Friday, March 30, 2012
I was really looking forward to this dinner and it did not disappoint me. Chef Dan whose was just promoted to Executive Chef did the menu but he then left Delius to take a position as executive chef at a new restaurant that will be opening. So Louise is now back in her old position and kept Dan's menu for the most part. The major change was having lamb loin instead of ostrich.
Appetizer was "Ahi Tuna, Pickled Gobo-Root with Wasabi Cream". The Ahi was seared perfectly and the Wasabi cream was a really good addition to the plate. The wine was a 2010 Eugenie Corbieres Rose. Good pairing.
Next course was "Pork Belly" with Roasted Cashews, Thai Chili Caramel and Micro Cilantro ". I am not a big fan of Cilantro but the micro version I really liked. I am a sucker for good pork belly and Delius does the best. It is like butter in your mouth and you can cut it with a butter knife. So many restaurants give you a steak knife with your pork belly so you know you are in trouble, The two wines that were poured with this dish were 2010 Cazes Cannon du Marechal Blanc and a 2020 Mas de Bressades Rousanne-Viognier.
Third course was" Pan Roasted Quail with Duck Confit, Salisfy Puree, Dried Tart Cherries and Pistachios" Flavor was excellent. Served with a 2010 Mas des Bressades Grenache-Syrah and a 2008 Mas L'Avail Terre D'Ardoise which was sourced from 100 year old Carginane grape wines.
Fourth course was "Pan Roasted Lamb Loin with Pancetta, Confit of Potato. Brussel Sprout Leaves and Roasted Veal Jus". This was good but I prefer chops over loin. I feel chops have much better flavor. Wine was a 2009 Font du Vent Les Promesses Cotes du Rhone.
Dessert was a "Macadamia Semifreddo, Roasted Pineapple, Passion Fruit Cream and Coconut Tuille". Execellent. Served with a 2007 Mas L'Avail Maurt Rouge. This wine was not to sweet so it was a good pairing. But I still am not an advocate of sweet with sweet.
Excellent dinner, good wines. Sorry to see Chef Dan leave but it will be nice to have Louise's soups again. No one makes better soups than she does,.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
March Wino's Gathering
Sunday, March 25, 2012
This months gathering was held at Stan's in Santa Monica. Not the best day. Rain, wind and terrible driving conditions. There were times on the freeway that you could not see more than a 1/16 of a mile. The rain came down like a hose was turned on. The clouds were so low that between them and the spray from the water it was a total white out. But 12 of us braved the elements to attend. Because of the venue being in Santa Monica which is about a 45 minute to 1 hour drive for most of the people in our group there are usually an average of about 15 that show up. So not bad turnout considering the conditions. But let Stan do one of his "Stan's Cellar Cleaning" when he puts out about 4 cases of his own wine the wine vultures come out of the woodwork to attend.Then about 30 show up.
Appetizers were good and Remy's Trifle she made for dessert was excellent. The host made a Beef & Gravy dish along with corn beef. We usually use 1-1/2 ounce pourers to regulate how much wine a person pours but today because of the small group we did without. It was interesting to see how people poured when they were on there own. Most people kept the pours down to 2 to 2-1/2 ounces which is not bad considering that people really do not have a clue what an ounce measurement is. They usually think they have about half of what they actually do. But if you ever attended Weight Watchers way back, you quickly learn what a measurement looks like.
Today's theme was French Cablis & Tuscan Reds. One of the best wines was a 1997 Antinori Tiganello. I brought a 2010 Francine et Olivier Savay-Fourchame 1st Cru Chablis which I felt was showing quite well. The 2006 Campogiovanni Brunello was good also. All the wines were good but those 3 stood out to me.
Thankfully the weather cleared for the drive home, So another "Gathering" finished and looking forward to Aprils event.
This months gathering was held at Stan's in Santa Monica. Not the best day. Rain, wind and terrible driving conditions. There were times on the freeway that you could not see more than a 1/16 of a mile. The rain came down like a hose was turned on. The clouds were so low that between them and the spray from the water it was a total white out. But 12 of us braved the elements to attend. Because of the venue being in Santa Monica which is about a 45 minute to 1 hour drive for most of the people in our group there are usually an average of about 15 that show up. So not bad turnout considering the conditions. But let Stan do one of his "Stan's Cellar Cleaning" when he puts out about 4 cases of his own wine the wine vultures come out of the woodwork to attend.Then about 30 show up.
