect. A bit of an ocean breeze. As of all restaurant's now dining is strictly outside. Mahe has taken about half of their parking area to make room for tables.

I had the Asparagus Tempura and the Mahe  roll.  They do a really good job on sushi rolls here. They specialize in seafood but I am not a fan of their sides..

Did find out that Ola and Mahe are owned by the same.  Their beverage list were very similar

2017 Rombauer, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste

NV   Von Winning, Extra Brut, Riesling - good wine

2014 Dusky Goose, Dundee Hills, Pinot Noir - good wine

2019 African Rock, South Cape, Africa, Sauvignon Blanc - not my style

2018 Josh, Rose - no way

2018 Williams Selyem, Chenin Blanc, - nice clean

NV   Graham Beck, South Africa , Sparkling Brut - always a good choice

2013 Cecelho Winery, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir - a bit off

2016 Tierra Y Vino, Santa Barbara County, Chardonnay - did not taste

2016 McIntyre, SLH, Pinot Noir - nice wine

2015 Baker & Brian, Paragon Vineyards, SLO, Gruner Veltliner - my selection for evening, went well with the sushi

Ola's at Pch & 2nd.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

First time at this complex. Opened late last year and there has been turnovers. Not sure if it going to be viable.

Met friends at Ola's.  They frequent this restaurant.  Ate outside due to Covid. Weather was good, a bit breezy but not uncomfortable

Ordered the Lobster taco and the Pork Belly taco. No sides. $9 each.  They were good and lots of filling but.

Had two drinks, A "Mexican" old fashion. Agave and Tequila. Good, slight smokey flavor. $14 each, basically same price range at most restaurants

I am in no hurry to go back. I found the  complex odd. Ridiculously high end stores that Long Beach people will not support. .Don't think I am too interested in hassling the parking structure to shop at stores I have no interest in. I understand the rents are very high. We will see big turnover here.

Cheese and Wine Tasting at Cheese Addiction

Saturday, July 11. 2020

First one of Margie's get togethers since March.  Shut downs . 15 brave soul's showed up tonight. Held outside in the parking lot behind the Cheese Addiction store in Bixby Knolls.  People were spaced out and no more than 4 to a table.

All 12 cheeses were cut ahead of time and placed into a small pizza box. Everyone had their own box and own container of crackers.

I cannot remember the cheeses now. I threw the list away. I liked  all but one Munster. A lot of wines showed up. People are really thirsty at this stage of the shut down. 8 white wines, 7 red wines and 5 bubblies.

2014 Tercero, Santa Barbara County, Outlier, Gewurztraminer

2014 Autry Cellars. SLO, Sauvignon Blanc

2015 Patricia Green cellars, Willamette Valley, Reserve Pinot Noir

2018 Williams Selyem, RRV, Unoaked Chardonnay

NV   Paul Bova, France, Bouzy Grand Cru

2012 RN Estates, Cuvee des Trois Cepages

2017 Selbach Oster, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, Riesling Kabinet

NV   Kirkland Champagne Brut

2018 Briceland Vineyards, Mendocino County, Spirit Vineyards, Arneis

2018 Ramos Torres, Generations, California, Alicante Bouchet

NV   Il Cadeau, Lodi, Sparking Rose

2019 Albion, Lodi, Chardonnay

2001 Wiens, Temecula, Syrah

2015 Ken Brown, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir

2019 Craggy Range, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc

2015 Ken Brown, La Encantada Vineyards, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir

NV   Veuve Clicquot,  France, Brut Champagne

2019 Abacela, Oregfon, Albarino

NV   Charles Heidsieck, France Champagne

2008 Sea Smoke, Sta Rita Hills, Botella, Pinot Noir

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Dinning Al Fresco

Monday, July 6, 2020

Since the shut down is still on going. CJ and I met at Henry's for a late afternoon dinner poolside. Henry's wife Evan is very compromised and he does not want to be too far away from her.

A selection of cheese, salami, crackers and a few other nibblies started us out. Dinner was Chinese take out.

Weather was good and it was refreshing to sit poolside.  Three people, three tables and three wines. Our social distancing.

2016 Rutherford Ranch, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon

NV   Veuve Clicquot, Brut

2011 Clos Pepe, Sta. Rita Hills, VS , Pinot Noir

Dinner at Friends

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Supposed to go to Ola's this evening for dinner but it was closed due to "cleaning"  Instead went to Kelly and Dimitry's.  Dimitry grilled perfect rib eyes.

We drank a couple of wines and did a mini whiskey tasting.

