Friday, April 29, 2016
The Sky Room at the Breakers hotel in Long Beach, www.theskyroom.com hosted a dinner tonight with 3 Pinots from California and 3 Pinots from Oregon. We did not know that the wines would be brown bagged and tasted blind. Flights of two wines each and we had to guess which wine from the list. Not quite what I expected from a dinner but you just go with the flow. Since you are drinking two wines with each course your palate is going to be changing quite a bit because of the food. Our guesses were checked after every flight. I managed to get 3 right and received a bottle of 2007 Coquelicot, Mon Amour, a bordeaux blend. The owner of the Sky Room also owns the winery.
When I arrived I was a bit early so I got to pick out the seats for dinner. Choose ones facing the windows because of the view. We had a couple at the same table and two no shows. The no shows apparently were restaurant reviewers and they were getting comp'd dinners. I though that it was very tacky for them not to be there. The restaurant could have sold those seats to others.
Dinner started late because of people not being there on time. Our first course was a Lyonnaise Salad consisting of Applewood Bacon, Frisee and Radicchio, Poached Egg, Heirloom Grape Tomatoes, Brioche Crouton, Shallots and Sherry Vinaigrette. Flavors were good but again the damm Frisee that just does not want to go into your mouth neatly. The brioche crouton was large, the salad sat upon it. That needed to cut with a knife. My pet peeve , salads that need a knife. The two wines that were served was a Gainey, Sta Rita Hills, CA and a Left Coast Cellars "Cali's Cuvee", Willamette Valley. No years were listed.
Second course was a Sicilian Style Grilled Swordfish with a Caponata of Cherry Tomatoes, Plums, Capers, Shallots, Garlic, Roasted Pine Nuts, Basil and White Wine Sauce,. Fish was excellent. Cooked perfectly. I was not wild about all the sweet in the Caponata and thought it clashed with the wines that were paired. A Serene Domaine "Yamhill Cuvee", Yamhill, Carlton, OR and a Dutton Estate, "Karmen Isabella", Russian River Valley, CA.. The Dutton was my favorite wine of the evening.
Main course served is a filet of Venison with Salsify, Brussels Sprouts, Morel Mushrooms, Star Anise, Cloves and Juniper Berry Sauce. Venison was perfect, tender and full of flavor. This was a well done plate. The wines were Neely "Picnic Block", Santa Cruz Mountains, CA and a Soter "Mineral Springs Ranch" Yamhill, Carlton, OR
Dessert was a Tart made with Strawberries and Rhubarb. Flavor were good but to me it was heavy after this meal. My preference would have been something very light and airy.
View is wonderful from the Sky Room. Service impeccable. Noise level is ridiculous. There are no acoustics at all because of the walls being almost a 100% glass. But on top of that especially for weekends the noise from the bar, cocktail lounge and dance floor. Loud music and a lot of dancers tonight. The place was packed. My head was throbbing when I left. But it was an enjoyable dinner with good friends and spectacular views.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Utopia and Hahn Wines
Thursday, April 28, 29016
Utopia restaurant in downtown Long Beach, www.utopiarestaurant.net, hosted a Hahn wine dinner. This place in on the small side but it was sold out. Price was right. $70 including tax and tip. In today's wine dinner markets that is a bargain. I did arrive early which turned out well. I was a least able to get a parking space right by the restaurant. A half hour later and I would have circling the block looking.
Chatted with the wine reps before going in. Somehow I can never remember their names. Guess there are too many of them. But then most of the time they recognize me but can't remember my name.
Hahn winery is in the Santa Lucia Highlands area. Not expensive wines but fairly solid.
We started out with an appetizer of Warm Brie with caramelized garlic and onions. Simple but very good. The wine was a 2014 Hahn, Monterey County, Pinot Gris. Clean , crisp and light.
Second course was Pepper Dusted Grilled Scallops with a ginger, sesame wine sauce. When I saw the wine pairing I thought it would be a disaster. A 2013 Hahn, Monterey County, Pinot Noir. Turned out perfect. The ginger, sesame sauce had quite a bite to it and the wine actually went well with it. Big surprise. The scallops were cooked perfectly. The wine was big and fruity. Not to my liking but paired well.
