Lunch at Sea Food Cove # 1

 Friday, December 22, 2023

Lunch today with the boys at Seafood Cove # 1 in Westminister.  Have not been out for awhile, so today is a treat.  Restaurant was packed today because of Christmas.  Watched them move loads of lobsters around in the tanks. Getting the oldest ones on top. Did not see one lobster that was less than 3 lbs. At $32 a pound.  Some were weighing in at over 6 lbs.  Front door was open so I could see the reflection of outside in the tanks. Some person got hit by a car crossing the street. Could see all the emergency personnel doing their job.  Interesting lunch today. Not the normal.

Started off with the spicy sour soup. A bit more spicy than usual. Different cook.  

We ended up with a plate of Pea Shoots. Henry wanted long beans but for some reason they were out of them along with a couple other green vegetables. 

Also ordered the Salt and Pepper Fried Fish Filet and Pork Chops Peking Style. Both were very good today.

Wines today were all excellent. Tis the season. A 1999 La Pousse d'Or, Corton Bressandes, Grand Cru, Pinot Noir.   2015 Roar Pisoni Vineyard, Pinot Noir and a 2006 Clos Pepe Estate, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir. All very enjoyable. 

Margie's Monthly Dinner at Buon Gusto

 Buon Gusto

Wednesday,  October 18, 2023

12 of us tonight for dinner.  We were seated on the outside patio. It was a pleasant evening, cool but not chilled.  The servings at Buon Gusto are huge. You can eat for 2 days off of the leftovers.  I ordered the Oso Buco with Fettuccini that came with meat sauce. Still too much tomato for my issues. Ate the meat and took all the pasta home. There are plates of large oblong rolls on the table. These are not warm so I will pass on them. Don't need all the carbs and calories anyway. But if they had been hot I would have devoured at least one of them. Ordered Pistachio Gelato for dessert. Again a huge portion. I did leave some in the bowl. Buon Gusto has a very extensive menu and the food is good. I will not call it great but it is good and no one walks out without leftovers.

Interesting list of wines. Margie asked everyone for Italian wines. She got a very mixed bag tonight. I tasted 2 bubblies and 1 white. Big mistake Not a pleasant night for me. Should have stuck entirely with reds. 

I brought a Stolpman, Ballard Canyon, Angeli which is a Syrah. Grapes picked from the best area and vines in the vineyard. Showing very well.

NV   Launois. Le Mesnil Sur Oger, France, Champagne - small pour very good

NV   Santa Margarita, Italy,Vino Spumante Rose Brit sparkling. small pour very good

2021 Fratelli Alessandria Pinsoit, Italy, Langhe Nebbiolo - did not taste

2021 Gorgona Costa Toscana Firenze, Italy, Frescobaldi - interesting wine

2013 Bodkin, Rogers Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma - Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste

2014 Fattoria di Bagnolo, Italia, Frienze, Chianti Reserve - did not taste

2021 Selvanova La Corda di Luna, Tere de Voltuno, Campania, Italia - did not taste

2020 Belle Glos, Sonoma County, Oeil de Perdin, Blanc de Noir - did not taste

2016 Curran, Rancho La Vina, Pinot Noir - always a winner

2016 Curran, Santa Barbara County, Tempranillo - did not taste

2018 Dewitt Vineyard, Amador County, Barbera - did not taste

2021 DeMonteverro, Toscano, Italy, Vermentino - did not taste

2014 J. Lohr, Suite E Cuvee - did not taste

2014 J. Lohr, Carls Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon - did not taste

2021 Trefethen, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, Chardonnay - did not taste

Lunch at The Himalayan Grille

 Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Himalayan Grille at Peters Landing

Decided to tr the Himalayan again after an absence of several years.  Peters Landing went through several years of renovation and ownership change of the restaurant also.   They did not go back into their original suite but moved back to the area where the boats dock. A much more laid back place now.  Pros and Cons on this. 

We started out with Chicken Momo. I have had this dish numerous times, but this version did not do it for me. I didn't even finish one piece. 

I did like the Chicken Lollipops. Nice, crunchy and flavorful.  Ate without the sauce. Way too spicy for me.

The Rogan Josh  (lamb) was very good, sauce was excellent. I would have liked the lamb to be a bit more tender, but I have found certain cultures overcook their meats. It is their thing not mine but when I am eating in their territory, I am the one that has to adjust. 

The Garlic Naan was very good. Soft and garlicky.  Better than the old Himalayan.   

We decided that we will be going back to the Himalayan

We had two bottles of wine today. Corkage is $9.99 for 2. Odd but.  A 2019 Simi Sonoma County, Cabernet Sauvignon. Better than I thought it would be because of it being young. Very drinkable. I brought a 2013 Clos Pape, Sta, Rita Hills, Dark Side, Pinot Noir. Drinking exceptionally well. 

Very enjoyable afternoon. Great weather and it was nice to sit inside and still be close to all the boats.