2012 Pedroncelli, Dry Creek Valley, Bushnell Vineyards, Zinfandel

2010 Gershon Vinters, Erato, Deportola Trail Vineyards, Temecula Valley, Cabernet Franc

Mastersons, 10 year old, Kentucky Bourbon (really liked this one)

Whistle Pig, 12 year old, Rye

Old Forester, Bourbon

Stranghan's Colorado Whiskey

1st post since Covid hit - Grand Cru Champagnes and Ice Wine

Saturday, June 27, 2020 Interesting tasting today, French Grand Cru Champagnes and Ice Wines. Served with KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) along with various cheeses and nibblies. Since it has been awhile I really cannot remember what I liked etc., so just a list of what we drank. 2002 Louis Roederer, Cristal NV Barnaut a'Bouzy, Grand Cru NV Transcendence, Methode Champonise, Sparkling ( not even French) NV GH Mumm 2008 Clos Cazales, Grand Cru (this was the first bottle emptied - it was good) 2001 Inniskillian, Vidal, Ice Wine NV Inniskillian, Niagria, Cabernet Franc, Ice Wine 2016 Anselmann, Pfalz, Blanc de Noir, Eiswein 2009 Quifera, Niagria, Rielsing, Ice Wine

Warren's Birthday Party and Blind Wine Tatsting

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Trekked over to Redondo Beach for an adult birthday party.  Warren does this every year for his birthday and always has a blind wine tasting with it.  Dinner was catered by Louise and Dave Solzman who were the owners of Delius Restaurant.,   It was really great to be able to eat some of their signatures dishes.

Dinner was scheduled for 6:00 but I arrived at 5:00 because the parking at Warrens house is a nightmare.  For those early arrivals they set put an array of appetizers.  Cheeses, crackers, Delius's Spicy Ahi Poke, Delius's Curried Chicken in Lettuce Cup and Lisa's, Artichoke Dip with Sourdough.

Also being poured for early arrivals was a 2014 Conte Priola, Pinot Grigo, 20913 Kim Crawford sauvignon Blanc, 2005 Jana Old Vine Riesling , 2008 Clos Pegase Chardonnay, 2008 Brander, Cuvee Natalie and a 2018 Asssyritiko.   Nice selection to get everyone started.

22 people for dinner. Started out with Delius's Apple Stilton Fritters and Delius's House salad. Forgot how good these fritters are.

Next was a bowl of Delius's Mushroom Walnut Soup. One of my favorite soups when the restaurant was opened.

 Delius's Double Baked Goat Cheese Souffle. This was always a winner.

For the main course we had a selection of Delius's Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, Delius's Miso Glazed Cod or Delius's Crispy Skin Duck Breast.  I opted for the duck and was not disappointed.

Dessert was Sandy's Chocolate Caramel Tart, Sandy's Lemon Tart which I ate and it was so good and lemony, Lisa's Home Made Banana Split Cake or Dr. Jim's Pie. Several dessert wines and ports were served.

After having all the brown bagged wines at dinner  and we scored them, The list was revealed.  12 wines and 6 were cabernets.

2008 Mariziano Abbopna Terlo Ravera, Barolo - came in last on my score sheet

2000 Indian Springs, del Sol Verano - next to last on my scoring

2016 Clos Pegase, Pinot Noir - not for me

2013 Mt. Brave, Napa, Mt. Veeder, Cabernet Sauvignon - near the top

2016 Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon -  2 listed on printout

2016 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon - number 2 for me

2012 Schweiger, Spring Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon -  first on my list

2011 Darioush Caravan, Cabernet Sauvignon -

2017 Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 La Jota, Howell Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon

2006 Prager, Petite Syrah

2010 Silvio Grasso, Barolo Nebbiolo.

Prime Cut Cafe

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Margie selected Prime Cut Café in Orange for her monthly wine dinner. We have been here several times before. www,primecutcafe.com.   We had use of a small private dining area which made it nice for our group of 14.

Prime Cut specializes in Prime Rib and beef cuts but offers numerous other meats and fish. Good selections.

I had the petite cut of prime rib along with mushroom risotto.  Even with a small cut I took half of it home.

There were 14 people in attendance and 19 wines on the table. Most I did not get to taste and a lot of them I never saw the bottle. 

I brought a 2015 Stephen Ross, Jeperson Ranch, Albarino.  Well balanced,  not too acidic and a 2012 Grassini Family, Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. I liked this wine but what I took home the leftover it  did not fare well. Two days later it was not tasting good at all.  Should have had better lasting qualities. Could be that particular bottle. I have another I will try in the future and compare my notes.

