Sunday, September 22, 2013
Our monthly get together's theme was Latitude 38 - North being Napa Chardonnays and South being New Zealand Pinot Noirs. All the wines were good today but none stood out as great or memorable. 2 of the wines were duplicates and 1 wine was a triplicate. I brought a Mountford Estate Pinot that was recommended by Southern Hemisphere Wines. It was ok but I expected more from what I was told about the wine.
Weather was good - never know in September what it will be . We lucked out with perfect weather for a wine tasting outdoors.
The appetizers that were brought today made a big hit. For some reason they all seemed to be exceptionally good. I made a new recipe that called for cream cheese, mayo, shredded cheese, ortega & jalapeno peppers. Baked in the oven and the flavors were really good. That one will show up again. Fast & easy with good flavor.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Back To The Himalayan
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
I have decided that six is the ideal number for The Himalayan Grille. 4 would be ok but 6 works perfect for the food dishes and the size of the table. Autumn is just around the corner as I had to put a jacket on tonight. The Himalayan is just two blocks off the beach and we saw no sun today because of the marine layer.
We started out with Samosa's and Momo's. Added Lamb Tibetan, Lamb Tiki, Shrimp Vendahloo, Lamb Saag and two vegetable dishes, Alli Gobi and Vegetables Korma. Along with garlic Naan and rice to round out the meal. As usual all the food was good and left to take home except rice.
CJ opened a bottle of Hansel wine and it was corked. I opened a bottle of Lucia at dinner last Saturday and it was corked. I will be so glad when everyone goes to screw caps.
Wines on the table were a NV Torley Gala Sec, Sec-Szaraz sparking from Hungary. Actually we were all pleasantly surprised that it was more than a decent wine. For a $9 price tag I was happy - so thank you Steve & Kathy for the giving me a bottle of it and letting me know how good it was in spite of the inexpensive cost.
2007 Sea Smoke Botella
2010 Joseph Blair, Ghetto White, don't know the blend but it tasted like there might be some white Rhone grape in it.. David & Judy did not know the blend but they picked it up Labor Day weekend at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto.
2008 Williams Selyem, Russian River, Pinot Noir
2010 Lynmar, Russian River, Chardonnay
2010 Painted Wolf Pinotage
2009 LeCuvier Zinfandel
I have decided that six is the ideal number for The Himalayan Grille. 4 would be ok but 6 works perfect for the food dishes and the size of the table. Autumn is just around the corner as I had to put a jacket on tonight. The Himalayan is just two blocks off the beach and we saw no sun today because of the marine layer.
We started out with Samosa's and Momo's. Added Lamb Tibetan, Lamb Tiki, Shrimp Vendahloo, Lamb Saag and two vegetable dishes, Alli Gobi and Vegetables Korma. Along with garlic Naan and rice to round out the meal. As usual all the food was good and left to take home except rice.
CJ opened a bottle of Hansel wine and it was corked. I opened a bottle of Lucia at dinner last Saturday and it was corked. I will be so glad when everyone goes to screw caps.
Wines on the table were a NV Torley Gala Sec, Sec-Szaraz sparking from Hungary. Actually we were all pleasantly surprised that it was more than a decent wine. For a $9 price tag I was happy - so thank you Steve & Kathy for the giving me a bottle of it and letting me know how good it was in spite of the inexpensive cost.
2007 Sea Smoke Botella
2010 Joseph Blair, Ghetto White, don't know the blend but it tasted like there might be some white Rhone grape in it.. David & Judy did not know the blend but they picked it up Labor Day weekend at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto.
2008 Williams Selyem, Russian River, Pinot Noir
2010 Lynmar, Russian River, Chardonnay
2010 Painted Wolf Pinotage
2009 LeCuvier Zinfandel
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Olive Oil Tasting and Dinner at Preveza
Saturday, August 14, 2013
A new place has opened in Los Alamitos. Antcia. They sell Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars and Spices. We had a class on tasting the products which was quite interesting and informative. I did learn quite a few new things about oils and vinegars.
I bought a Honey-Ginger Balsamic, Dark Chocolate Balsamic and a Garlic Olive Oil. It was temping to buy more but the store is close and easy for me to go back to. They have a recipe and pairing paper that gives you much needed information.
This a definite return place. Prices are reasonable for the quality
Afterwards we headed down one block and across the street to have dinner at Preveza. It has been over year since I ate here. I probably will not go back. The quality of the food has declined quite a bit. I had the "Aegean Sea" which is pasta with white wine sauce and clams, mussells and shrimp. \The shrimp were either frozen or old. They used to put scallops and white fish in the dish. I also noticed that restaurant was not that busy on a Saturday night. It used to be packed with people waiting outside.
