Friday, April 4, 2012
We ended up with a table of 10 tonight. Cora was able to come. That was nice for her and for us to enjoy her company. We are aware and so is she that these times will no longer take place in the future. But for now we are enjoying whatever comes our way.
Alex the waiter and the son of Franco has dumped me for a much younger woman. So sad for me. Alex is now engaged and although the lady does not cook (Alex does) she had other attributes. Saw her as I left this evening and she is a looker. Gave him a thumbs up. Alex is very happy man.
All the food tonight was good as always. 3 of us had the Mussel, Clam, Seabass with tomato broth on Linguine. We all agreed it was a great dish. There was a Pork Chop dish order, 2 Racks of Lamb, a Chippino, a stuffed chicken breast and a pasta dish. I did not see what the 10th person ordered as I was only taking notes on the wines. The quality of the food at Franco's is top notch and the flavors are outstanding.
We started out with a Flying Goat Bubbles and a Borgo Magredo Proscecco. The Proscecco I brought. Seems I am on the Italian Sparkling kick right now.
I also brought a 2001 Stolpman LaCroce. This wine is at its optimum and was outstanding. I thought it was the best wine of the evening, Terry and Cora brought a 2004 Tornest Brunello de Montalcino which was my second favorite wine of the evening.
Also on the table was 2004 Gustavo Thrace Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Stillwater Viognier, 2005 Curran Sangiovese, 2007 LeCuvier Sangiovese, 2006 Enoirin Barbera, 2004 Parusso Langhe Nebbilo, 2009 Kiamie White Cuvee, 2010 Tablas Creek Cotes du Tables Blanc, 2001 Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino and a 2005 Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo. Many wines from the Central Coast tonight.
This was a lot of wines. I did not try any of the whites except for the bubblies. The wines that I tasted were the Barbera and the Barolo along the with Cab. That was more than enough but then I was enjoying the LaCroce and the Brunello so much.
Its been awhile since we have had 10 people at the table. We try to keep it at six for conversation but tonight for some reason seemed to work well. Everyone was in the conversation mode.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Edge of LA Wine Fest
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Made the drive to San Pedro today to attend the Edge of LA Wine Fest. It has been a venue for the last few years but this was the first time for me. I had heard stories about the lack of parking and they advertised to park in a downtown lot and take a shuttle to the venue. So I started out early. This event was held at Michaels Tuscany Room on 7th St. There was a metered parking lot next to the building so I did secure a all day parking spot for $2.50 which was not bad at all.
This was a smaller "wine & food " events than the ones I usually go to. There were numerous wine reps there that I knew and I ran into countless people that I had not seen in a long time. A big reunion for me.
Most of the wines were are on the ok side. I did find some really interesting ones but on the whole it was not "high end" These reps are the ones selling wines to Off The Vine Wine Store in San Pedro, They are one of the sponsors of the event, along with 7th Street Chop House and Whale & Ale.
When the opened the doors for the public I headed upstairs before it got crowded. I came across a winery "Cuatro Dias". The owner/winemaker is a fireman for the City of Redondo Beach. Nice wines and he sources from some really good vineyards. No tasting room. I did get his card and will check him out. I would not mind buying a few bottles from him.
Food was good. They had two stations set up. Meatballs, Calamari, Stuffed Mushrooms, Bruschetta along with cheese and fruit. They did keep the trays refilled which is more than I can say for the "high end" tasting I did in Newport a few months back. Those "dollies" could learn from this venue.
My biggest gripe was the fact that the temperature was very warm inside the building. They finally got the a/c unit kicked it but for an hour it was not pleasant. It also had an effect on the red wines. I heard several wine reps complain about the lack of ice.
I was told that the turn out today was much smaller than last year. I would not have liked too may more people. My suggestion to them is to have a set amount of tickets that would accommodate the room size and only sell that many. I know they want to make money but if you are not enjoying the scene you will not come back. I will try this again next year.
Made the drive to San Pedro today to attend the Edge of LA Wine Fest. It has been a venue for the last few years but this was the first time for me. I had heard stories about the lack of parking and they advertised to park in a downtown lot and take a shuttle to the venue. So I started out early. This event was held at Michaels Tuscany Room on 7th St. There was a metered parking lot next to the building so I did secure a all day parking spot for $2.50 which was not bad at all.