2018 Buscador, Chenin Blanc. Nice wine, clean.

2016 Louis Martini, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - not impressed

2018 Fallbrook, 33* North Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste

212 Hawkes Winery, Pyramid Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon - Ok wine

2018 Prager, Aria. White Port - cloying sweet

2016 Schramsberg, Brut Rose - always a winner

2017 Williams Selyem, Chardonnay - did not taste

Year not known - Patricia Green Cellars, Ribbon Ridge, Pinot Noir - did not taste

2011 Clos Pepe VS,  Pinot Noir - one of the best wines tonight

NV Lucien Albrecht, Cremant D'Alsace. Brut Rose - always a winner also

2018 Duckhorn Vineyard, Napa, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste

2014 RN Estate, Fiddlestix Vineyard, Pinot Noir - decent wine but not overly impressed

2012 Groth.  Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon -   I expected more from this wine - a bit disappointed

2005 Miramonte Estate, Syrah - Did not taste

2015 Denner, Mother of Exiles - did not taste

2007 Turley,  Old Vines, Zinfandel - did not taste

2015 Hopland Ranches, Mendocino, Cabernet Sauvignon -  not for me

Dinner at Lupe's de la Mar Restaurant

Wednesday, March 3, 2020

Eight of us tonight to try the newest restaurant in Long Beach. They took over the Table 301 location by the promenade. Not much done to the interior as Table 301 was new construction before is closed 6 months later. Chairs are now upholstered instead of hard metal and some cosmetic paint changes it was an improvement over the original.

The owner is from Elle's in Long Beach.  Chef Witzl.  Great chef. Lupe's is a high end seafood style Mexican restaurant. They make everything from scratch. Roll their own blue corn tortillas. I was impressed with the food I ordered. Not large portions and not cheap prices, more middle road but don't expect a huge platter of food for $5.95.  My dinner items and drinks came to about $75 before tax and tip.

I started out with raw oysters. Had six. Paradise, Beausoliel and Mystic. Very fresh, sweet  and succulent. Light, briny taste.

Next was deep fried Squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta, quiltlacoche (fungus from corn), crab and salsa verde. 3 blossoms on the plate. Very good but not overly filling so I ordered another dish.

Camote (sweet potato) with crema and bone marrow with arbol chile. Another very good dish.

Had 2 cocktails this evening, The Visionary. Bourbon, crema de cacao, amaro 14 and charred lemon. Very good.

A variety of foods and drinks were ordered. Everyone was happy with their food and drinks. And we  will be coming back.  Nice to  have this type of restaurant in town, We have loads of really good Mexican places with great food but they have the traditional style of food.   This food at Lupe's is upscale without being pretentious.

Restaurant is right next the a large parking garage with first 2 hours free, I parked on the street which is no longer free parking. The Long Beach Parking Pimps have now parking stall numbers on the spaces and there is a machine that you enter your stall number and how much time you want. Then you pay. You do get 2 hours free like the garage.

Dinner with Terry's Daughters

Saturday, February 29, 2020

This is not one of my normal postings but it was important in my life.

It has been 3-1/2 years since my friend Terry passed away. I had not seen his daughters in probably 3 years due to everyone's personal life challenges.  We all got together at CJ's house for a vey informal dinner . Elizabeth, who has been cancer free for a couple of years now, Christina and her partner Will and their son Nico who will be six in April. Our friend Henry was there also.  We all used to get together frequently for Dim Sum and Chinese dinners. Great to be able to get together again.

CJ made stuffed shells. I brought meatballs and Henry a great vegetable dish   CJ set out 3 wines. 2007 Williams Selyem, Bacigalupi Vineyards, Zinfandel. 2011 Williams Selyem RRV, Pinot Noir and a 2009 McKeon Phillips,  BPR, Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cab was in honor or Terry and Cora who turned all of us onto McKeon Phillips wines.   My favorite of the evening was the Zinfandel. All were good wines.

Nico the 6 year old took a bit of time to warm up to us. After he got comfortable he honed in on me. Maybe because I am old and children seem to gravitate to older people.  We are willing to sit and listen to them talk away about everything which their parents will tell them to find something to do.
Nico asked if I was his grandmother. I told him no that I was not but I could be his pretend grandmother.  He seemed to be OK with that.  His grandmother Cora passed away before Nico was born and Terry passed away when Nico was about 3.So the child has no memories of grandparents. Which is so sad because Terry and Cora would have been fabulous grandparents.

We all had a great time talking about the past and vowed to get together for lunch soon.

Cusumano Wine Dinner at Michaels on Naples

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

4 of us tonight for a  wine dinner at Michaels. www.michalesonnaples.com. Cusumano Wines which are from the Sicilian area of Italy. Price of dinner was $100, in the past it has been from $125 to $140.  Things must  be slow in the restaurant business right now.  I have noticed a lot of closures lately. Competition is tough. 

Arrived 30 minutes early so sat at the bar and had a Manhattan.  Talked with a man next to me for a bit. Turned out he was a wine rep and got his card. He is doing a dinner at the restaurant in the Porsche Center in Carson. (racetrack where you can rent a Porsche to run the course)  I drive by the facility numerous times but never knew they had a restaurant. In April there will be a high end wine dinner. Plan on checking it out and hope to attend. 