There were 12 of us and they had a very long rectangular table set up for about 20. If they would have taken the smaller table at the end and moved it elsewhere then the seating would have worked better. As it was because it was so tight to get in and out people who came in late were on the other side way at the end.
So I think that whatever was happening with the universe Wednesday was till in force tonight. A bottle of opened wine got knocked over, a wine glass with wine in it, got broken. I lost my Nuance wine pourer and a very good ink pen. I also had a bad bout of acid reflux and had to dash to the restroom. That has not happened in awhile.
I brought a 2007 Lucia, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noit - was disappointed as it was corked. So into the vinegar jar it goes to make wine vinegar for next year.
Other wines brought:
2011 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve, Chardonnay
32003 Tobin James, Silver Reserve Syrah
2011 Pecchenino ,San Lugi Dogliani red Wine
2011 Hart, Huis Vineyard, Temecula, Sangiovese
2011 Meiomi, Pinot Noir
2011 Lynmar, Laguna Ridge Pinot Noir
2012 Cakebread Cellars, Savignon Blanc
2011 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes, Barossa Valley, Shiraz
NV Private Cuvee, Danza del Sol Winery Espumosa , Lodi Sparkling
2011 Weingut Geil, Gerwurztraminer, Kabimett
200 Chateau St Jean, Cing Cepages
2010 Rombauer, Zinfandel
So a very good day for Margie's Fun Wine Activity for August in spite of a few mishaps. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the Olive Oil place because they bought a lot of product
A new place has opened in Los Alamitos. Antcia. They sell Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars and Spices. We had a class on tasting the products which was quite interesting and informative. I did learn quite a few new things about oils and vinegars.
I bought a Honey-Ginger Balsamic, Dark Chocolate Balsamic and a Garlic Olive Oil. It was temping to buy more but the store is close and easy for me to go back to. They have a recipe and pairing paper that gives you much needed information.
This a definite return place. Prices are reasonable for the quality
Afterwards we headed down one block and across the street to have dinner at Preveza. It has been over year since I ate here. I probably will not go back. The quality of the food has declined quite a bit. I had the "Aegean Sea" which is pasta with white wine sauce and clams, mussells and shrimp. \The shrimp were either frozen or old. They used to put scallops and white fish in the dish. I also noticed that restaurant was not that busy on a Saturday night. It used to be packed with people waiting outside.
There were 12 of us and they had a very long rectangular table set up for about 20. If they would have taken the smaller table at the end and moved it elsewhere then the seating would have worked better. As it was because it was so tight to get in and out people who came in late were on the other side way at the end.
So I think that whatever was happening with the universe Wednesday was till in force tonight. A bottle of opened wine got knocked over, a wine glass with wine in it, got broken. I lost my Nuance wine pourer and a very good ink pen. I also had a bad bout of acid reflux and had to dash to the restroom. That has not happened in awhile.
I brought a 2007 Lucia, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noit - was disappointed as it was corked. So into the vinegar jar it goes to make wine vinegar for next year.
Other wines brought:
2011 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve, Chardonnay
32003 Tobin James, Silver Reserve Syrah
2011 Pecchenino ,San Lugi Dogliani red Wine
2011 Hart, Huis Vineyard, Temecula, Sangiovese
2011 Meiomi, Pinot Noir
2011 Lynmar, Laguna Ridge Pinot Noir
2012 Cakebread Cellars, Savignon Blanc
2011 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes, Barossa Valley, Shiraz
NV Private Cuvee, Danza del Sol Winery Espumosa , Lodi Sparkling
2011 Weingut Geil, Gerwurztraminer, Kabimett
200 Chateau St Jean, Cing Cepages
2010 Rombauer, Zinfandel
So a very good day for Margie's Fun Wine Activity for August in spite of a few mishaps. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the Olive Oil place because they bought a lot of product
Seafood Palace
Wednesday, August 11, 2013
The boys and I met tonight at the Seafood Palace. For some reason things seemed awkward tonight, Took awhile for the conversation to get going. Even after a few sips of wine it was not our jovial group. Maybe something with the moon, sun or whatever. I know traffic was horrendous this evening. Maybe when the freeway construction is over things will improve.
We started out with the Salt & Pepper Calamari. Just like last time it was not the same as before. Not much seasoning. Different cook maybe.