This was a smaller "wine & food " events than the ones I usually go to. There were numerous wine reps there that I knew and I ran into countless people that I had not seen in a long time. A big reunion for me.
Most of the wines were are on the ok side. I did find some really interesting ones but on the whole it was not "high end" These reps are the ones selling wines to Off The Vine Wine Store in San Pedro, They are one of the sponsors of the event, along with 7th Street Chop House and Whale & Ale.
When the opened the doors for the public I headed upstairs before it got crowded. I came across a winery "Cuatro Dias". The owner/winemaker is a fireman for the City of Redondo Beach. Nice wines and he sources from some really good vineyards. No tasting room. I did get his card and will check him out. I would not mind buying a few bottles from him.
Food was good. They had two stations set up. Meatballs, Calamari, Stuffed Mushrooms, Bruschetta along with cheese and fruit. They did keep the trays refilled which is more than I can say for the "high end" tasting I did in Newport a few months back. Those "dollies" could learn from this venue.
My biggest gripe was the fact that the temperature was very warm inside the building. They finally got the a/c unit kicked it but for an hour it was not pleasant. It also had an effect on the red wines. I heard several wine reps complain about the lack of ice.
I was told that the turn out today was much smaller than last year. I would not have liked too may more people. My suggestion to them is to have a set amount of tickets that would accommodate the room size and only sell that many. I know they want to make money but if you are not enjoying the scene you will not come back. I will try this again next year.
Silver Oak & Twomey Wines
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Normally I do not post about my weekly wine tastings since I usually do several but this one was interesting.
ABC in Long Beach hosts a "higher" end tasting about once a month. Tonight it was Silver Oak which turned out to be the Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Twomey Wines. Twomey is not a second label of Silver Oak . They brought about Twomey wines to bring other varietals into the picture and to keep Silver Oak as Cabernet Sauvignon.
I have never been a big fan of Silver Oak - nice wine but very overpriced for what it is.
Tonight we started off with a Preseco from a different distributor. Don't have the name with me but I did order some bottles of this wine. When I pick up the bottles I will edit this post and insert the name.The rep for this label I met last Saturday at the Edge of LA Wine Fest. This Proseco to me was the better wine of the evening.
We tasted Twomey Sauvignon Blanc which was nice. Had a creamy, citrus taste and a rich mouth feel. I did like this but I have given up on Sau Blanc because of the acid.
Next were 3 Pinots. I had several glasses with me so I had all three in front of me at the same time. Russian River, Alexander Valley and Sonoma Coast. My preference was the Alexander Valley A little leaner wine. The Russian River Pinot was heavy on the upfront fruit and the Sonoma Coast was a little stemy.
They did pour the Merlot and a blend, Both were good. But again I find the price a tad high for what these wines are. I have bought Twomey on occasion.
The fun part was after the tasting 4 of us that were left and the 2 wine reps that were there and finished the bottles. Someone decided we should go to Michael's on Naples and off we went. The upstairs at Michael's was closed for the night but they opened it up for us. We ordered an Italian wine that someone had recommended and some flatbread pizza.
Rounded out an enjoyable evening. Good conversation
Normally I do not post about my weekly wine tastings since I usually do several but this one was interesting.
ABC in Long Beach hosts a "higher" end tasting about once a month. Tonight it was Silver Oak which turned out to be the Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Twomey Wines. Twomey is not a second label of Silver Oak . They brought about Twomey wines to bring other varietals into the picture and to keep Silver Oak as Cabernet Sauvignon.
I have never been a big fan of Silver Oak - nice wine but very overpriced for what it is.
Tonight we started off with a Preseco from a different distributor. Don't have the name with me but I did order some bottles of this wine. When I pick up the bottles I will edit this post and insert the name.The rep for this label I met last Saturday at the Edge of LA Wine Fest. This Proseco to me was the better wine of the evening.
We tasted Twomey Sauvignon Blanc which was nice. Had a creamy, citrus taste and a rich mouth feel. I did like this but I have given up on Sau Blanc because of the acid.