Three distributor reps and the winery rep  Diego Cusumano  were in attendance tonight. Knew all the distributors from other venues.  

We started out with a "Ricciola Sicilian", amberjack crudo, blood orange, EVO. Fish was delicate and delightful. The citrus was a nice contrast.  Paired with a 2017 Alta Mora, Etna Bianco (Caricante grape)  New grape for me so that makes 551 tasted in my quest.

"Antipasto" consisted of pan seared squid, fennel pollen and carmelized fennel. Not a fan of fennel but it was used with a very light touch. Wine was a 2016 Grillo, Shamaris.  Grillo is the grape. A white wine.  A good pairing.

"Primo"  course is "Mafaldine", house made wide pasts, ahi tuna, San Marzano tomatoes and capers. Great flavor but wished for a light touch of cheese to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. But this is how they serve it in Sicily. Paired with two wines. 2014 Alta Mora, Nerello Mascalese, Etna Rosso, Guardiloa and a 2014 Alta Mora, Nerello Mascalese, Etna Rosso, Feudo di Mezzo. Both wines were good but I did prefer the second one more. 

"Secondi" is next with a very thinly sliced egglant rolled with braised pork, pine nuts raisins and finely diced bell peppers. Very tasty dish even if is eggplant.  Paired with a 2015 Noa, a super Scilian  Nerello Mascalese. Big wine but very good with the food.\

"Agnello". is the last dish. Grilled lamb loin, roasted potatoes an olive tapenade. Lamb was tender and had good flavor. I liked the touch of tapenade.  Had just the right touch of saltiness. 

"Per Finire" Dolcetti Della Casa,  is the dessert course, A small almond cake and a mini cannolli.  

Good dinner but I can see where they cut back on certain foods to be able to offer it at $100. Which I am OK with that. Food was good. I do not need numerous dishes of heavy proteins..  I very rarely finish all the courses and the majority of the time I have leftovers to take home.  This suits me better.

Dinner at Kelly's & Dimitry's

Saturday, February 8, 2020

Eight of us gathered around the table tonight for a "Rack of Lamb" dinner. Kelly has been practicing cooking lamb. A few stumbles along the way but she finally got it down pat. Lots of appetizers and sides. Everyone really enjoyed the night.    Kelly brought out a beautiful fruit tart from Katella Bakery with a candle on it. It was for my recent birthday. Nice touch.

Loads of wines, most of which I did not taste.Had eye surgery 2 days ago and still nit up to par. Eye was really bothering me.  But did had a pour of each champagne.

2008 Pol Roger Champagne
NV    Palmer and ; Co, Brut Reserve, Champagne
NV   Nicholas Feuillette Champagne
2010 Chateau Vieux, Gadet, Medoc
2011 Les Beaux, Monts Premier Cru, Vosne-Romanee
2003 Dry Creek Vineyards, Somers Ranch, Zinfandel
2011 Williams Selyem, Coastlands Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2008 Lillian, Dundee, Oregon, California Syrah
2009 Saxum, Broken Stones, Blend
2014 North Star, Merlot
2015 Ken Brown, Ritas Crown, Pinot Noir
2017 Golden Eye, Pinot Noir Rose
2009 Williams Selyem, Forchini Vineyards, South Knoll, Zinfandel

Dinner at the Red Table

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Margie's second monthly dinner for 2020. Red Table in Huntington Beach. www.redtablerestaurants.com. They have a "RED" table that comfortably seats 10. The restaurant says 12 and that is tight. We have 14 people tonight and that made a very crowded table. 14 people,  several dozen wine glasses and 16 wines .  In spite all this the service was great. Our waitress really kept things moving. 

CJ and I decided ahead of time to share appetizers instead of ordering dinner.  But unfortunately we were seated across the table from one another instead of being by a side.  So when the dishes came out we had to pass them back and forth trying to be careful and not break any glasses or knock over a bottle of wine. A big faux pas.  Also those dishes were heavy. I feel lucky we didn't have an accident.

The couple seated on the end between us offered to trade one of their seats so CJ and I could sit next to each other but by then the wines glasses were out, wine was poured and food was served.  Difficult changeover so we declined.  Wish I had asked when they first got to the table. 

Portions are very large here. Food is very good.  We ordered Roasted beets with feta and walnuts. 

Then  the quad of french fries. Red Table makes 4 different fries and have 4 sauces. Regular fries with hose made ketchup,  sweet potato fries with bacon, chive aioli, , Bollywood fries with madras curry dust  and garlic fries with blue cheese crumbles. After these dishes I was staring to expand. 

Next was crab cakes (4 oz) each and Bacon Truffle mac n' cheese with mozzarella, parmesan and prosciutto.   All were good.  But this was my swan song.  Doggie bags.