Sizzling Rice with Shrimp showed up. John really liked the puffed up rice. Our old standard Beef with Chinese Broccoli was brought to the table. Always good.
Henry ordered a new dish for us. Roasted Chicken Cantonese Style with Shrimp Chips. Really moist chicken with a very crispy skin. It was very good and I probably would have appreciated it more if I didn't eat so much chicken during the week. I very rarely order a chicken dish when I dine out,
A tureen of the Sweet/Sour soup was set down and ladled up. This soup is always full of many flavors and has always been consistently good.
By this time I am full but a huge platter of Peking Duck arrives. I can eat one piece but that is it. I did take the leftovers home.
All in all a good dinner but since it was the "Seafood" Palace I was disappointed that more seafood was not ordered. I prefer the duck at the Golden Star so that dish could have been left off the dinner and something else ordered and I would have been happier.
Dessert was a simple tray of sliced oranges and fortune cookies.
Wines brought were:
2009 Terre Valentine, Spring Mtn District, Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 McKeon Phillips Leonardo
2006 McKeon Phillips BPR Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Tourine Val de Loire, Rose of Pinot Noir
2009 Clos Pepe Chardonnay
2006 Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot Noir
The Leonardo and the Kosta Brown were first two bottles emptied. By the end of the evening only a small amount of the Rose & Chardonnay were left.
Next month back to the Golden Star.
The boys and I met tonight at the Seafood Palace. For some reason things seemed awkward tonight, Took awhile for the conversation to get going. Even after a few sips of wine it was not our jovial group. Maybe something with the moon, sun or whatever. I know traffic was horrendous this evening. Maybe when the freeway construction is over things will improve.
We started out with the Salt & Pepper Calamari. Just like last time it was not the same as before. Not much seasoning. Different cook maybe.
Sizzling Rice with Shrimp showed up. John really liked the puffed up rice. Our old standard Beef with Chinese Broccoli was brought to the table. Always good.
Henry ordered a new dish for us. Roasted Chicken Cantonese Style with Shrimp Chips. Really moist chicken with a very crispy skin. It was very good and I probably would have appreciated it more if I didn't eat so much chicken during the week. I very rarely order a chicken dish when I dine out,
A tureen of the Sweet/Sour soup was set down and ladled up. This soup is always full of many flavors and has always been consistently good.
By this time I am full but a huge platter of Peking Duck arrives. I can eat one piece but that is it. I did take the leftovers home.
All in all a good dinner but since it was the "Seafood" Palace I was disappointed that more seafood was not ordered. I prefer the duck at the Golden Star so that dish could have been left off the dinner and something else ordered and I would have been happier.
Dessert was a simple tray of sliced oranges and fortune cookies.
Wines brought were:
2009 Terre Valentine, Spring Mtn District, Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 McKeon Phillips Leonardo
2006 McKeon Phillips BPR Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Tourine Val de Loire, Rose of Pinot Noir
2009 Clos Pepe Chardonnay
2006 Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot Noir
The Leonardo and the Kosta Brown were first two bottles emptied. By the end of the evening only a small amount of the Rose & Chardonnay were left.
Next month back to the Golden Star.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
August Wino's Gathering
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Our monthly wino's gathering theme was Zinfandels, Primotivo's. Champagnes, Sparkings & Rose's. Weather cooperated and the day was not to hot. Nothing like high alcohol wines and heat. Started at 3:00 and the host is still setting up at 3:30. I have never been able to understand this concept. I tasted about 5 of the Zinfandels and they were good. The one Rose that was brought I was not a fan of but all the sparklings were good. Appetizers were very good. I filled up on them as the host is known for over cooking the meat until it is so dry I can't eat it. So what ever was on the table for the main course I bypassed on. Good company and enjoyed myself. But left at a reasonable hour as I have had quite the week.
German Wines and Dinner at Delius
Friday, August 24, 2013 - Rudi Weist Imports was rep'd by Allie who brought her daughter along. Allie's daughter is studying agriculture at SLO University and wants to be a winemaker She has already interned at a winery in Germany and for Saxum in Paso Robles. Nice to have a mother with connections. So it was the three of us a the table. Sold out dinner. As usual the food was great. I found no fault with any of the dishes or wine pairings. The red wine that was served with the lamb was a Caberent / Dornfelder blend. Drinking it on its own would not be my thing but it blossomed with the food.
We started out with a glass of 2011 von Buhl Riesling Sekt Brut. Nice pours when you sit with the rep.