Margie's Monthly Dinner at King's Fish House

 Wednesday,  September 13, 2023

16 of us tonight for dinner at King's Fish House in Huntington Beach. 3 no shows (I would be irritated to no end if it was my gathering).  We were in a side room with no other patrons. Just our noisy group. 16 people, 19 wines does not make for silence.  All of King's restaurants are a no corkage establishments. Makes the total bill palatable. 

Margie made a comment to the group that it was getting harder to book at restaurants for Saturdays because our group takes a lot of time taking up tables and they like to turn over fast on weekends.   Personally I like the weekdays. Restaurants don't seem to rush you. Very few people in the group work so that is not an issue and those few who do work do not seem to have an issue with weekdays.  

I am still watching what I eat so I opted for plain food. Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with spinach and mashed potatoes.  Fish was excellent, moist and delicate.  Others ordered everything from lobster to fish and chips. 

I only had tastes of a small number of wines.  I brought a 2013 Lando, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir. Drinking really well.

2022 Clos Henri, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste

2018 Foley, Alexander Valley, Merlot - did not taste

NV Banshee 10 Cups of Coffee, Brut sparking - did not taste

2016 Rios-Lovell, Livermore, Orange Muscat - did not taste

2016 Alexana, Dundee Hills, Riesling - did not taste

2022 Abecela, Umpqua Valley, Albarino - did not taste

NV, Pine Ridge, Ceres, Sparkling Chenin Blanc - did not taste

2016 Merry Edwards, RRV, Coopersmith, Pinot Noir - excellent wine

2021 Albiho Armani, "Orange From The Basement" Pinot Grigio - did not taste

2019 Leoness Cellars, Temecula Valley, Mouverdre - did not taste

2021 Bizkaiko,  Spain, Txakolina  -  did not taste

2021 Kolfox, Austria, Gruner Veltliner - did not taste

2022 Schug, Carneros, White Burgundy - did not taste

2019 Smith Story, Helluva Vineyard Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir - did not taste

2008 Avenel Cellars, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - nice wine

2018 Dehlinger, Pinot Noir - did not taste

2021 Peroncelli, Dry Creek Valley, Rose of Zinfandel - did not taste

2008 La Brun, De Neuville, Millesime, France Champagne - showed so much better than the last bottle of same - very good

Lunch at Downtown Disneyland

 Friday, September 1, 2023

10 of us converged on Downtown Disneyland today to have lunch at Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. We all know the floor manager and decided to grace him with our presence.  It has been years since I have been to this area in Disney. Friends picked me up and I took the wheelchair. because of the walk.  Parking lot was huge, all the handicapped were taken but we did luck out and get a space close to the entrance side of the lot. It was about a 8 minute walk to get to the entrance. Big changes. Security.  Bags and purses are searched and you have to go through a metal detector.  How sad times have become.

We arrived at the restaurant and were seated. Others showed up quickly except for one person who was parked in the same lot but much further away from the entrance and was a bit lost.  Eventually they arrived at the restaurant. 

I ordered a sandwich with a deep fried chicken patty. Had them leave off the chow chow and put the sauces to the side. Served with fries.  It was OK but without the sauces, which were spicy it was a bit bland.   Since this is a New Orleans Creole style restaurant, I did not have many choices.  Everyone's food looked good. Prices were a bit on the higher side.

We got a tour by Dave of the restaurant and private rooms. Big upstairs area and rooms for private events. Upstairs looked a bit classier than downstairs.  I would assume that there would not be too many screaming kids upstairs.   When we returned to our table there were benights for us on the house. 

Downtown Disney was packed as afar I was concerned but the parking lot was only half full. Hate to see it when the lot is full. Most kids and a lot of adults had "mouse ears" or were in costumes.  Seems like there were only a few venues to attend besides food related.  There was a large "Lego" building which you could enter and play with Legos and I am assuming buy, buy, buy. Also a bowling alley called Splitsville, 4 lanes on ground floor and 12 lanes upstairs.  Did not venture past that area so I have no idea what else is there.  But did find out Porto's Bakery is going to be opening a place there. 

Dave did indicate that management was looking at the idea of hosting winemaker dinners.  They used to have them at Napa Rose and Catal (which is gone)  but no longer. You can buy glasses and bottles of wine but no winemaker dinners now. 

I doubt if I would go back on my own. If someone drove I might for a winemaker dinner but not to just "hang" at Downtown Disney. I am getting too old for that.

Lunch at Seafood Cove # 1

 Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Back to our old favorite. Seafood Cove # 1.  Posters featuring food items on the wall show the rise in prices of food over the past year. Lobster $30 a pound. Peking Duck $45 for the whole duck dish.  

We started out with the customary Sour Spicy soup. I actually ate the entire serving of it. Then onto the entrees.

Salt and Pepper Fried White Fish Fillets. We ordered mild. Fish was very fresh, moist and sweet.  A perfect dish for me.