Margie made a batch of her very decadent brownies in celebration of my birthday in a few days. This was a nice surprise. 

Wines were a real mix which usually happens at these dinners. I brought a 2010 Kosta Browne, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir. . The second best wine tonight.  The best wine was a 2009 Williams Seylem, Olivet Lane, RR, Pinot Noir. 

2014 Tobin James, Arroyo Grand Valley. Paso Robles, Pinot Noir - did not taste.

2017 Croad, Paso Robles, Viognier - did not taste

2017 Enroute, RRV, Pinot Noir - did not taste

2015 Chronic Cellars, Paso Robles, Paradise  Proprietary red - did not taste

NV Piper Heidsieck Champagne - never wrong

2016 Grgich Hills Estate, Fume Blanc - did not taste

2014, Cabernet Franc Reserve - big wine, bold flavors - I liked it

2013 Halter Ranch, Paso Robles, CDP Red blend - OK 

2017 Vina Ponte, Cabaleiros, Albarino - did not taste

2014 Lando, Sonoma, Pinot Noir - very good.

NV Kirkland, French Brute Champagne -  a bargain for the price

Sierra Foothills, Coppermine, Miners Nightcap - very sweet - needed cheese

2016 Rideau, Enchevetre, white bland - did not taste

2016 Miro, Ponzo Vineyard, Red wine reserve - did not taste

Spago Restaurant - Dine in LA Week

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Back to Spago for the Winter Dine in LA Week. 6 of us tonight. Actually sat at the exact same table as we did on the last Dine in LA Week dinner last year.  Got to meet Wolfgang Puck. He came to our table and conversed with each of us. Seems a film crew was there. They are doing a documentary on Wolfgang Puck's life.

Started out with a few Amuse Bouches. 4 this year , 6 last year. 

 Parmigiano, Reggiano Cloud. A marshmallowy concoction rolled in the cheeese. Melt in your mouth one biter 

"Terotot"a square "tatertot" with  creme fraiche and Kaluga caviar

Maple Macaroon with Applewood smoked bacon and coffee. One of my favorites that they make here.

Tuna Tartar in a Sesame, Miso Tuille Cone. 2 bites.  Presentation is everything

First up is Japanese Hamachi, with ginger, Thai basil, crispy rice, Kaffir lime & Kalamansi (Filipino  Lime).  Extremely flavorful and the fish was raw, sweet and tender

Maine Diver Scallop,  fennel, capers, Meyer lemon, pomello and celery hearts. So succulent, Cooked to perfection.

Charred Octopus, pomegranate, mole and pumpkin seed.. Tender and good. But Playground's beat it out.

Hand made Agnolotti pasta with celery root, French black truffles and Mascarpone.. Very tasty and the truffle added the punch to the dish. I had 2 very large slices on my plate. Think I got the most of all at the table. Matter of luck.

Liberty Farms Duck brast, , Savoy cabbage, cipolinni, (onion) juniper and currants.. Needed a tad of salt. But overall a good dish.

Snake River Farms, Wagyu New York steak with Weiser Farms parsnips, black garlic and bone marrow.  This was much better than last year. Steak was tender and juicy.

Crottin de Chavignol, (goat cheese)   Fuji apple compote, Miele di Castagno,(Chestnut Honey)  and Rye. A really nice palate cleaning bite.

Mud Creek Farms grapefruit, smoked yogurt, wild flower honey and lavender.

Spago has a limit on 3 bottles per table that you can bring in.($50 corkage).  So a couple were bought off the wine list. I had brought a 2010 Clos Pepe VS that I recorked and took back home. Several bottles did not make it out of the wine bags.  I know the Rioja was bought off the list but not sure which ones

2013 Domaine Aimelle et Bernard, Nuits-Saint-George. 1st Cru

Domaine Lejeune, Pommard Les Rugiens. 1st Cru

2008 Pierre Paillard, Le Grand Recolte, Bouzy-Grand Cru

1995 Charles Heidsieck , Blanc de Millenaries

2007 Marquesde Murriette, Rioja.

Chinese New Year Dinner at Arte Cafe

Thursday, January 23, 2019

Odd assortment of dinner guests tonight. Saw  a few people that are regulars but a lot of new faces.  First clue that this was going to be different was a 3 piece band was setting up right inside the main entrance. Picked out a table as far away as possible.  No wine rep tonight. These wines will all be Richard's pick and not over pricey. 

Started off with a appetizer plate of Pork Belly, Egg Rolls and Chicken Wing. These are Richard's specialties and all were good.  They poured a Cupcake Sparkling Prosecco. Cloying sweet.

Next was a Won Ton soup with bok choy and Shitake mushrooms. Soup was very good and filling. I now have no more room for food. This was a large bowl. A Liquid Light Sauvignon Blanc was the pairing. The wine I would not be able to handle on its own. Way to citrusy for me but it did balance out with the soup.