Next were 3 Pinots. I had several glasses with me so I had all three in front of me at the same time. Russian River, Alexander Valley and Sonoma Coast. My preference was the Alexander Valley A little leaner wine. The Russian River Pinot was heavy on the upfront fruit and the Sonoma Coast was a little stemy.
They did pour the Merlot and a blend, Both were good. But again I find the price a tad high for what these wines are. I have bought Twomey on occasion.
The fun part was after the tasting 4 of us that were left and the 2 wine reps that were there and finished the bottles. Someone decided we should go to Michael's on Naples and off we went. The upstairs at Michael's was closed for the night but they opened it up for us. We ordered an Italian wine that someone had recommended and some flatbread pizza.
Rounded out an enjoyable evening. Good conversation
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Italian & Delius
Friday. April 27, 2012
Dave Solzman the owner at Delius went to Italy on a "wine business tour" a few years ago. This dinner was a culmination of his adventures in Italy. Several people that were on the tour with him were present also to render their versions of Dave's stories. I was interesting and funny. Especially the story of Dave "snoring" though a lecture at one of the wineries.
Appetizer was Pizza ai Prosciutto e Funghi & Pizza Marghertia. Knowing that I would be taking food home tonight I had one piece of the Proscuitto pizza which was tasty. The wine was a Borjo Magredo Prosecco Friuli-Grave. I did like this Prosecco and bought a few bottles.
First Course: Clam, Mussel & Tomato Stew, Burrata Crostini. Broth was excellent and the Burrata on the bread was very good also. Lots of shellfish. Paired with a 2010 Montecucco, Colle Massari Vermention "Melacce". Good pairing and a good wine, which I bought a few bottles of.
Second Course: Tepan Misto (Mache) - Battered & Fried Veggies, Parmesan Filled Rice Balls with Arrabiata. Light batter , no grease, and the rice ball was creamy. Two wines were paired and both went well with a different component of the dish. 2009 Marche, Umani Ronchi Verdicchio "Casal di Serra" and a 2009 Piemonte, Giacosa Fratelli Barbera "Bussia".
Third Course: Red Wine Risotto, Duck Confit, Mushrooms & Pecorino - very rich dish. Glad it was a small portion. Also served with two wines. 2006 Puglia, Rivera "Il Falcone" Castel del Monte Riserva. Also a wine that I bought tonight and a 2008 Greve di Chianti, Vignamaggio Chianti Classico "Gherardino".
At this point I have reach my no return. If I eat the next course I cannot have dessert. So we all know what choice I will make.
Fourth Course: Herb Crusted Lamb Loin, Creamy Polenta & Stuffed Eggplant. I had two small pieces of meat to try with the wine and had everything boxed up to go. A 2009 Tusacny, Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso and a 2007 Vebeto, Michele Castellani Amarone "Calle Cristi" were served I preferred the Rosso over the Amarone.
My only comment on this particular food dish is at the last few dinners at Delius if it has been a lamb dish it has been the loin. I have not have a rack or chop on a dinner in quite awhile, It could be a cost cutting measure. Lamb chops are ridiculously priced right now. The loin has been excellent quality. The Himilayan Grille has also cut chops from their menu.
Dessert was a Home Made Biscotti (excellent) Gelato and Lemon Ricotta Cake. Very good way to end the meal. Glad I boxed the last dish to go. This was served with a 2007 Puglia, Rivera Moscato Trani Pian Tufara.
My dining companions were the wine reps. Vince I had not seen in years. He had a lot of funny stories about the trip since he was in charge of 40 or so "winos" . He knew who he was dealing with because the meeting place at LAX before boarding the plane was a bar just outside the gate.
This was a good dinner with great conversation. Sorry for the people that missed it. Looking for to the Longoria Wine dinner next month.
Dave Solzman the owner at Delius went to Italy on a "wine business tour" a few years ago. This dinner was a culmination of his adventures in Italy. Several people that were on the tour with him were present also to render their versions of Dave's stories. I was interesting and funny. Especially the story of Dave "snoring" though a lecture at one of the wineries.
Appetizer was Pizza ai Prosciutto e Funghi & Pizza Marghertia. Knowing that I would be taking food home tonight I had one piece of the Proscuitto pizza which was tasty. The wine was a Borjo Magredo Prosecco Friuli-Grave. I did like this Prosecco and bought a few bottles.