Beef Chow Fun. Different chef from last time. The pieces of beef were much larger and not overcooked. Served with the Thai style wide noodles.

Pork Peking Style. Pieces of pork with the bone, deep fried and a spicy sauce. This dish I did not try. Did not want to push my luck. Maybe next time. I have had it in the past and really like it but have a tendency to eat too much of it because it is so good. 

Rounded out lunch with a dessert of warm Green Bean Tapioca with Dried Dates and Seaweed.  Interesting and good.

3 bottles of wine today.  

2003 Roth Estate, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. Very low keyed and mellow. Light weight Cab. Drinking quite well.

2013 Tercero, Larner Vineyard, Grenache.  Typical grenache, always good from the Larner Vineyard. Showing quite well. I have leftovers for the rest of the week.

Michael David, Petite Petit from Lodi Always an interesting wine. Petite Syrah and Petite Verdot. Went well with the food. 

Lunch With The Boys at My House

 August 01, 2023

 Lunch was at my house with takeout from Olive Pit.  We ordered Kabob plates, lamb,  chicken and steak along with sides of grilled mushrooms, grilled artichoke hearts, green beans with stewed tomatoes, roasted potatoes, hummus and naan.  Have eaten at the Olive Pit numerous times but this time the food we picked up was not up to par.  Ordered the meat medium and it was well done, A few pieces were actually burnt on the ends. Void of flavor.. I was so disappointed that I posted on Yelp. 

I opened a 2013 Kosta Brown Sonona Coast Pinot which was drinking quite well.

A bit different today but very pleasant.

Lunch at Cafe Corleone

 June 29, 2023

3 of us today at a small family owned restaurant in Paramount. Cafe Coreleone. My first time and I was impressed by the quality of the food. At least to look at it. Still have issues so no marinara sauces for me. But they were homemade and had a terrific smell. Would have loved to try but knew better. My dining companions had Eggplant Parmesan, Pizza and Lasagna.  My choice was a beef sandwich which was very good. Can't wait to go back when I am "cured" so I can actually taste and savor the food. House gave us canneloni's for dessert which were house made and exceptionally good.  Cage Coreleone is not fancy just a family "joint" but it was voted one of the top new restaurants in Los Angeles.  A definite place to return to.

Two wines were brought. a Assolati Sangiovese and a Seghesio Sangiovese. Had a small taste of each one. Both were very good. 

Margie's Monthly Dinner at Issara

 Saturday,   June 24, 2023

14 of us tonight attending dinner at Issara Thai Restaurant.  We all pre-ordered our food for tonight at the restaurant's request. Made it interesting on how they made and delivered the dishes to the table. Easy dishes came out first and those which took a bit more work were last. People who got served first were finished with their appetizers when the others were just starting to eat. The new owners have changed the way we as a large group can order food. No more large dishes to be shared. Everyone has to have their own individual orders.  So a person has a large portion of a singular food in front of them.  I liked it better when we passed the dishes around and shared equally. Much better variety that way.   I would not like that at other restaurants but at Issara it did work better when we could do that. But new owners, new rules.  Service was good, a bit chaotic because of the number of people at the table but the server did a really good job.

I shared an appetizer plate with CJ. Ate a few things that I knew I could. Vegetable Egg Rolls, Bangkok  Cups and Crab Ragoons. All very tasty.  I ordered the Fried Sole for dinner.  6 very large pieces of sole that was battered and deep fried.  Not greasy at all but the fish was "tough". How can sole be tough ?  I had a very hard time cutting through the piece with a knife.  Took leftovers home.  When I opened the bag at home there was a very distinct "fishy" odor.  Either the oil the fish was fried in had not been changed recently or the fish was "old". Possibly a combination of both. Into the trash it goes. Big waste of money.

Large assortment of wines tonight. I did try a few and what I did drink were good. Drank only reds. Stayed away from the bubblies and whites. Although there were a few whites I would have liked to try. Saw these when I typed up the wine list the next day. 

NV   Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley Brut Sparkling

2004 Joyau De France, Boizel, Champagne

2021 Kim Crawford, Rose France

2019 Sanford, SRH, Chardonnay

2020 Emma Reichart, Germany, Dry Riesling

2020  Stuart Fricke, Gewurztraminer, Home made wine with grapes sourced from Germany (would have liked to tried this one)

2021 Obere Steigen Huber Traisental Markus Hiber, Gruner Veltliner

2021 Viramonte Sauvignon Blanc

2021 Flemiana, Hungary, Gruner Veltliner

2014 Williams Selyem, Central Coast, Pinot Noir - very good

2014 Williams Selyem, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir - very good

2017 Denner, Dirt Worshipper Syrah

2019 Twomey, Single Vineyard, Price Hill, Dundee Hills, OR, Pinot Noir - very good

2019 Forgotten Barrel. Santa Ynez Vallet, GSM

2021 Silk & Spice, Portugal Red Blemd - very good

NV   Twin Coyotes, Paso Robles. Moscato

2003 Duet, Creamy Sherry

Lunch at Kamal Palace

 Thursday, June 6, 2023

Decided to try the lunch buffet at Kamal Palace. $16.95 plus $6 corkage.  Had to park in the back where the handicapped parking is and walk up a long incline to the second floor.  I would not call this a desirable for people with mobility issues.  I know some people that would never be able to access the area. 