Third course is a Salt & Pepper Sea Bass on cabbage. Excellent flavors. Took a couple of bites to taste and had them box it up for take out. A Erath Resplendent, Pinot Noir was the choice of wine. Not impressed. Seemed flat.

Main was choice of Duck Breast or Pork Belly. I opted for the Pork Belly with Long Line Noodles and Chinese Broccoli. Never tasted it, boxed it up to take home and have for dinner Friday night. That soup was so filling. A 2017  Intrinsic Red Blend, Malbec & Merlot, was the wine .  OK wine but again not impressed. Just didn't have a lot going for it.

Dessert was strange. I am not Chinese so maybe I did not appreciate it. Sweet Bean, Taro Root and Boba. Like a warm soup. Just could not get into it especially for dessert.

Music was loud but could have been worse. Songs were great, 50's & 60's. Everyone got a red envelope with money inside. Tossed mine into the musicians bucket.. They did give away a few bottles of wine, same as we had tonight. For once I was glad I did not win. 

Farewell to Justin at the Playground

Tuesday, January 22, 2020

Chef Justin Werner who has been with the Playground for 4 years is leaving to start his own. In the John Wayne Airport area and it will be called the Porch and Swing.  Anxious to try the new place when it opens. Justin makes the best Risotto and Gnocchi I have ever had including what I had in Italy. The month of February is "Farewell To Justin"  in the 2.0 Room and he is in charge of all dinners there. These dinners have been sold out for weeks.  5 of us tonight. www.playgrounddtsa.com

We started out with a cocktail. Vanilla infused vodka, house made apertivo, cranberry cordial. Bright red in color and very festive.

New bread chef, Dakota is his name. Seems requisite for being hired at Playground is beautiful tattoos.   He made a brioche roll that was so light and fluffy. Bit of salt on top. Great flavor. Served with house made unsalted butter.

Ride or Die was up next. Salad made with heavy greens, Radicchio for color. Very good dressing.

Burrata Fancier. Fancier is an French almond cake. These were bite size and had house made burrata on top which was toasted and crisped. Yummy.

Albacore with smoked egg vinaigrette and crispy shallots. The vinaigrette was on the creamy side. Albacore was stacked in  a round, then topped with the shallots. Loads of flavor.

These dishes were paired with Kofererhof Weingut, Riesling. Good pairing.

Beets, red and yellow with Pistachio tahini, sumo tangerines. Not overly sweet . Beautiful presentation.

Salisfy with hazelnut truffle, miso and onions, Salisfy was breaded and cooked. Sauce was very good.
It has been a long time since I had salsify. 

Scallops with fermented tomato water and candied lemon.

Wine with these dishes was a A>D> Beckman, Amphora Pinot Gris. Rose colored. Not my favorite. Frankly did not like at all.

A plate of Gnocchi appeared. Justin is known for this dish. Soft, creamy. Perfect.

Celery root cake, roasted apples and house made apple butter. Apples were sweet and tart at the same time. Loads of flavor.

Octopus that had been marinated overnight then grilled. Perfect. Sweet and tender. Cauliflower heart. Not the florets but the stemy part. Did not realize how good that part of the vegetable is.

A 2016 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico was the wine selection .

Marble potato, short rib confit.  I did find this dish way to salty for me.

Wagyu outside skirt steak. Extremely tender, good flavor.

Wine was a 2014 Paradign, Oakville, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon.. Pleasant wine. Went well with the meat.

Desserts were a Pineapple, Lychee ice cream. Sunchoke cake, semi fredo, sunchoke chips and hazelnut chocolate sauce. A Macaroon ice cream sandwich. .  

Dessert wine was a Amara , Amaro D'Arancia Rossa. A Sicilian liqueur.  Off setting flavor. Took two sips and that was it.

Providence Restaurant - Dine in LA Week

Monday, January 20, 2020

Dine in LA Week has started so I can patronize a few restaurants that are normally out of budget.  We picked Providence for Monday because of the no corkage policy on that day. Other days corkage is $50 per bottle.  www.providencela.com.  Six of us tonight in the back room in front of the wine cellar.

Started out with a small glass of mushroom and mussel soup.  Just a few sips. Interesting aroma and flavor. Just enough to whet the appetite for what is coming next.

A bed of ice with spicy lobster, turnip and pickled radish in a wonton type wrapper. The pickling won the fight with the lobster. Big clash of flavors.  The only negative the entire evening. 

Steelhead trout, trout roe on a small  cracker. A one bite wonder.

Smoked black cod on a blini type cracker. A tiny pea set on top

Wagu Fielle -  a thin slice of wagu beef rolled to resemble  a cigar. Served in a cigar box. This is a staple of Providence. Beautiful flavors and the presentation is always a hit.