First Course: Clam, Mussel & Tomato Stew, Burrata Crostini. Broth was excellent and the Burrata on the bread was very good also. Lots of shellfish. Paired with a 2010 Montecucco, Colle Massari Vermention "Melacce". Good pairing and a good wine, which I bought a few bottles of.
Second Course: Tepan Misto (Mache) - Battered & Fried Veggies, Parmesan Filled Rice Balls with Arrabiata. Light batter , no grease, and the rice ball was creamy. Two wines were paired and both went well with a different component of the dish. 2009 Marche, Umani Ronchi Verdicchio "Casal di Serra" and a 2009 Piemonte, Giacosa Fratelli Barbera "Bussia".
Third Course: Red Wine Risotto, Duck Confit, Mushrooms & Pecorino - very rich dish. Glad it was a small portion. Also served with two wines. 2006 Puglia, Rivera "Il Falcone" Castel del Monte Riserva. Also a wine that I bought tonight and a 2008 Greve di Chianti, Vignamaggio Chianti Classico "Gherardino".
At this point I have reach my no return. If I eat the next course I cannot have dessert. So we all know what choice I will make.
Fourth Course: Herb Crusted Lamb Loin, Creamy Polenta & Stuffed Eggplant. I had two small pieces of meat to try with the wine and had everything boxed up to go. A 2009 Tusacny, Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso and a 2007 Vebeto, Michele Castellani Amarone "Calle Cristi" were served I preferred the Rosso over the Amarone.
My only comment on this particular food dish is at the last few dinners at Delius if it has been a lamb dish it has been the loin. I have not have a rack or chop on a dinner in quite awhile, It could be a cost cutting measure. Lamb chops are ridiculously priced right now. The loin has been excellent quality. The Himilayan Grille has also cut chops from their menu.
Dessert was a Home Made Biscotti (excellent) Gelato and Lemon Ricotta Cake. Very good way to end the meal. Glad I boxed the last dish to go. This was served with a 2007 Puglia, Rivera Moscato Trani Pian Tufara.
My dining companions were the wine reps. Vince I had not seen in years. He had a lot of funny stories about the trip since he was in charge of 40 or so "winos" . He knew who he was dealing with because the meeting place at LAX before boarding the plane was a bar just outside the gate.
This was a good dinner with great conversation. Sorry for the people that missed it. Looking for to the Longoria Wine dinner next month.
Arte Cafe & Domaine de Montille
Thursday, April 26, 2012
I had been looking forward to this dinner for a month and it did not disappoint. Small group, maybe 15 people, Price tag of $100 plus tax & tip keeps people away. But considering the quality of the wines it was worth it. Pours were generous. Arte Cafe can be inconsistent with its food and service. As usual they were late getting the first course out. I find it strange when you have people sitting there for a good 15 to 20 minutes why you can't have a basket of bread brought out right away. But they are not the only restaurant to fail in this manner
We started off with a Bluepoint Oyster and a Carlsbad Oyster compliments of the restaurant. Richard also let Sam go into the cellar and pick out a champagne to go with the oysters. She brought back a Henriot Blush Champagne. I could have made the entire meal out of oysters and champagne.
First Course: Diver Scallop on a bed of sauteed spinach with drops of Aoili and a Chili Sauce. Aoili was great but the Chili sauce really through your palate off. Fortunately I put some more Aoili in my mouth and that seemed to cut the burn. Fat always cuts heat. Scallop was cooked perfectly, This was served with a 2009 Chateau de Puligny - Montrachet, Chassagne Monrachet. Perfect pairing.
Second Course: Seabass with Beurre Blanc Sauce over a bed of sauteed baby kale. Good dish. Wine was a 2009 Domaine de Montille Meursault, Les Dessous, Narvaux. Another very good pairing.
Third Course: Poached Salmon with Pinot Sauce over a bed of mashed peas. Paired with a 2009 Domaine de Montille Bourgogne Rouge. This wine seemed to be a big favorite and one of the reasonably priced wines. It was very good but I did prefer the next wine overall.