We got there at 11:30 and the restaurant was over half full already. Mostly chicken and vegetable dishes on the buffet but they recently added lamb shanks to the offering.  I picked and chose my food to avoid heavy spices etc., What I did eat was decent quality for the price. 

My dining companions have no "gut" issues so they really loaded up with all the dishes I wished I could have. Everyone agreed it was worth the money.

We opened two wines.  A Jansz Sparkling from Tasmania which was quite good. I did have a very small pour.  I brought a 2013 Roar, Rosella's Vineyard, Pinot Noir.  Huge disappointment. The wine was a complete dud. Absolutely nothing going for it. Dead on arrival. 

Lunch at Seafood Cove # 1

 May 25, 2023

Just 3 of us today for lunch.  Restaurant was packed for some reason at noon.  Also a big lobster delivery today for the weekend. Saw some really big ones go into the tank.

Started off with the sour spicy soup. A bit too salty and also had a bite to it that wasn't normal. Different chefs have their own versions of this traditional soup.  I had a few spoonfuls but opted not to finish it. Not taking a chance with my gut issues. 

3 of us so 3 dishes were ordered. Started off with the Beef and Chinese Broccoli. Beef was flavorful and very tender. Broccoli was cooked just right.

Next was Salt & Pepper fried fish filet. Nice crunchy coating and fish was sweet and very moist. Had a lot of this because I felt I could tolerate it. Laid off the jalapeno peppers. 

Last dish was Chicken Chow Fun.  Chicken was very moist but lacked seasoning. The greens were good but I did not particularly care for this dish. Henry ate a lot of it. 

Sliced oranges for dessert. Their oranges are always juicy and sweet. Much better than the ones in the grocery stores. I did have one slice but because it was citrus I limited myself.

Kitchen seemed a bit off today and that could be from the two very large groups that were seated when we got there at noon.

I had a small pour of each of the 3 wines. Came away from the lunch with no issues. Hopefully I am on the way up and no more downs.

NV Meiomi blend.  This was young and showed it but in a few years it will be drinking nicely.

2010 Sea Smoke Ten, Pinot Noir. Really showing well. Supple, dark fruit, good mouth feel. A very nice wine.

2013 Tercero, Larner Vineyard, Grenache. Drinking nice. Good blend of fruit flavors, medium to long finish. This wine will go a few more years.

 

Dinner at Dan Modern Chinese

 Friday, May 12, 2023

Dan Modern apparently is a chain of Chinese soup dumpling restaurants. The one we went to at 2nd & PCH in Long Beach is to me on the "sterile" side. No ambiance at all. Noisy because of all the hard surfaces and floor to ceiling glass windows.  Have no idea what the other restaurants in the chain are like, but probably very similar. And I found not disabled friendly.  They meet the minimal requirements.  I found it very tight to maneuver my walker between the tables.  They really pack the people in. High turnover of patrons. But the food is good. At least to look at.  I had the Oxtail Noodle Soup which was a bit bland which I had to have right now and a bit oily which I did not need.  But the majority of the dishes were heavy with garlic or onion which are on my taboo list at the moment. The food that my dining companions ate looked very good and they said it was. I was a bit envious. 

Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic. Beautiful color on the beans and they did look crunchy not overly soft which is a good thing.

Beef Roll which was beef and what looked like spinach rolled in a dough and fried,

Noodles with Short Rib. Looked like Soba noodles and everyone said it was really good.

Pan Fried Shrimp and Pork Dumplings. I think that maybe this was the least favorite of all the dishes. No one seemed too excited about them. They looked a bit oily. 

Two orders of Soup Dumplings were served along with lots a finely julienned ginger. 

Wish I could have indulged. Perhaps another time.

CJ brought a bottle to share. I had none at the restaurant but did get a pour at home. A 2008 Sea Smoke, One Barrel, Pinot Noir. It was an excellent wine.

Service was good and accommodating. But all the dishes had come out way before I got my soup. Will probably go back at some time in the future when I can enjoy normal food again.

Lunch With The Boys At Cal-Chilli

 Monday, May 8, 2023

Went to Cali-Chilli for lunch after my dental appointment. Conveniently located a few blocks from my dentist. 3 of us today. Took two bottles of wine because corkage is $20 per.   We always open, serve and provide our own glasses so to us the fee is excessive. But that seems to be the trend now days. Extra money in the pocket of the owner.  If they had decent wine lists I could understand but for the most part their wine lists are mediocre. 