Since the menu was prix fixe there were a couple of choices. On the starter the choice was Tai Snapper or Nancys Down East Sea Scallops with turnip and miso for a $15 supplemental charge.  I opted for the Snapper with tangerine,  fattalii ( a citrusy chili pepper). Excellent flavors. I was happy.

Everyone got a dish of Vermillion Rock Fish with Tahitian squash and chorizo. Everything is cooked perfectly.

Next we got  to chose from is Quinautt River steel head trout with Sunchokes and fine herbs or Liberty Farms duck, blood orange, kalamata and Treviso (Italian Chichory).  I choose the duck. Again everything is perfect.  They also had a supplement of a5 Wagu beef with roasted cabbage and aceto balsamic at a $40 upcharge. 

There were a couple of add ons that a few others ordered.  Risotto with Perigold Black Truffles and Raw Oysters on the half shell. 

Dessert was a Forest Floor, Porcini Mushroom ice cream with hazelnut. Also a Chocolate Log with Porcini Mushroom and  Hazelnut ice cream.  Odd flavor , interesting and very good. 

All the food was prepared perfectly, presentation is way beyond what you would ever expect. Service is impeccable and top notch. You pay for it but it is worth it. 

I brought 1 2010, Roar, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir - other wines were:

2007 Comtes de Champagne, Grand Cru, Blanc de Blanc
1999 Billecart-Salmon, Cuvee Nicolas, Brut
2012 Pierre Peters, Cuvee Special, Blanc de Blanc
2007 Saint Cosme, Cote-Rotie
2009 Clos Pepe. Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir

Terlato Wines at Arte Cafe

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

First wine dinner of the year at Arte Café. All the wines are from Terlato's portfolio.  Good evening as one of the five us won a bottle of wine in the raffle.  Not only is the food good and the wine dinners are reasonably priced there are the raffle perks.

Started out with a Rigatoni pasta, smoked salmon, cream sauce, Romano cheese and mushrooms Good dish. Hearty for a cold night. Salmon was moist. Paired with a 2018 Terlato Pinot Grigio. Clean, crisp wine

Next is a Grilled shrimp skewer with mango and pineapple salsa and herbed rice. Shrimp are tender and cooked perfectly. The rice, salsa combo was interesting contrast to the shrimp. Wine was a 2017 Sanford,  Sta Rita Hills, Chardonnay.  Clean chardonnay, just a slight hit of oak. Several of us thought the chardonnay would have been better with the smoked salmon and the Pinot Grigio with the shrimp. We passed this information to the wine rep.

Third course is a Lamb meatball with Harissa, coucous, percorino and rosemary. Excellent dish. The harissa added so much flavor to the lamb. Lamb was moist  A 2015 Rutherford Merlot was the wine choice. A good merlot. Not my favorite varietal but this wine made my list

A Braised beef short rib with mild mushrooms, heirloom tomatoes, mushroom gravy on polenta was served next. Great flavor, moist and tender. Paired with a 2016 Chimney Rock, Stags Leap District, Cabernet Sauvignon. Another good pairing

Dessert is a Crème Brulee with sliced strawberry and a pour of NV Kracher Beernauslese.  The grapes have been infected with "noble rot" hence making them super sweet.

Another good dinner at Arte Cafe. Richard has been bringing his game on quite a bit lately.  Looking forward to the Chinese New Years dinner on the 24th.

Playa Amor

Thursday, January 10, 2020

Playa Amor was listed as one of the top 100 restaurants in the LA Area.     www.playamorlb.com.       Several in the group had been here before. First for me.  We were seated in the area outside the building but had heavy plastic roll covers and outdoor heaters. In spite of the cool night air we were  comfortable. I did find the restaurant on the noisy side. Inside and outside areas. A lot of tables and they were all full. The background music was not soft and soothing and a bit to loud for me. When I have a hard time hearing the person right across the table from me because of all the noises then I am for really not so into it.  

When I first arrived I went into the bar and sat down. Ordered a house margarita, which was very good. But the bar counter top was full of tiny pieces of chips left behind from the person before me. I had been seated and ordered my drink before someone came and cleaned the area.  They were very busy tonight so I can go with it for now.

At dinner we all ordered an item of the "started" menu. Not my thing normally but go with the majority.  We had the Mexican Street Corn (off the cob). This was a very tasty dish. Then the Guacamole which one was of the better ones I had tasted. 

The salsa was not too hot or spicy. Everyone except me liked it. There was a flavor in it that I could not get into.  Maybe the cilantro.  Whatever it was was off putting for me. 

Charred Octopus had good flavor but I found it a bit chewy. Octopus is difficult to cook correctly. They almost had it but not quite.

Tuna Tartare Tostadas.  Good flavor on the tartare but not exceptional. I would like to have this dish sands the tostada shells. 