Appetizers were good and Remy's Trifle she made for dessert was excellent. The host made a Beef & Gravy dish along with corn beef. We usually use 1-1/2 ounce pourers to regulate how much wine a person pours but today because of the small group we did without. It was interesting to see how people poured when they were on there own. Most people kept the pours down to 2 to 2-1/2 ounces which is not bad considering that people really do not have a clue what an ounce measurement is. They usually think they have about half of what they actually do. But if you ever attended Weight Watchers way back, you quickly learn what a measurement looks like.
Today's theme was French Cablis & Tuscan Reds. One of the best wines was a 1997 Antinori Tiganello. I brought a 2010 Francine et Olivier Savay-Fourchame 1st Cru Chablis which I felt was showing quite well. The 2006 Campogiovanni Brunello was good also. All the wines were good but those 3 stood out to me.
Thankfully the weather cleared for the drive home, So another "Gathering" finished and looking forward to Aprils event.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Long Beach Pops
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Attended the Pops tonight. Music of Elton John. Along with some classic 50's, 60's & 70's music. The Peter Cavannaugh Group played with the orchestra and they were very good. He has a wide range in his voice. We had a smaller group at the two tables tonight but Cora was able to attend. Pain pill;s and all.
She is already planning next years Pops outing. Gives her hope. She was so wired by the end of the concert. It seem to revitalize he.
Attended the Pops tonight. Music of Elton John. Along with some classic 50's, 60's & 70's music. The Peter Cavannaugh Group played with the orchestra and they were very good. He has a wide range in his voice. We had a smaller group at the two tables tonight but Cora was able to attend. Pain pill;s and all.
She is already planning next years Pops outing. Gives her hope. She was so wired by the end of the concert. It seem to revitalize he.
Golden Star
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Unfortunately Cora wasn't feeling well enough to attend dinner tonight even tho it was her idea. Terry did come without her and I think it did him good to have break from being the caretaker. No one knows how hard it is to be the caretaker of someone who is terminally ill. Cora told him to get out of the house and go have some fun. Classy lady.
We started with a new dish, Fried White Fish with a special sweet sour sauce. Very light, not oily. I could have made a meal out of this dish.
Next was Garlic Green Beans with Shrimp. Always a favorite.
The soup was pork based broth with artichokes. Excellent flavor.
Roasted Duck with Cabbage. This restaurant specializes in Duck and it shows.
Tofu with mushrooms, snow peas, chicken pork, shrimp and calamai with a special sauce. New dish and again very good.
Next up was Beef with Chinese Broccoli, again always good.
For dessert we were served a Green Bean Tapioca, Slices of Asian Pears, Oranges and some jello like concoction on a spear that was stiffer than regular jello and bright green. Probably still celebrating St. Patricks Day.
The wines were a really mixed selection. CJ brought a NV Louis Bouillot Rose of Pinot Champagne.. That was gone in no time.
There was a 2004 McKeon-Phiilips Caberent Sauvignon, 2005 Stolpman Estate Syrah, 2005 Blanc Fume de Pouilly by Didier Dagueneau, Terry brought a 2008 Flora Springs Trilogy which was excellent. I brought a 2008 Clos Pepe Chardonnay and a 2005 Roar, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir.
There was not much left in any bottle by time we were through. We closed the restaurant tonight
Unfortunately Cora wasn't feeling well enough to attend dinner tonight even tho it was her idea. Terry did come without her and I think it did him good to have break from being the caretaker. No one knows how hard it is to be the caretaker of someone who is terminally ill. Cora told him to get out of the house and go have some fun. Classy lady.
We started with a new dish, Fried White Fish with a special sweet sour sauce. Very light, not oily. I could have made a meal out of this dish.
Next was Garlic Green Beans with Shrimp. Always a favorite.
The soup was pork based broth with artichokes. Excellent flavor.
Roasted Duck with Cabbage. This restaurant specializes in Duck and it shows.
Tofu with mushrooms, snow peas, chicken pork, shrimp and calamai with a special sauce. New dish and again very good.
Next up was Beef with Chinese Broccoli, again always good.
For dessert we were served a Green Bean Tapioca, Slices of Asian Pears, Oranges and some jello like concoction on a spear that was stiffer than regular jello and bright green. Probably still celebrating St. Patricks Day.
The wines were a really mixed selection. CJ brought a NV Louis Bouillot Rose of Pinot Champagne.. That was gone in no time.
There was a 2004 McKeon-Phiilips Caberent Sauvignon, 2005 Stolpman Estate Syrah, 2005 Blanc Fume de Pouilly by Didier Dagueneau, Terry brought a 2008 Flora Springs Trilogy which was excellent. I brought a 2008 Clos Pepe Chardonnay and a 2005 Roar, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir.