Next a plate of Grilled Lamb Chops with garlic mint sauce was served. I am not into mint with my lamb but the garlic sauce was great. served on two slices of grilled squash which apparently were supposed to be cold and a mound of mashed potatoes. That did not rock my boat. Chops were good, sauce was great but the rest was a disappointment. The wine was the best of the night. A 2014 Hahn, Monterey County, GSM. Well balanced. just the right amount of fruit forwardness. A very nice wine for being inexpensive. $14 a bottle. A bargain.
Dessert was a nice warm house made apple tart with vanilla ice cream and a sliced strawberries. This was served with a Trenatadue Chocolate Amore wine. Very chocolate aroma and taste. Not overly sweet. A good selection.
A decent dinner, price was right. Several food items were excellent. The rest OK. Amir, the owner was apparently glad to see me. Came by our table several times to talk with me. More than usual. Might do the wine dinner with them next month depending on the date.
Utopia restaurant in downtown Long Beach, www.utopiarestaurant.net, hosted a Hahn wine dinner. This place in on the small side but it was sold out. Price was right. $70 including tax and tip. In today's wine dinner markets that is a bargain. I did arrive early which turned out well. I was a least able to get a parking space right by the restaurant. A half hour later and I would have circling the block looking.
Chatted with the wine reps before going in. Somehow I can never remember their names. Guess there are too many of them. But then most of the time they recognize me but can't remember my name.
Hahn winery is in the Santa Lucia Highlands area. Not expensive wines but fairly solid.
We started out with an appetizer of Warm Brie with caramelized garlic and onions. Simple but very good. The wine was a 2014 Hahn, Monterey County, Pinot Gris. Clean , crisp and light.
Second course was Pepper Dusted Grilled Scallops with a ginger, sesame wine sauce. When I saw the wine pairing I thought it would be a disaster. A 2013 Hahn, Monterey County, Pinot Noir. Turned out perfect. The ginger, sesame sauce had quite a bite to it and the wine actually went well with it. Big surprise. The scallops were cooked perfectly. The wine was big and fruity. Not to my liking but paired well.
Next a plate of Grilled Lamb Chops with garlic mint sauce was served. I am not into mint with my lamb but the garlic sauce was great. served on two slices of grilled squash which apparently were supposed to be cold and a mound of mashed potatoes. That did not rock my boat. Chops were good, sauce was great but the rest was a disappointment. The wine was the best of the night. A 2014 Hahn, Monterey County, GSM. Well balanced. just the right amount of fruit forwardness. A very nice wine for being inexpensive. $14 a bottle. A bargain.
Dessert was a nice warm house made apple tart with vanilla ice cream and a sliced strawberries. This was served with a Trenatadue Chocolate Amore wine. Very chocolate aroma and taste. Not overly sweet. A good selection.
A decent dinner, price was right. Several food items were excellent. The rest OK. Amir, the owner was apparently glad to see me. Came by our table several times to talk with me. More than usual. Might do the wine dinner with them next month depending on the date.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Monday and It's Dim Sum With The Boys
Monday, April 25, 2016
Another Monday off work so it is Dim Sum again at the Seafood palace in Westminister. www.seafoodpalacerestaurant.com,. Five of us today. Glad to see Terry for the second Dim Sum in a row.
We started out with a few items off the carts. White Fish Sui Mai which was different and quite good along with the Seaweed Wrapped Minced Shrimp.
Then came our complimentary bowl of spicy sour soup. Today the soup had a real bite to it. Henry says the cooks used a lot of white pepper. Also a small plate of deep fried baby octopus. Crunchy and small taste of jalapeno.
A dish with very large tender shrimp, bean sprouts and fat noodles. This had been dry stir fried. Excellent flavor. No leftovers here.
Since we have had the lobster the last few rimes we opted for crab today. Cantonese style whole crab with ginger and chives. Crab was very sweet. Messy eating but worth the effort.
A shredded pork with garlic sauce was next. Very good flavor. Lots going for it today. No leftovers on the dish either.
Last dish before dessert was sauteed scallops with the house special sauce. Which means whatever the chefs threw together that day. Did not care it was excellent.