New Mexico Green Hatch Chile Spaghetti. Several people at the table have had this dish before. They all said it was not up to par. I found it very bland and could not get the chile flavor at all. Almost like they forgot to put in the sauce. Just stirred in the cheese. 

Pork Belly Nachos. Great flavor. But again we are swarming in tortilla chips. Another dish I wish I could order with the half the chips. Maybe I will try that sometime. Pay for the dish but ask them to only put half the chips in the bowl before adding the pork belly and cheese mixture. 

Someone ordered Churros for dessert. They came with a chocolate dipping sauce. I did not try them.

They have  a large cocktail menu. Most of us had the house Margaritas. They were  good. But the pricing of all the cocktails go from $10 and up. The margarita was served in a upright water glass, loads of ice, several good size pieces of fruit. The liquid to solid ratio was skewered. They are making money on the alcohol, which most restaurants do. But I think this drink should have been in the $6 to $7 range.

In spite of the lukewarm like of Playa Amour tonight I would come back.  I would like to try one of the fish dinners.  All restaurants have off nights and normally I will give them another try.  Probably not much will be done on the noise level. That seems to be the in thing right now in restaurants. Loud loud and louder.  

India Grill

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Margie's first wine dinner of the year. India Grill in Cypress. www.ocindiagrill.com. 12 of us tonight. 4 people had to cancel. There has been a change in ownership. I will say I think the food is better now. Fried foods are not oily like before.

The Papadam with sauces came out. I do not eat this fried bread. It is too dry for me. and lacks flavor. You have to have the sauces to make it palatable.But there was a lot of it for the table

We started out with Vegetables Pokoras and Paneer Pokoras. Both were very good but the Paneer was the best.

Butter Chicken which is chicken in a creamy tomato butter sauce. Mild sauce, chicken was not overcooked.

Shrimp Masala. Shrimp in a butter, tomato, cream sauce. Shrimp were tender.

Lamb Chau Chau. Pan fried noodles with diced lamb and vegetables. A bit of a spicy bite to it. Just the right amount.

Vegetable Korma. Mixed veggies in a creamy cashew curry.  I thought it needed a bit more vegetables in it.

Overall the portion of the sauces were too heavy compared to the ingredients. But I do know they count the pieces of protein that are put in the dishes.  Cost saving for the restaurant. We had two dishes with a creamy tomato based sauce. Would have liked to have a Saag or Vindaloo for one of them. Esthetically it would have made a better presentation.

We also had, Garlic Naan and Basmati rice. The Naan was good . Rice is rice.

Dessert was Rice Pudding with Cardamom and nuts. It was not a pudding but a soup. Flavor was bland. Needed more cardamom and I never tasted any nuts.

Wines were a real mix tonight. We were at one long table and the wines didn't really transfer from one end to another. Also there was a large wine cooler bucket at the end of the table with wines in them., I personally do not like getting up and wandering around to get a pour of wine. Last night wouldn't have been to bad because I was and the end of the table but when you have people on both sides and you are constantly getting up to look for wine it becomes an issue. Most of those wines could have set on the table and they probably would have been drank by more people. Out of sight out of mind. They would not have warmed up that much and if they did they could then be put back into the bucket for a brief chill.

NV   Tattinger, Domiane Carneros, Napa, Sparkling - always good

2016 Fallbrook Winery, 33* North, South Coast, Syrah - was not impressed

2015 Klipson Winery, Arbor Brook Vineyards, Columbia Valley. "Sydney" Semillon - did not taste

2017 J. Rochioli, RRV, South River, Sonoma County, Chardonnay - did not taste

NV Mailly, Grand Cru, Champagne - good

2018 A to Z, Newburg, Oregon, Riesling - did not taste

2018 Sunstone, Santa Ynez Valley, Grenache Rose - did not taste

2012 Tercero, Larner Vineyard, Ballard Canyon, Grenache - showing really well

2000 Chateau St. Jean, Cinq Cepages, Sonoma, Cabernet Sauvignon - for 20 years old a nice wine. I thought wasted on Indian food. Would have been so much better with beef

2016 Buttercream Frosting, Reserve Chardonnay - did not taste

NV Domaine Michelle, Brut, Champagne - did not taste

2018 Bridlewood, Grenache Rose - did not taste

2008 Williams Selyem, eastside Road Neighbors, RRV, Pinot Noir - one of the best wines tonight

2015 Elizabeth Chambers, Russel-Grooters Vineyard, Pinot Noir - OK - but not really taken with it

NV Segura Viudas, Brut, Cava - did not taste

2018 Dr. Konstantin Frank, Finger Lakes, New York, Gruner Veltliner - very good

2011 Trombetta. Gaps Crown, Sonoma, Pinot Noir - another one of the best of the evening