I am glad portion sizes are small because I am starting to feel a little full.
Fourth Course: Duck Breast with Mushroom Diane Sauce. Falvor was good but my piece of duck breast had a bit too much fat left on it and one end was a little tough to cut.. A 2009 Domaine de Montille Beaune Premier Cru, Les Sizes was paired with the duck. Good pairing, excellent wine. I did buy a bottle of this particular wine to cellar.
Fifth Course: Filet Mignon with Bernaise Sauce. Decent piece of meat. Not prime. Sauce was ok but I think I would have preferred none. Served with asparagus and sweet potato fries. I was puzzled on this combination. Paired with 2009 Domaine de Montille Volnay Premier Cru Les Taillepieds. Very good wine.
The person next to me was served a steak that looked like it was the misshappen end on the loin. Small, strange cut. It should never have left the kitchen that way. If I had been served that I would have sent it back. I realize that restaurants need to cut some corners and watch their discards but this was beyond it. This is one of the inconsistencies of Arte Cafe. I have seen it before. Maybe they just do this on "wine dinners" but it is not right.. Another thing they lack is enough servers for a large group. This has always been a problem at Arte Cafe. A couple of people with Wine Country got up to help serve. That should not be the case. People who are first served are finished with their plate before others have been served. The peole at Arte Cafe are nice & friendly but it seems like mamagment has a slight flaw.
Dessert was a Grand Marnier Souffle. Very light and fluffy. Perfectly hot from the over. A good dish.
I had been looking forward to this dinner for a month and it did not disappoint. Small group, maybe 15 people, Price tag of $100 plus tax & tip keeps people away. But considering the quality of the wines it was worth it. Pours were generous. Arte Cafe can be inconsistent with its food and service. As usual they were late getting the first course out. I find it strange when you have people sitting there for a good 15 to 20 minutes why you can't have a basket of bread brought out right away. But they are not the only restaurant to fail in this manner
We started off with a Bluepoint Oyster and a Carlsbad Oyster compliments of the restaurant. Richard also let Sam go into the cellar and pick out a champagne to go with the oysters. She brought back a Henriot Blush Champagne. I could have made the entire meal out of oysters and champagne.
First Course: Diver Scallop on a bed of sauteed spinach with drops of Aoili and a Chili Sauce. Aoili was great but the Chili sauce really through your palate off. Fortunately I put some more Aoili in my mouth and that seemed to cut the burn. Fat always cuts heat. Scallop was cooked perfectly, This was served with a 2009 Chateau de Puligny - Montrachet, Chassagne Monrachet. Perfect pairing.
Second Course: Seabass with Beurre Blanc Sauce over a bed of sauteed baby kale. Good dish. Wine was a 2009 Domaine de Montille Meursault, Les Dessous, Narvaux. Another very good pairing.
Third Course: Poached Salmon with Pinot Sauce over a bed of mashed peas. Paired with a 2009 Domaine de Montille Bourgogne Rouge. This wine seemed to be a big favorite and one of the reasonably priced wines. It was very good but I did prefer the next wine overall.
I am glad portion sizes are small because I am starting to feel a little full.
Fourth Course: Duck Breast with Mushroom Diane Sauce. Falvor was good but my piece of duck breast had a bit too much fat left on it and one end was a little tough to cut.. A 2009 Domaine de Montille Beaune Premier Cru, Les Sizes was paired with the duck. Good pairing, excellent wine. I did buy a bottle of this particular wine to cellar.
Fifth Course: Filet Mignon with Bernaise Sauce. Decent piece of meat. Not prime. Sauce was ok but I think I would have preferred none. Served with asparagus and sweet potato fries. I was puzzled on this combination. Paired with 2009 Domaine de Montille Volnay Premier Cru Les Taillepieds. Very good wine.
The person next to me was served a steak that looked like it was the misshappen end on the loin. Small, strange cut. It should never have left the kitchen that way. If I had been served that I would have sent it back. I realize that restaurants need to cut some corners and watch their discards but this was beyond it. This is one of the inconsistencies of Arte Cafe. I have seen it before. Maybe they just do this on "wine dinners" but it is not right.. Another thing they lack is enough servers for a large group. This has always been a problem at Arte Cafe. A couple of people with Wine Country got up to help serve. That should not be the case. People who are first served are finished with their plate before others have been served. The peole at Arte Cafe are nice & friendly but it seems like mamagment has a slight flaw.