A 2010 Williams Selyem, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir was showing nicely.  I brought a NV Alandes, 5th Edition Paradux which is a blend of Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina.  Unfortunately for me the wine was very acidic. One glass and I had a bad afternoon.  Gave the bottle to a fellow diner to take home.

We had 3 appetizers for lunch. Servings are quite large for appetizers. 

Fried Calamari and French Green Beans with Lime Aioli. Had this before and it was again very good. 

Cali Quesadilla. Chicken, Melted Cheese, Onions and a Herb Sour Cream. Very good flavors. I pulled all the raw onions off. Another item I am having to avoid.

Cauliflower Fritters with a Sambal Aioli. Sambal is a mixture of Garlic Mayonnaise and Sambal oelek which is a chili paste. Another item on my off list at this time. 

Good lunch in spite of my issues. Enjoyed the food and the company. Hope to return soon.

Lunch With The Boys At Seafood Cove # 1

 Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Four of us today for lunch.  Place was empty at noon but by 1:00 it was almost full. And it is a Tuesday, A few live lobsters in the tank after the weekend. Lobster up to $32 per pound. CJ brought a 2010 Clos Pepe VS, Pinot Noir in a magnum bottle. It was excellent. Still having issues so I limited myself to 4 ounces.  Bright medium cherry, supple mouth feel. Good soft tannins. Medium to long on the back palate. Good showing of Clos Pepe.  Wish I could have chanced drinking more. 

Started out with the spicy sour soup which after two spoonful's I had to stop. It was so salty. Like too many cooks adding salt because they didn't think someone else did it. 

Next was Salt and Pepper Fried Fish Filet. Nice tender light white fish with a non-greasy batter. I did eat several pieces of the fish. Left the jalapeno peppers alone. 

Beef Chow Fun , stir fried spicy beef with green beans. Everyone liked this dish but me. Some spice on the meat that I just can't wrap by head around.

Thai Style Seafood Chow Fun. I only had some of the greens and the Thai noodles. Shying away from the sauces for the time being. It did look very good.

Last dish was Peking Style Pork Chop.  Another sauced dish. Did not have any today. I have had this before and really liked it but was afraid to start eating it and overeat because it would taste so good. 

Good lunch and great conversations mostly about old movies, old TV shows and artificial intelligence 

Margie's Monthly Wine Dinner at Prime Cut

 Saturday. April 1, 2023

Prime Cut Steak House

This is a favorite place for dinner with Margie. Food is always good and staff is always very accommodating.  As usual we had the private room. Holds 14 people and it was full.  Wines brought were full also. 21 wines and 13 people drinking. I am still having issues post Covid so no wine for me tonight. I did sniff a few but didn't dare drink. 

For some reason tonight seemed a lot noisier than in the past. Not sure why. Maybe another post Covid issue.  Room looked the same. But there were several "chatty cathy" females having a good time and that did not help the noise level. 

I ordered the Australian Sea Bass sans the sauces.  It came with mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans. For being a bland dinner the fish was very good. Everyone else's plates looked really good with all the sauces and accompaniments. I was a bit envious. 

Have no idea what the wines tasted like. The two 2011 Cabernet Sauvignons were the hit on my end of the table. Interesting comparisons, Australia versus Washington State. I have made no comments of the wines.

NV    Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley, Brut, sparkling

NV   AJ De Margie, Grand Cru Champagne

2008 Le Brun De Neuville, Champagne Millesime

2019 Youngberg Hill, Extended Triage, McMinneville, OR, Sparkling

2022 Abacela, Roseburg, OR, Grenache Blanc

2021 Long Meadow Ranch, Rutherford, Sauvignon Blanc

2021 Abacela, OR, Albarino

2021 Rochioli, RRV< Sauvignon Blanc

2021 Pia De Gates, Blanc, Anna Espeit Cap de Creus

2021 Askerne, Hawkes Bay, Sauvignon Blanc

2006 Stone House, North Coast, CA, Cabernet Sauvignon

2006 Patricia Green cellars, Newbery, OR, Ribbon Ridge, Pinot Noir

2011 Molly Ducker, McLaren Valle, Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Doubleback, Walla Walla Valley, WA, Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Halter Ranch Ancestor, Paso Robles, Red Blend

2012 Denner, Paso Robles, Grand Cru, Grenanche

2018 Col Solare, Red Mountain, WA, Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Leoness, Temecula, Cinsault

2019 O'Connor, Jelise Vineyard, RRV, Pinoy Noir

2019 Caliza, Paso Robles, Syrah

2019 Lewis Grace, CA, El Dorado, Late Harvest Primitivo

Margie's Dinner at Taboon

 Saturday, March 11, 2023

 The restaurant was very crowed tonight. Glad we had a private room. Ten people and 14 wines tonight.  There is no way to taste and enjoy them all. At least you can weed out the varietals you don't care for to bring it down to a reasonable number to manage.  Still not drinking a lot but I did bring a bottle and tasted a few of the wines. Company was good tonight.

