Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Left work at 4:00 to head for Newport Beach. Took the coastal route to avoid the freeways and got to Newport about 5:10. Good drive time and I always like to be early in case of problems which today had them. It took me 40 minutes to finally get parked. The parking structure at the venue site was full so they were sending us down the street to a structure who had no authorization to allow us parking. After being given the run around I ended up parking on the street about 4 blocks away. But those who were late arriving managed to get parking in the first structure. Ir seems there was a large wedding on the yacht next to us and they were leaving about 6:00. Very poor planning on the "planners" part. When they held this event at the Marconi Automobile museum a few years ago there was no problem at all. Guess it all depends on the competency of the planner.
This event was held on the yacht "Majestic" which is a 60 foot long three story high vessel. It is used for private functions and dinner cruises. They were supposed to have the winery reps' on all three decks but since it was cold and the upper deck was exposed they crammed those reps into the second deck. Crowded but fun.
Ran into quite a few people I knew and a few winery owners that I have met before. Tasted some new wineries and some of them were quite good. Had a good time with the wines.
Too bad someone didn't tell the "planners" that at at 6 to 8 o'clock event you do food. Yes they had a cheese platter. Looked like they go their cheese at Trader Joes. The wedges of cheese were that small. Not set up for 200 people or so. There were some passed "appetizers" but the poor waiter never got more than 10 feet from the door and his tray was empty, They had a nice bruschetta, pieces of beef and lamb on skewers and small pieces of bacon wrapped scallops.What they had was good. Just not enough of it. One of the wine reps told me afterwards that all they got all day was some cheese and bread. The reps did have an hour break between the trade tasting and the general public tasting. They could try to get something to eat from one of the nearby restaurants but they would be dashing around. They still had to reset their stations for the next batch of winos' showing up, like me.
Don't know who did the planning but I could have done a much better job of it. Judging my the looks of the dollies that were registering us in - it was someone of the same - bleached blonde, silcone boobs, botox face and the mandatory short black dress with ridiculously high heels.
I tasted a nice Viognier from Steinbeck (new winery for me) The wine had nice peach & melon flavors which made it a better wine for me. I am not a big white rhone wine fan. Had a good Malbec from Bon Niche - first year bottling. Had the Oyster Ridge from Ancient Peaks. A blend that is always good. Bodegas Paso Robles was there. I hot their tasting room last November. All Spanish varietals.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Dinner at The Pops
Saturday, January 25, 2012
Attended the Long Beach Pops Symphony tonight with a large group of people. We took up 2 tables and I believe there was 21 of us tonight. Doors open 2 hours early so you can bring your dinner and drinks in and enjoy the evening before the concert. Tonight's concert was a tribute to Lerner & Lowe. I will say the music was excellent along with the singers. Very enjoyable evening. I had not been to a Pops concert in years. I forgot how much fun they were.
After dinner Cora had her picture taken with one of the male singers. I left during this time so do not know what went on afterwards. I was not physically that good. I got rear ended Thursday night and have a slight case of whip lash. So it was starting to take its toll on me.
Several of the people were going to Spaghettini's afterwards to meet Ellis Hall who some of them knew.Would have like to joined them but sometimes it's just not in the cards. It has been a very hectic week for me with 3 dinners, 1 concert and being in an accident.
Attended the Long Beach Pops Symphony tonight with a large group of people. We took up 2 tables and I believe there was 21 of us tonight. Doors open 2 hours early so you can bring your dinner and drinks in and enjoy the evening before the concert. Tonight's concert was a tribute to Lerner & Lowe. I will say the music was excellent along with the singers. Very enjoyable evening. I had not been to a Pops concert in years. I forgot how much fun they were.
After dinner Cora had her picture taken with one of the male singers. I left during this time so do not know what went on afterwards. I was not physically that good. I got rear ended Thursday night and have a slight case of whip lash. So it was starting to take its toll on me.
Several of the people were going to Spaghettini's afterwards to meet Ellis Hall who some of them knew.Would have like to joined them but sometimes it's just not in the cards. It has been a very hectic week for me with 3 dinners, 1 concert and being in an accident.