Dessert today was an egg, coconut, sugar, milk concoction baked in pastry bun. Quite good and different from our usual egg tarts.
The wines today were exceptional. I brought a 2011 Clos Pepe HTC Chardonnay and a 2009 Sea Smoke Southing, Pinot Noir. Both showing quite well. Chardonnay was perfect with all the seafood.
2008 Saxum, Broken Stones, GSM, can never go wrong with this wine. Excellent.
2010 McKeon-Phillips BPR, Cabernet Sauvignon,. Good structure, well balanced.
2006 Denner, The Dirt Worshiper". Very "dirt" at the beginning but then really opened up and was an outstanding wine.
2007 P2, Brosseau Vineyards, Pinot Noir. I think we are all getting down to our last P2's. I had my last one a few weeks ago. Sorry to see Padrick close down but we have enjoyed his wines for the past years.
An exceptionaly good day today. Great wines, excellent food and very good company .
Mai the waitress gave all of us a a candy from Viet Nam. A cashew crunch type bar. No English on the label. It was very good. I will look for it when I am in one of the markets.
Another Monday off work so it is Dim Sum again at the Seafood palace in Westminister. www.seafoodpalacerestaurant.com,. Five of us today. Glad to see Terry for the second Dim Sum in a row.
We started out with a few items off the carts. White Fish Sui Mai which was different and quite good along with the Seaweed Wrapped Minced Shrimp.
Then came our complimentary bowl of spicy sour soup. Today the soup had a real bite to it. Henry says the cooks used a lot of white pepper. Also a small plate of deep fried baby octopus. Crunchy and small taste of jalapeno.
A dish with very large tender shrimp, bean sprouts and fat noodles. This had been dry stir fried. Excellent flavor. No leftovers here.
Since we have had the lobster the last few rimes we opted for crab today. Cantonese style whole crab with ginger and chives. Crab was very sweet. Messy eating but worth the effort.
A shredded pork with garlic sauce was next. Very good flavor. Lots going for it today. No leftovers on the dish either.
Last dish before dessert was sauteed scallops with the house special sauce. Which means whatever the chefs threw together that day. Did not care it was excellent.
Dessert today was an egg, coconut, sugar, milk concoction baked in pastry bun. Quite good and different from our usual egg tarts.
The wines today were exceptional. I brought a 2011 Clos Pepe HTC Chardonnay and a 2009 Sea Smoke Southing, Pinot Noir. Both showing quite well. Chardonnay was perfect with all the seafood.
2008 Saxum, Broken Stones, GSM, can never go wrong with this wine. Excellent.
2010 McKeon-Phillips BPR, Cabernet Sauvignon,. Good structure, well balanced.
2006 Denner, The Dirt Worshiper". Very "dirt" at the beginning but then really opened up and was an outstanding wine.
2007 P2, Brosseau Vineyards, Pinot Noir. I think we are all getting down to our last P2's. I had my last one a few weeks ago. Sorry to see Padrick close down but we have enjoyed his wines for the past years.
An exceptionaly good day today. Great wines, excellent food and very good company .
Mai the waitress gave all of us a a candy from Viet Nam. A cashew crunch type bar. No English on the label. It was very good. I will look for it when I am in one of the markets.
April's Wino's Soriee
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Very unusual wine tasting today. The hosts picked out Kosher Wines for their theme since is was Passover.
I was pleasantly surprised about the quality of the wines. I had thought they would not be close to being drinkable but they were all good wines and few were excellent.
Several of the food dishes that were brought played into the theme. Brisket, carrot pudding, cheese blintzes, smoked salmon.
Interesting theme, small group of winos but a very pleasant day.
Very unusual wine tasting today. The hosts picked out Kosher Wines for their theme since is was Passover.
I was pleasantly surprised about the quality of the wines. I had thought they would not be close to being drinkable but they were all good wines and few were excellent.
Several of the food dishes that were brought played into the theme. Brisket, carrot pudding, cheese blintzes, smoked salmon.
Interesting theme, small group of winos but a very pleasant day.