Waitress took orders for the appetizers along with the dinners.  They brought the appetizers out and within a few minutes the dinners showed up. Not sure what the thinking of the staff was on this but it was not a good decision. 

I did not have appetizers but I ordered the lamb chops for dinner. Surprisingly enough they came out medium rare as I ordered. Most Mediterranean restaurants over cook the meat no matter what way you order it, Everything for the meal was on a large platter. Personally this is an irritant for me. I just don't like my salad next to hot food. But tonight I did not eat much beyond a couple of chops and some rice. Their hummus had good flavor but they did not grind it smooth and it had chunks of chick peas that did not grind up smooth.

Lamb was good, pita bread was good, rice was good. Did not eat the salad, grilled onion or the grilled tomato and did not take them home. Chops, rice hummus and pita bread made the take home box. 

I only tasted a few wines as I did not want to push my luck with the gastric issues. 

NV   Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley Brut - did not taste

NV   Lucien Albrecht, Cremant D'Alsace Brut - did not taste

2007 Darma Lane, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - did not taste

2010 Kosta Browne, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir - showing very well, a really  wine

2012 Darma Lane, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - did not taste

2012 Initales, Marc Chaouet, France Champagne - did not taste

2014 Williams Selyem. Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir - I brought this wine. Did not decant, should have. Showing well but improved dramatically a few days later at home

2018 Calera, Mt. Harlan, Hollister, Chardonnay - did not taste

2020 J. Lohr, Arroyo Seco. Monterey, Chardonnay - did not taste

2020  Foley, Sta Rta Hills, JA Ranch, Pinot Noir - did not taste

2020 My Favorite Neighbor, Cabernet Sauvignon - did not taste

2021 Clos Henri, Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste

2021 Heros, Paso Robles, Viognier - did not taste

There was an extra bottle set out. A 2016 Saxum Heartstone I believe - I did taste it. Showing nicely, could have used several more years of cellaring. Big wine.  

 

Impromptu Lunch with The Boys at Seafood Cove # 1

 Thursday, February 16, 2023

Forgot to post this lunch last month. That is what happens when you have "brain fog" from Covid along with numerous other side effects. 

Had to park in back lot. All the parking was taken and we thought the restaurant would be packed. Have no idea where all those people from the cars were but the restaurant was not busy at all. 

Started off with the usual sour, spicy soup which hit the spot today because it was cold outside.

Then onto Sauteed White Fish Fillet with baby corn, peapods and mushrooms. Still have stomach issues so I needed something mild. As usual it was very good.

String beans with sauteed beef. Very small pieces of beef and frankly they were on the dry side. Not appealing to me at all. The string beans were good. 

Pork Peking Style was very good. Had a few pieces but didn't want to push my luck.

Sliced oranges for dessert today. Their oranges are never acidic like the ones I buy in the regular grocery store. 

Two wines today. I did not bring one as I am not drinking much at all.  A 2008 Le Brun de Neuville Champagne. I did not like this at all. Could be my taste buds but CJ who brought it wasn't taken with it either. 

2019 Spy Glass, Monterey, Pinot Noir. Needed time to open and needed to be on the shelf for a few more years.  It had potential but way too young.

Birthday Dinner at Five Crowns

 Friday,  February 10, 2023

5 of us tonight for dinner celebrating 3 birthdays. Again the entire tab was picked up by one person. Extremely generous twice within 2 weeks.  Restaurant was packed, glad we had reservations. It has been over 20 years since I dined at Five Crowns. It is located in Corona Del Mar a good 35 to 40 minute drive along the coast highway. Our host had never been to Five Crowns. 

Five Crowns is part of Lawry's group of restaurant's and they specialize in Prime Rib.  But no silver cart here. Tables are way too close to wheel a large cart around so you can select your cut of beef.

I ordered the lamb chops. Double cut. Excellent flavor. But I ordered medium rare and they were on the rare side. Had issues at Ruth's Chris as those chops were close to medium well.  Came with two excellent sauces and carrots. The carrots were diced and barely cooked. This shouldn't happen. I could had sent the plate back but the restaurant was slammed tonight and it just was not worth the hassle. 

Did not order any wine with dinner. I am limiting myself to 2 to 3 ounces and need to stick with that until I get my gastric problems solved. 

The staff was excellent as far as going overboard on service. 

I was going to order Creme Brulee for dessert but they brought us a raspberry trifle cake with a candle on top.  It was good. 

A nice dinner but a bit on the disappointing side. Especially for the price they charge.  I still think 555 East is the best bet. 

Margies Monthly Wine Dinner at The Red Table

 Saturday, February 4, 2023

Red Table Restaurant

This was probably not the best dinner that I have attended since Margie started her monthly gigs. We had been to this restaurant several times before and I have eaten here numerous times myself.   The restaurant had moved the "red table" from the middle of the room to closer to the front entrance. Made it much nosier. Tonight the restaurant was full which added to the din. Service was slower and there was a big issue with the food. Several of the plates were cold to lukewarm.  I ordered lobster thermidor and half was warm and the other half cold. Have no idea why. It did not make sense. I told the waiter about the problem and also told him I wouldn't send it back. I felt sorry for him as he was over loaded. They seemed to be short staffed tonight. A bit chaotic. Hope they work it out since I had planned on being back this coming Saturday.  