Delius Prix Fixe
Friday, February 24, 2012
11 of us went to Delius tonight for the last "Beef Wellington" Prix Fixe dinner that will be served. Louise is handing over the duties of the Prix Fixe Room to Chef Dan and she will concentrate on the catering end of the business. That is how she originally started in the food industry. Dan has a completely different take on cooking than Louise has.. Excellent but different.
I looked at the wine book while waiting ro be seated. Sometimes on these Prix Fixe dinners I am not over enthusiastic about the choices. So I wanted to have a back up if I didn't like what's was being served.
We started out with a glass of Valdo Prosecco and an appetizer plate of beef wrapped asparagus, quiche and hummus with pita points,
Next plate was a red & gold beet sliced thin with warm goat cheese and a baby arugula salad. The wine that was on the list was a 2007 Taft Street Pinot Noir. I knew I would not like this pairing at all. I choose a Fritz Riesling which paired excellent with the dish. The Riesling also went well with the next dish.
Third course was a grilled salmon with a wasabi cream sauce. Excellent sauce. This was paired with a Hans Wirshing Rose. Good pairing and also the Riesling went well with this dish.
Main course was the Beef Wellington with creamed potato, asparagus and caramelized carrot. Louise makes her own pate to line the beef with. Paired with a 2009 Argiano Rosso Super Tuscan. Good pairing but not perfect. Altho I did pick wine out as an alternate.I don't laways have a successful pairing when I pick the wine.
Next a cheese plate with fruit.
Dessert was a trio - Marscapone Cake with whipped cream an Port Cherries, two cookies and a small panna cotta.
Another excellent dinner at Delius.
11 of us went to Delius tonight for the last "Beef Wellington" Prix Fixe dinner that will be served. Louise is handing over the duties of the Prix Fixe Room to Chef Dan and she will concentrate on the catering end of the business. That is how she originally started in the food industry. Dan has a completely different take on cooking than Louise has.. Excellent but different.
I looked at the wine book while waiting ro be seated. Sometimes on these Prix Fixe dinners I am not over enthusiastic about the choices. So I wanted to have a back up if I didn't like what's was being served.
We started out with a glass of Valdo Prosecco and an appetizer plate of beef wrapped asparagus, quiche and hummus with pita points,
Next plate was a red & gold beet sliced thin with warm goat cheese and a baby arugula salad. The wine that was on the list was a 2007 Taft Street Pinot Noir. I knew I would not like this pairing at all. I choose a Fritz Riesling which paired excellent with the dish. The Riesling also went well with the next dish.
Third course was a grilled salmon with a wasabi cream sauce. Excellent sauce. This was paired with a Hans Wirshing Rose. Good pairing and also the Riesling went well with this dish.
Main course was the Beef Wellington with creamed potato, asparagus and caramelized carrot. Louise makes her own pate to line the beef with. Paired with a 2009 Argiano Rosso Super Tuscan. Good pairing but not perfect. Altho I did pick wine out as an alternate.I don't laways have a successful pairing when I pick the wine.
Next a cheese plate with fruit.
Dessert was a trio - Marscapone Cake with whipped cream an Port Cherries, two cookies and a small panna cotta.
Another excellent dinner at Delius.
Sebastatini's
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Attended a Stonestreet wine tastting this evening at a small local place owned by a brother and sister from Peru. This is an Italian themed restaurant but they do show their Peruvian roots in some of the dishes.
Stonestreet is a label from the big wine producer Kendall-Jackson. It is made by Jess Jackson whose middle name is Stonestreet.
We startede off with Grilled Scallops with sager butter and a grilled radicchio salad. The wine was a 2007 Alexander Valley Chardonnay. Too oaky for me but with the food the sage butter did cut the oak quite a bit. I was surprised that it also paired well with the salad.
Next was Sausage (spicy) Ravioli with a roasted pepper sauce which was spicy also. I scraped the sauce off which made the ravioli eatable. Paired with a 2006 Fifth Ridge Red Blend. It was a good pairing.
Third course was a Smoked Pork Loin with a cabernet and shallot reduction. Also on the plate was a baby argula, panchetta and carmelized onion. This was served with a 2007 Alexander Valley Caberent Sauvignon. OK pairing but I have some Fifth Ridge left and tried that and it made a big difference. The smoked pork took too much of a ham like taste. I think I would had preferred to have it non smoked. They missed the boat on this dish both the food and ainw.