Dessert was a Grand Marnier Souffle. Very light and fluffy. Perfectly hot from the over. A good dish.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Ante's Croatian Restaurant
Saturday, April 21, 2012
A big table of 11 tonight. I have not been to Ante's in close to a year, Tonight instead of the meal being pre-ordered we just ordered 3 appetizers and everyone could then order their own dinner from the menu.
We started of with the complimentary tray of celery, carrots, radishes and dip along with never ending baskets of bread. I passed on all of this.
Next out was numerous plates of the garlic-butter shrimp. Always put some of the butter on you plate and sop it up with a piece of bread. It is so full of garlic. Addicting. I took a half of a roll only. Otherwise I could have finished the bread basket myself with this garlic sauce.
A fried calamari sandwich was brought out. Cut into small sections so everyone could get a piece. This would be a great sandwich for lunch.
Then a plate of stuffed cabbage rolls arrived, also cut into smaller portions.
By time I finished those dishes I really had no room to order a full meal. 5 or 6 people ordered a full meal along with desserts. Where they put all this food is beyond me. Your stomach is the size of your fist and the only way it can accommodate more food is to stretch it. I just cannot handle that. But there are a few big eaters in this group and they had no problem.
The wines tonight were rather good. The highlight being at 1976 Chateau Romer de Hayo Sauterne. I brought a NV Henriot Brut Souverain and a 2007 Huber Chardonnnay. I knew I would be eating seafood.
Rounding out the evening - 2000 Battaglini Propreitors Reserve Select Russian River Zinfandel, (excellent). 2008 Leone Doro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2005 Chateau Darzac Margaux, 2009 Roessler Ceremonial Russian River Pinot Noir, 2007 Hitching Post Cargassachi Pinot Noir, 2008 Stolpman Estate Syrah, 2004 Saint Cosme Chateauneuf du Pape Syrah, 2007 Perrin & Fils Carrianne and the last was a NV Provence port. I tasted each wine and all were excellent to good.
Good dinner. Excellent wines. Long drive home.
A big table of 11 tonight. I have not been to Ante's in close to a year, Tonight instead of the meal being pre-ordered we just ordered 3 appetizers and everyone could then order their own dinner from the menu.
We started of with the complimentary tray of celery, carrots, radishes and dip along with never ending baskets of bread. I passed on all of this.
Next out was numerous plates of the garlic-butter shrimp. Always put some of the butter on you plate and sop it up with a piece of bread. It is so full of garlic. Addicting. I took a half of a roll only. Otherwise I could have finished the bread basket myself with this garlic sauce.
A fried calamari sandwich was brought out. Cut into small sections so everyone could get a piece. This would be a great sandwich for lunch.
Then a plate of stuffed cabbage rolls arrived, also cut into smaller portions.
By time I finished those dishes I really had no room to order a full meal. 5 or 6 people ordered a full meal along with desserts. Where they put all this food is beyond me. Your stomach is the size of your fist and the only way it can accommodate more food is to stretch it. I just cannot handle that. But there are a few big eaters in this group and they had no problem.
The wines tonight were rather good. The highlight being at 1976 Chateau Romer de Hayo Sauterne. I brought a NV Henriot Brut Souverain and a 2007 Huber Chardonnnay. I knew I would be eating seafood.
Rounding out the evening - 2000 Battaglini Propreitors Reserve Select Russian River Zinfandel, (excellent). 2008 Leone Doro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2005 Chateau Darzac Margaux, 2009 Roessler Ceremonial Russian River Pinot Noir, 2007 Hitching Post Cargassachi Pinot Noir, 2008 Stolpman Estate Syrah, 2004 Saint Cosme Chateauneuf du Pape Syrah, 2007 Perrin & Fils Carrianne and the last was a NV Provence port. I tasted each wine and all were excellent to good.