We had 13 people at our table and the food came out piece meal. Nothing seemed to be coordinated.

The restaurant seemed to be cooler than normal. I had to keep my jacket on all night. We were close to the side door leading to the patio area and every time someone went out they did not close the door. CJ got up numerous times to shut it. 

17 wines tonight - way overkill. No way to taste them all much less have a glass of something. If you have 2 ounces of each wine to taste that would be 34 ounces - way over a bottle total. Almost a bottle and half.  I tasted only 5 as I still have some gastric issues. I have only made a comment of the few I did taste.

2017 Epiphancy, Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley, Syrah

NV   Rose de Vigne Cremant de Bourgogone Brut, Fernand Cherot  - tasted but not for me

2021 Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc

2020 Corton-Perrieres, Grand Cru, Caveau (Burgundy) Red Wine - young but opened up nicely

2016 Doubleback, Walla Walla Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 En Garde Adamas, Diamond Mtn Dist., Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Denner, Paso Robles, Dirt Worshipper, Syrah

NV   Mumm, Sparkling Pinot Noir - always a good choice

2018 Long Meadow Ranch, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir

2021 Monte Xanic Bodega Vinicola, Valle de Guadalipe, Chenin Blanc

2019 Shafer, One Point Five, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon

2020 Chateau St Michelle, Columbia Valley, Pinot Gris

NV   Chateau St Jean, Blanc De Noirs, Sparkling

2019 Sycamore Ranch, Paso Robles, Viognier

2018 Brander, Los Olivos Dist., Merlot

2012 Sinor-LaValle, Arroyo Grande Valley, Talley Ricon Vineyard, Pinot Noir - this is the wine I brought. - felt it was showing quite well

2019 Bergerie de L'Hortus, Pic Sant Loup, France, Rose - very good - went well with the lobster

Dinner at Ruth's Cris Steak House

 Tuesday. January 31, 2023

To celebrate Sunny's 75 again and again and again birthday she treated 7 of us to dinner at the new Ruth's Chris Steak House in Long Beach. They opened in August. No views except of the patio area which I am sure will be filled during the warmer months and some business way across Ocean Ave. Very corporate feeling to the restaurant. I felt we were in the dining room of an upscale hotel. Personnel dressed in all black.  We were seated by the very high windows so it was a bit on the chilled side and it didn't help to have the a/c outlet right above us.  The staff decorated the table for the birthday celebration which was a nice touch. Service was excellent. 

Food was very good as it always is at Ruth's Chris. All meat entrees came on very hot plates.  Most everyone ordered steak and the double steak at that. They were huge and people shared them between themselves.  I ordered the lamb chops. Very thick and large. Ordered the medium rare. They were served medium. I did not bother to return them. I did not get into the medium rare until close to the bone.  I noticed that all the steaks seemed to be a bit overcooked from what was ordered.  No one seemed to mind or notice but then several people were feeling no pain. Between the wine and martinis it was an interesting evening.  Everything is al la carte so I had an order of sauteed mushrooms.  The baked potatoes were very large and had several add ons. Aspargus, french fries and mashed potatoes rounded out the sides. 

Most people ordered the creme brulee for dessert. It was good. One person ordered the cheesecake. That was interesting. The graham cracker crust was made into a round bowl and filled with the cheesecake mixture. They said it was good but to me there was way too much crust. 

The person who ordered the wine was more interested in the price. Really did not know the labels. Ended up with a bottle of Sixty-Five and Broad. A Cabernet from Washington. I was not impressed. Also a bottle of Jabobs Creek Cabernet from Australia which turned out to be a far better wine but not stellar. Both of these wines were in the mid $50 range on the wine list and both retail for about $14 in a store.  But it didn't seem to matter that they were ordering Martinis that ranged from $14 to $17 each. 

A nice evening with friends I have not seen in several years. But for my money I will patronize 555 East for steaks. Like the atmosphere better. Feel far more comfortable and have never had meat not cooked the way I ordered it. Plus they have the artichokes. 

Sea Smoke Magnum Dinner at The India Restaurant

 Saturday, January 28, 2023

CJ sponsored this dinner. He has magnums of wine that need a crowd to share. This is the first of several dinners he plans on having to relieve his cellar of this big bottles.  The restaurant was packed all night long. Very popular in Little India area of Artesia. as the food is some of the best around. Eleven of us tonight.

I am still having digestion problems so I knew my selection of food would be very limited and I would need to watch my consumption of alcohol. Spicy and alcohol are top on the list of things to avoid.  