Main dish was Grilled Lamb Loin Chops with a horseradish potato gratin, carmelized brussell sprouts and a Caberent reduction. Paired with a 2007 Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon.. Pairing was ok bit the one chop that I decidced eat was tough. I would have preferred only one chop but much better quality on the plate. It should always be quality over quantity. I took the rest of this dish home to see what I can salvage from it.
Dessert was a dish of Cherry Walnut Ice Cream.
A decent dinner but I felt it was priced between $5 and $10 to high for the quality of the food. I have done dinners at this restaurant before and have the same basic sentiment each time. I only do wine dinners here when the menu looks interesting.
Attended a Stonestreet wine tastting this evening at a small local place owned by a brother and sister from Peru. This is an Italian themed restaurant but they do show their Peruvian roots in some of the dishes.
Stonestreet is a label from the big wine producer Kendall-Jackson. It is made by Jess Jackson whose middle name is Stonestreet.
We startede off with Grilled Scallops with sager butter and a grilled radicchio salad. The wine was a 2007 Alexander Valley Chardonnay. Too oaky for me but with the food the sage butter did cut the oak quite a bit. I was surprised that it also paired well with the salad.
Next was Sausage (spicy) Ravioli with a roasted pepper sauce which was spicy also. I scraped the sauce off which made the ravioli eatable. Paired with a 2006 Fifth Ridge Red Blend. It was a good pairing.
Third course was a Smoked Pork Loin with a cabernet and shallot reduction. Also on the plate was a baby argula, panchetta and carmelized onion. This was served with a 2007 Alexander Valley Caberent Sauvignon. OK pairing but I have some Fifth Ridge left and tried that and it made a big difference. The smoked pork took too much of a ham like taste. I think I would had preferred to have it non smoked. They missed the boat on this dish both the food and ainw.
Main dish was Grilled Lamb Loin Chops with a horseradish potato gratin, carmelized brussell sprouts and a Caberent reduction. Paired with a 2007 Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon.. Pairing was ok bit the one chop that I decidced eat was tough. I would have preferred only one chop but much better quality on the plate. It should always be quality over quantity. I took the rest of this dish home to see what I can salvage from it.
Dessert was a dish of Cherry Walnut Ice Cream.
A decent dinner but I felt it was priced between $5 and $10 to high for the quality of the food. I have done dinners at this restaurant before and have the same basic sentiment each time. I only do wine dinners here when the menu looks interesting.
February's Gethring Of The Winos
Sunday, February 19, 2012
This months gathering was held at my Casa. My theme for the past several years has been Wines Rtaed 93 to 100 . I have found over the years that when you force people to look for a better wine they will. If you have a very generic theme that is what wines you end up with. I do not necessarily follow ratings but they do you an indication that the wines is a little bit better than an 85 rated wine. You cab still find higher rated wines at a reasonable price but it may take some time. Since I do this theme every year people take that entire to timer to look for a wine.
Someone brought a wine that had a 96 rating from Wilfred Wong at Bev Mo. Now Wilfred usually has a 1 to 2 point rating higher than the other known wine raters but even at 96 of you deduct the 2 full points that makes it a 94 and for $13.99 it was a real bargain. The wine was excellent.
A couple of the wines that I liked the best was the 2007 Stolpman LaCroce, a blend of Syrah and Sangiovese that I brought, 2007 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2008 Sledgehammer Caberent Savignon. I had never heard of the Sledgehammer label before.
So off to March - we will see what happens then.
This months gathering was held at my Casa. My theme for the past several years has been Wines Rtaed 93 to 100 . I have found over the years that when you force people to look for a better wine they will. If you have a very generic theme that is what wines you end up with. I do not necessarily follow ratings but they do you an indication that the wines is a little bit better than an 85 rated wine. You cab still find higher rated wines at a reasonable price but it may take some time. Since I do this theme every year people take that entire to timer to look for a wine.
Someone brought a wine that had a 96 rating from Wilfred Wong at Bev Mo. Now Wilfred usually has a 1 to 2 point rating higher than the other known wine raters but even at 96 of you deduct the 2 full points that makes it a 94 and for $13.99 it was a real bargain. The wine was excellent.
