Orin Swift Wine Dinner at Arte Cafe

February 11, 2026

After dinner a few weeks ago at Arte Cafe I was really looking forward to this one.  Unfortunately it just did not live up to my expectations. Aggressive menu that did not live up to its description and wines that were OK but nothing to write home about. I think this is the first time in all the years of attending wine dinners at Arte Cafe that I felt so disappointed. Granted a lot of dinners don't live up to some of the exceptional ones but they were all good.

Started off with Citrus-Poached Scallops with Fennel-Apple Slaw and Micro Herbs. Scallopes were very tender and sweet.  Barely cooked and served cold. Very good. Paired with Orin Swift "Blank Stare" Sauvignon Blanc.  Had a small pour because of the acidity in Sau Blanc. Nice wine, clean and refreshing.

Second course is a Butter Poached Lobster Tail with Sweet Corn Risotto, Vanilla Bean Aioli and Olive Creme Fraiche. Excellent dish. especially the risotto. Lobster was perfect.  Wine was a Orin Swift "Mannequin" Chardonnay. I am not a Chardonnay fan so it was OK but not outstanding. But that is my personal taste.

Next was Herb-Crusted Rabbitt with Cherry-Fig Reduction, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Wilted Frisee, and paired with an Orin Swift "Abstract" Red Blend.  Hard to believe this was young rabbit. Pieces were on the tough side and hard to cut. I have raised rabbit and know what it should be like. This was not it.  Perhaps the purveyor sold Richard old rabbit instead of young or wild.  Don't know but it was no where close to being tender and having good flavor as it should have had. A huge disappointment. Wine served was an Orin Swift "Abstract" Red Blend. 

Dessert is a Green Tea Creme Brulee which was good. Paired with Orin Swift "6 Years in The Desert" Red Zinfandel Blend. Personally I did not like the pairing. Wine was way too big for the food dish

Wines were OK but not stellar. Nothing stood out. Dinner was half and half. Just an off day.