We started out with a couple of appetizers, Vegetable Samosas which are pastry stuffed with potatoes and green peas and then deep fried. I did eat one of these. It was very good. The other was Chicken Tandoori. White meat chicken marinated in yogurt, herbs and spices. I passed on this one. 

Next was Jeera Aloo. Sauteed potatoes with cumin seed, onion and tomatoes.  This I passed on. Others said it was very good.

Then a dish of Karahi Goshi which is diced boneless lamb cooked in spices with onion, bell pepper, ginger and garlic. I took one piece of lamb and had one bite. That was it for me. I knew my stomach was not going to be able to handle this one.

Chicken Tikka Masala was next. Boneless white met marinated in spices and yogurt, tandoored in a clay oven and served in a curry sauce This dish was very good, chicken was very tender and the sauce was tempered by the yogurt. I sopped up the sauce with Naan bread. 

Garlic Naan and Basmati Rice rounded out the meal. 

There were 4 magnum bottles of Sea Smoke, Southing, Pinot Noir, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. There were differences in opinions of what years were best, I personally liked the 2007 and 2010.  I had less than 2 ounces of each. And small pours of two champagnes.  Did not want to tempt problems.

Several Champagnes were on the table. Top for me was the 1998 Piper Heidsieck " Rare" Brut Millesime.  25 years old and was vibrant. Excellent bubby.

Also a Moet & Chandon, Ice Imperial. This champagne is specially made to be served over ice. A  Duval-Leroy, Brut Reserve.  There was another bottle of champagne on the table but I did not make a note of it. 

I found it difficult to take pictures tonight. Table was very long and the magnums are big bottles and hard to move around. I use pictures to remind me what we drank and the details of the bottle. Also the champagnes did not move down to my end of the table easily. A batch of hearty champagne drinkers at the other end of the table. A good dinner, glad to be able to attend.  Looking forward to the next one. 

Lunch at Irrawaddy, Taste of Burma Restaurant

 Friday, January 6, 2023

6 of us today for lunch. This is a new restaurant for me. Irrawaddy in Stanton. Have never tasted Burmese food before. Looking online is seems very similar to Indian but without the fire. Lot of coconut milk and tea leaves used along with loads of spices but not hot like Indian food.  Restaurant is very clean and well appointed.  So many "asian" restaurants are on the tacky side. Service was very good.

This will be a place where the boys and I go for a lunch soon. Corkage is $12. There was no wine at this  lunch but a few people had the Myanmar beer. 

All the dishes we had we shared. that way we got to taste numerous items.

Started out with Tea Leaf Salad. Very good, interesting flavors. They sell the mix in a jar for takeout. You just add your own greens etc.

Then onto Paratha with curry sauce. A pancake style fried bread, slightly sweet and a non spicy sauce. I really liked this dish. This would be a definite reorder for me.

Sauteed green beans with sweet onion, carrots and a light sauce came next. Beans are al dente and bright green. Good job in cooking and presentation. 

Next is the one dish I did not care for. Mint Leaf Chicken. Did not like the texture nor the flavor. Whatever spice they used was over whelming to me. 

The Chicken Masala was more to my liking. A bit different from what I am used to in Indian cooking. Nice blend of flavors but would have preferred to have boneless chicken. Wasn't keen about spitting small bones out of my mouth. 

The Sour Leaf Shrimp was interesting. Good flavors in the sauce. But not sure if I would order this again.  Not sure why but it just did not knock my socks off. 

Dessert was Fried Banana with Green Tea Ice Cream. Ice cream was exceptionally good.  Over the years I have OD'd on bananas and just do not like them anymore. The fried ones did look good as they seemed to be caramelized. 

A large menu and so many more items to try.

Lunch at Seafood Cove # 1

 Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Lunch today at Seafood Cove. We were supposed to go to Cali-Chilli on the 19th but I had a bad episode of GERD and had to cancel. This was a last minute decision today.

Place was packed. Almost all were Chinese. All 3 lobster tanks were virtually empty. I saw one lone lobster left. Christmas must have been extremely busy for them. No deliver until Friday. 

Started out with the House Sweet and Sour Soup with tasted very good to me.

Next was Hong Kong Style Crispy Noodles with Chicken, Shrimp, Calamari, Bamboo Shoots, Bok Choy and Carrots.

Followed by Beef with String Beans and Fried White Fish Fillet with Carrots, Baby Corn  Pea Pods and Mushrooms.

Apparently, I was having issues again with taste The fish tasted good along with the mushrooms and string beans. Nothing else.  I talked with several people I know that had Covid and developed taste issues. They are having the same thing. again. Not much tastes good. Seems we all want only salty or sweet. This issue  seems to come and go. Lasts a few hours or a few days. No rhyme or reason to it.

Two wines on the table.  A 2019 St. Huberts, The Stag, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2012 Trimbach, Alscae, France, Pinot Blanc. I had a very small taste of both wines and they tasted the same to me, off.  It was me not the wines.