A couple of the wines that I liked the best was the 2007 Stolpman LaCroce, a blend of Syrah and Sangiovese that I brought, 2007 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2008 Sledgehammer Caberent Savignon. I had never heard of the Sledgehammer label before.
So off to March - we will see what happens then.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The New Duong Son
Wednesday, February 8, 2011
Henry decided he wanted a few of us to try the new "Duong Son" restaurant. They have a new name "Golden Star" - to me it sounds like a Chinese fast food place. The new restaurant is about 1/2 mile beyond the old one.
When you walk in they still have the big case with all the duck and pork hanging. The take out is a big part of their business.
Evan, Henrys wife joined us tonight for the big occasion.
We started off with Salt & Pepper Calamari. Frankly I was disappointed. It did not seem to be the same as the old place and it was not up to the quality of the Seafood Palace. I felt the breading was a little heavy and the Calamari was slightly tough.
The waiter brought us a plate "Roast Pork" (on the house) It was very good. The skin was very crisp and no fat all all. Very tender and good flavor,
Another pork dish came out. Barbequed style, sliced very thin and a great sauce on it. Not too much sauce, just a light coating. I would order this dish again.
"Special Chicken" appeared. Roasted chicken, very tender, with a Maple/Seasame glaze. The sauce was excellent.
Cora had requested "Garlic Prawns" but Mr. Do said he could not find really nice ones so we had garlic shrimp instead. Good, but I really missed the bigger, meatier prawns.
Soup was "White Fungi". Very flavorful broth.
Chinese Broccoli with Beef and Sea bass with Green Beans were the next two items. Somehow I felt the green beans were not as good as the "old place". But the Sea Bass was excellent as was the beef.
Last dish was the Tofu with vegetables and sauce. I did not even have a bite of this dish. I was so full from everything else.
Dessert was Asian Pears and Oranges. A nice light palate cleanser.
Nice to try the new establishment. I would not give up the Seafood Palace just yet. They have some outstanding dishes and I think that the new Golden Star still has a few kinks. Henry will be busy for the next month with his son's wedding but sometime in March we will go back and test "Golden Star" again.
CJ & I agreed that for some reason we felt the old "Doung Son" food was better. It is strange because it is the same owner, same chef, etc., so you would assume that everything would be the same.
Also the chef worked at the Seafood Palace while waiting for the new place to open. That is why I was surprised that the Salt & Pepper Calamari was not the same.
CJ brought a very good Champagne which he and I drank most of it. It also paired very well with the Sea bass.
NV Coutier, Grand Cru, Amboey, Champagne
1990 Domaine dala Font, Vouvray ( a little too sweet for me, I let Terry & Cora take it home with them)
2000 Seavy, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon
2002 McKeon Phillips BP, Santa Maria, Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Alto Vina, Evodia, Granacha, Spain (never got opened)
2009 Fendan, Chasselas, Switzerland
2004 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir (drinking nice - should not be held too much longer)
Henry decided he wanted a few of us to try the new "Duong Son" restaurant. They have a new name "Golden Star" - to me it sounds like a Chinese fast food place. The new restaurant is about 1/2 mile beyond the old one.
When you walk in they still have the big case with all the duck and pork hanging. The take out is a big part of their business.
Evan, Henrys wife joined us tonight for the big occasion.
We started off with Salt & Pepper Calamari. Frankly I was disappointed. It did not seem to be the same as the old place and it was not up to the quality of the Seafood Palace. I felt the breading was a little heavy and the Calamari was slightly tough.
The waiter brought us a plate "Roast Pork" (on the house) It was very good. The skin was very crisp and no fat all all. Very tender and good flavor,
Another pork dish came out. Barbequed style, sliced very thin and a great sauce on it. Not too much sauce, just a light coating. I would order this dish again.
"Special Chicken" appeared. Roasted chicken, very tender, with a Maple/Seasame glaze. The sauce was excellent.
Cora had requested "Garlic Prawns" but Mr. Do said he could not find really nice ones so we had garlic shrimp instead. Good, but I really missed the bigger, meatier prawns.
Soup was "White Fungi". Very flavorful broth.