First course was a Squash and Carmelized Onion Ravioli, house made Ricotta stuffed Squash Blossom over a Corn Pudding. My favorite of the evening. wine was a 2011 Schloss Lieser Estate Riesling, Medium dry. Absolutely perfect pairing.
Next was Braised Pork Cheek with Trio of Baled Farm Apples, Celery and Fennel. The pork cheek melted in your mouth. Paired with a 2009 Reinhold Haart Piesporter Goldtropchen Riesling Kabinett.
Third Course: Fried Oysters, Green Curry Aioli - my second favorite dish. Oysters were fried perfectly and soft and succulent. Wine was a 2011 Monchhof Mosel Slate Riesling Spatlese. Again a perfect pairing.
Main Course served was a Leg of Lamb Stuffed With Farm Root Vegetables and Chimichurri. Served with a 2009 Becker Red Wine Cuvee "Guillaume"
Dessert was a Rumtopf - traditional rum pot dessert. Excellent.
We started out with a glass of 2011 von Buhl Riesling Sekt Brut. Nice pours when you sit with the rep.
First course was a Squash and Carmelized Onion Ravioli, house made Ricotta stuffed Squash Blossom over a Corn Pudding. My favorite of the evening. wine was a 2011 Schloss Lieser Estate Riesling, Medium dry. Absolutely perfect pairing.
Next was Braised Pork Cheek with Trio of Baled Farm Apples, Celery and Fennel. The pork cheek melted in your mouth. Paired with a 2009 Reinhold Haart Piesporter Goldtropchen Riesling Kabinett.
Third Course: Fried Oysters, Green Curry Aioli - my second favorite dish. Oysters were fried perfectly and soft and succulent. Wine was a 2011 Monchhof Mosel Slate Riesling Spatlese. Again a perfect pairing.
Main Course served was a Leg of Lamb Stuffed With Farm Root Vegetables and Chimichurri. Served with a 2009 Becker Red Wine Cuvee "Guillaume"
Dessert was a Rumtopf - traditional rum pot dessert. Excellent.
Clos Pepe Open House and Barrel Sampling
Sunday, August 18, 2013 - Arrived at the Clos Pepe Vineyards for their annual open house and to pick up wines I ordered last year and place my new order for pickup in 2014. They put out their grand cheese spread. All cheeses from the Beverly Hills Cheese Company. Tasted all the new releases and some Library wines. Again numerous people that I knew were in attendance.
Loaded my wines and headed across Hwy 246 to Huber Vineyards to visit with Norman & Traudl. Found out they will be leasing their vineyards to Pali Wines and slowly start retiring. They are a great couple but unfortunately none of their children or grand children are interested in the wine business. Spent some time with them and Norman showed be a beautiful hand carved Black Forest wood clock in the house along with a very old desk he is refinishing. Beautiful work. Norman was brought over to restore all the woodwork on the Queen Mary when it was brought into Long Beach. They are selling the few remaining cases of 2009 Huber Pinot Noir for $210 a case. Bought one and probably should have brought 2 cases.
Left the Huber's and continued to Buellton to attend Loring/Cragasacchi open house at their new tasting room next to the Hitching Post restaurant. They had a Taco stand for the day and some of the best taco's I have had in awhile, The lady was hand making the tortillas, patting them in her hand and they were perfect rounds. Sat down and had 3 tacos and a Coca Cola in a GLASS bottle. They do taste different between glass and cans.
Picked yo my wine I had ordered earlier in the year and headed back to Lompoc. Have to drive back on Monday morning.
Loaded my wines and headed across Hwy 246 to Huber Vineyards to visit with Norman & Traudl. Found out they will be leasing their vineyards to Pali Wines and slowly start retiring. They are a great couple but unfortunately none of their children or grand children are interested in the wine business. Spent some time with them and Norman showed be a beautiful hand carved Black Forest wood clock in the house along with a very old desk he is refinishing. Beautiful work. Norman was brought over to restore all the woodwork on the Queen Mary when it was brought into Long Beach. They are selling the few remaining cases of 2009 Huber Pinot Noir for $210 a case. Bought one and probably should have brought 2 cases.
Left the Huber's and continued to Buellton to attend Loring/Cragasacchi open house at their new tasting room next to the Hitching Post restaurant. They had a Taco stand for the day and some of the best taco's I have had in awhile, The lady was hand making the tortillas, patting them in her hand and they were perfect rounds. Sat down and had 3 tacos and a Coca Cola in a GLASS bottle. They do taste different between glass and cans.
Picked yo my wine I had ordered earlier in the year and headed back to Lompoc. Have to drive back on Monday morning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)