There was not much left in any bottle by time we were through. We closed the restaurant tonight
Wine Tastings
Although I do not post too often about individual wine tastings that I do frequently, this month I have done five tastings. Two outstanding ones were a Pinot tasting and the other was a Burgundy tasting. Both at Wine Country in Signal Hill. I did buy a 2009 Guillemot, Dessus les Gollardes, Savigny-les-Beaune white Burgubndy. This is a blend of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. I was really impressed with the quality of this wine.
Nayada
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
This Thai restaurant continues to improve after changing owners and names. Originally there were 7 of us going, but 2 people got sick at the last minute. But Cora was there and that was important to us and to her. Cora is dying of liver cancer and she is getting as much out of life as she can before life leaves her. You have to really admire her attitude, Sadly in a few months she will no longer be with us.
I did not list the wines that were brought but I did bring a 3 bottle vertical of McKeon- Phillips BPR Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002, 2003 and 2004. Interesting top taste these wines over a period of a few hours. The 2002 took on a very chocolate taste. This was Terry and my favorite. 2030 was very fruit forward and remained that way. The 2004 was a leaner wine but opened up nicely. There was a champagne and several other bottles on the table. We did not lack for something to drink.
We started off with Thai Vegetable Spring Rolls. These are always good.Very light and good flavor.
Next was the Tom Yum Soup, My favorite.
This was followed by Lettuce Wraps, Pineapple Rice, Salmon with Red Curry, a new dish for me and very good.
Last two dishes were Garlic Beef and the Crying Tiger Steak.
Enjoyable evening. Good wines and good food. I'm glad to see this restaurant turn the corner and improve. Corkage is $5 a bottle so it remains a reasonable place to go.
This Thai restaurant continues to improve after changing owners and names. Originally there were 7 of us going, but 2 people got sick at the last minute. But Cora was there and that was important to us and to her. Cora is dying of liver cancer and she is getting as much out of life as she can before life leaves her. You have to really admire her attitude, Sadly in a few months she will no longer be with us.
I did not list the wines that were brought but I did bring a 3 bottle vertical of McKeon- Phillips BPR Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002, 2003 and 2004. Interesting top taste these wines over a period of a few hours. The 2002 took on a very chocolate taste. This was Terry and my favorite. 2030 was very fruit forward and remained that way. The 2004 was a leaner wine but opened up nicely. There was a champagne and several other bottles on the table. We did not lack for something to drink.
We started off with Thai Vegetable Spring Rolls. These are always good.Very light and good flavor.
Next was the Tom Yum Soup, My favorite.
This was followed by Lettuce Wraps, Pineapple Rice, Salmon with Red Curry, a new dish for me and very good.
Last two dishes were Garlic Beef and the Crying Tiger Steak.
Enjoyable evening. Good wines and good food. I'm glad to see this restaurant turn the corner and improve. Corkage is $5 a bottle so it remains a reasonable place to go.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Pime Cut
Saturday, March 3, 2011
This is Orange County Dine Out week so a couple of us went to Prime Cut in Anahiem, near the Honda Center, for dinner. We went here last year and enjoyed the food.
$30 for a three course dinner. I had the Mexican Tortilla Soup which is very good. My main course was 8 oz prime rib with Yorkshire Pudding, creamed spinach & whipped potatoes. The meat is "prime". Desert was Chocolate Pots de Creme. Paul ordered the Prime Rib also and Margie had the Filet. She said the quality was comparable to 555 East. No corkage. I took a bottle of Heidsick Monople Blue Label Champagne. Paul also opened a bottle of Belle Pointe Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills. With just 3 of us the two bottles were enough.
It was a beautiful night. Sky was clear, the Santa Ana's had been blowing that date so the evening was warm. A lot of diners outside on the patios.
This is Orange County Dine Out week so a couple of us went to Prime Cut in Anahiem, near the Honda Center, for dinner. We went here last year and enjoyed the food.
$30 for a three course dinner. I had the Mexican Tortilla Soup which is very good. My main course was 8 oz prime rib with Yorkshire Pudding, creamed spinach & whipped potatoes. The meat is "prime". Desert was Chocolate Pots de Creme. Paul ordered the Prime Rib also and Margie had the Filet. She said the quality was comparable to 555 East. No corkage. I took a bottle of Heidsick Monople Blue Label Champagne. Paul also opened a bottle of Belle Pointe Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills. With just 3 of us the two bottles were enough.
It was a beautiful night. Sky was clear, the Santa Ana's had been blowing that date so the evening was warm. A lot of diners outside on the patios.
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