Chinese Broccoli with Beef and Sea bass with Green Beans were the next two items. Somehow I felt the green beans were not as good as the "old place". But the Sea Bass was excellent as was the beef.
Last dish was the Tofu with vegetables and sauce. I did not even have a bite of this dish. I was so full from everything else.
Dessert was Asian Pears and Oranges. A nice light palate cleanser.
Nice to try the new establishment. I would not give up the Seafood Palace just yet. They have some outstanding dishes and I think that the new Golden Star still has a few kinks. Henry will be busy for the next month with his son's wedding but sometime in March we will go back and test "Golden Star" again.
CJ & I agreed that for some reason we felt the old "Doung Son" food was better. It is strange because it is the same owner, same chef, etc., so you would assume that everything would be the same.
Also the chef worked at the Seafood Palace while waiting for the new place to open. That is why I was surprised that the Salt & Pepper Calamari was not the same.
CJ brought a very good Champagne which he and I drank most of it. It also paired very well with the Sea bass.
NV Coutier, Grand Cru, Amboey, Champagne
1990 Domaine dala Font, Vouvray ( a little too sweet for me, I let Terry & Cora take it home with them)
2000 Seavy, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon
2002 McKeon Phillips BP, Santa Maria, Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Alto Vina, Evodia, Granacha, Spain (never got opened)
2009 Fendan, Chasselas, Switzerland
2004 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir (drinking nice - should not be held too much longer)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Seafood Palace Again
Friday, February 3, 2012
A big table of 8 tonight. The old "Dong Son" just opened but we want to give them a few days to get their feet under them so back to the Seafood Palace.
We started off with a new soup for us "Shrimp Ball Soup". Broth was great and the shrimp balls were like "shrimp nuggets". Then our old favorite "Salt & Pepper Calamari". They make the best around.
Next two dishes were "Fried Tofu" and "Chicken with Bok Choy and Fat Noodles." I really get into those fat noodles as they absorb all the great flavors of the dish.
Then came "Beef with Chinese Broccoli" and "Whole White Fish with a Brown Sauce". The fish was excellent. Whole fish deep fried. Very moist and the brown sauce was really good. We will have to have this dish again very soon.
At 2 dishes were "Shrimp with Crispy Rice" and "Thin Pork Strips with Spinach".
Dessert was sliced oranges which were really good. A lot of flavor.
Wines brought tonight were quite a variety,
NV Tobin James California "Champagne" Way too sweet for me.
2010 Halter Ranch, Paso Robles, Rose - very nice
2009 Avalon, Napa, Cabernet
2007 Petroni, Rosso di Sonoma Reserve, red blend
2008 Barrel 27, Paso Robles, Hand Over First, red blend
2009 Parker Estate, Paso Robles, Zinfandel
2004 Loring , Cargassachi Vineyard, Pinot Noir - showing very well
A big table of 8 tonight. The old "Dong Son" just opened but we want to give them a few days to get their feet under them so back to the Seafood Palace.
We started off with a new soup for us "Shrimp Ball Soup". Broth was great and the shrimp balls were like "shrimp nuggets". Then our old favorite "Salt & Pepper Calamari". They make the best around.
Next two dishes were "Fried Tofu" and "Chicken with Bok Choy and Fat Noodles." I really get into those fat noodles as they absorb all the great flavors of the dish.
Then came "Beef with Chinese Broccoli" and "Whole White Fish with a Brown Sauce". The fish was excellent. Whole fish deep fried. Very moist and the brown sauce was really good. We will have to have this dish again very soon.
At 2 dishes were "Shrimp with Crispy Rice" and "Thin Pork Strips with Spinach".
Dessert was sliced oranges which were really good. A lot of flavor.
Wines brought tonight were quite a variety,
NV Tobin James California "Champagne" Way too sweet for me.
2010 Halter Ranch, Paso Robles, Rose - very nice
2009 Avalon, Napa, Cabernet
2007 Petroni, Rosso di Sonoma Reserve, red blend
2008 Barrel 27, Paso Robles, Hand Over First, red blend
2009 Parker Estate, Paso Robles, Zinfandel
2004 Loring , Cargassachi Vineyard, Pinot Noir - showing very well
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