Good dinner. Excellent wines. Long drive home.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Seafood Palace
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
We are not giving us on The Seafood Palace even through the new Doung Son now called the Golden Star has opened. There are several dishes at the Seafood Palace that are superior to Golden Star's. Plus the size of the restaurant and tables makes it better for a larger group. Golden Star is much smaller and will be more suited to a table of no more than 6. We could do 8 but it would be crowded. Because of all the wine we bring we need a table large enough to accommodate the wine.
We started off with a soup which I neglected to get the name of but it was a new one for us. It was sweet & spicy with noddles and vegetables,
Next came Shrimp with Snow Peas and Salt & Pepper Calamari. Both dishes were excellent. I had
requested Oysters with Black Bean Sauce. Again and excellent dish. The seafood here is fresh and cooked just perfect.
Then a large platter of Peking Duck was brought out. A good dish but I will say it is better at Golden Star because they specialize in duck.
Spicy Pork Strips, Beef with Fat Noddles and Barbequed Tofu with vegetables rounded out the meal.
For dessert we were served mango pudding. Frankly I prefer the fresh fruit. It cleanses the palate.
No sparkling wine showed up tonight. But we did have several whites on the table. 2007 Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 Stolpman La Coppla Blanc, 2009 Brander Purisma Mountain Sauvignon Blanc and a 2008 Brown Estate Betelgeuse Sauvignon Blanc.
A 2008 Ronchi Di Ciallo Rosso, 2005 Fournier Spiga Ribera Del Duro, 2006 Andrew Murray Esperance, 2005 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir, 204 McKeon Phillips BPR Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2011 Artiste Fools In Love Blend rounded out the reds.
Quite a mixed bag of wines.
We have several people that had not attended one of these dinners in quite awhile. I try to rotate through the group so everyone gets a chance but sometimes its a matter of who is available that evening, People have complained because they want to be included in every dinner but the only two that are at every dinner is Henry & I. Henry knows the restaurant owners and gets treated very well. He also does the menu and ordering to ensure we get the best of the ingredients. If some seafood is not the best that evening they will let him know. I do all the work of coordinating the people which frankly can be a real pain at times .
We enjoy these dinners and will be doing another one soon.
We are not giving us on The Seafood Palace even through the new Doung Son now called the Golden Star has opened. There are several dishes at the Seafood Palace that are superior to Golden Star's. Plus the size of the restaurant and tables makes it better for a larger group. Golden Star is much smaller and will be more suited to a table of no more than 6. We could do 8 but it would be crowded. Because of all the wine we bring we need a table large enough to accommodate the wine.
We started off with a soup which I neglected to get the name of but it was a new one for us. It was sweet & spicy with noddles and vegetables,
Next came Shrimp with Snow Peas and Salt & Pepper Calamari. Both dishes were excellent. I had
requested Oysters with Black Bean Sauce. Again and excellent dish. The seafood here is fresh and cooked just perfect.
Then a large platter of Peking Duck was brought out. A good dish but I will say it is better at Golden Star because they specialize in duck.
Spicy Pork Strips, Beef with Fat Noddles and Barbequed Tofu with vegetables rounded out the meal.
For dessert we were served mango pudding. Frankly I prefer the fresh fruit. It cleanses the palate.
No sparkling wine showed up tonight. But we did have several whites on the table. 2007 Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 Stolpman La Coppla Blanc, 2009 Brander Purisma Mountain Sauvignon Blanc and a 2008 Brown Estate Betelgeuse Sauvignon Blanc.
A 2008 Ronchi Di Ciallo Rosso, 2005 Fournier Spiga Ribera Del Duro, 2006 Andrew Murray Esperance, 2005 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir, 204 McKeon Phillips BPR Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2011 Artiste Fools In Love Blend rounded out the reds.
Quite a mixed bag of wines.
We have several people that had not attended one of these dinners in quite awhile. I try to rotate through the group so everyone gets a chance but sometimes its a matter of who is available that evening, People have complained because they want to be included in every dinner but the only two that are at every dinner is Henry & I. Henry knows the restaurant owners and gets treated very well. He also does the menu and ordering to ensure we get the best of the ingredients. If some seafood is not the best that evening they will let him know. I do all the work of coordinating the people which frankly can be a real pain at times .
We enjoy these dinners and will be doing another one soon.
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