Friday, April 22, 2016
The Wine Dinner That Wasn't At La Traviata
Thursday. April 21, 2016
Had made reservations to attend a wine dinner at La Traviata in Long Beach and the day before I received a call from Mario, the owner, that the dinner was being rescheduled for a later date. But if we wanted to come in and have dinner off the regular menu he would give us a bottle of wine for the table. He indicated that this would be a bottle that would have been served with the wine dinner. So we opted to have dinner. It was free bottle of wine.
When we arrived Mario took a bottle off the bar and brought it to our table. I took a look at it and informed him that this bottle was not listed on the menu for the wine dinner. He insisted it was. I pulled out the printed menu for the wine dinner and showed him that it was not listed. After dancing around a bit he changed the subject. The wine still had a grape varietal that I was looking for, Pugnitello" so I didn't make too much of it and it was complimentary. But nowhere near the "$65" price Mario alluded to on the telephone.
We ordered at calamari fritta for an appetizer. One of the sauces was excellent. Had a lot of lemon in it. Calamari was good but not the best I have had.
Main dishes ordered were duck ravioli, scallops and Risotto with mushrooms and sliced filet of beef. Food was good but not outstanding like it used to be.
I am starting to think that the influx of new restaurants in areas of Long Beach are taking its toll on La Traviata. The parking has always been a a problem and I think the downward spiral on the quality of the food has an effect also. Mario is personable but has a tendency to "forget". He also over hypes. Hope he makes in through the downtown renovations that will be happening in that area in the next few years.
Had made reservations to attend a wine dinner at La Traviata in Long Beach and the day before I received a call from Mario, the owner, that the dinner was being rescheduled for a later date. But if we wanted to come in and have dinner off the regular menu he would give us a bottle of wine for the table. He indicated that this would be a bottle that would have been served with the wine dinner. So we opted to have dinner. It was free bottle of wine.
When we arrived Mario took a bottle off the bar and brought it to our table. I took a look at it and informed him that this bottle was not listed on the menu for the wine dinner. He insisted it was. I pulled out the printed menu for the wine dinner and showed him that it was not listed. After dancing around a bit he changed the subject. The wine still had a grape varietal that I was looking for, Pugnitello" so I didn't make too much of it and it was complimentary. But nowhere near the "$65" price Mario alluded to on the telephone.
We ordered at calamari fritta for an appetizer. One of the sauces was excellent. Had a lot of lemon in it. Calamari was good but not the best I have had.
Main dishes ordered were duck ravioli, scallops and Risotto with mushrooms and sliced filet of beef. Food was good but not outstanding like it used to be.
I am starting to think that the influx of new restaurants in areas of Long Beach are taking its toll on La Traviata. The parking has always been a a problem and I think the downward spiral on the quality of the food has an effect also. Mario is personable but has a tendency to "forget". He also over hypes. Hope he makes in through the downtown renovations that will be happening in that area in the next few years.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
J.Wilkes Wines at Delius Restaurant
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Looking forward to this dinner and seeing Wes Hagen again. I know the food will be good because Delius always comes through, www.deliusrestaurant.com. This will be my first encounter with J. Wilkes wines, expect for a small taste of one of the wines 3 weeks ago. I was not familiar with this label until Wes made the switch from Clos Pepe to J. Wilkes.. Numerous people I knew were in attendance. A good group to share a meal with.
Started out with a dish of Argentine Langostines with citrus zest, toasted hazelnuts, Asian pear and frisee salad. This dish was my least favorite of the night. The langostines were whole, head on. Made for messy eating. The flavor was good but I felt mine were a bit over cooked. Not as sweet and moist as they should be. Flavor was good with the salad but again we have that damm frisee that is hard to eat without cutting it up. I personally have an aversion to having to cut a salad. It should come from the kitchen ready to eat plus this one was in a bowl which makes it even harder to cut larger pieces of lettuce. The wine paired very well with the food. A 2014 Pinot Blanc. But it also made a fabulous picture on Facebook.
Second course was a Pork Belly Ravioli with brown butter and roasted sunburst squash. This was my favorite dish of the evening. Excellent flavors and the brown butter gave it the magic touch. A 2013 Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay was served. A tad oaky but the oak was cut by the richness of the ravioli.
Third course was a Crispy Skin Duck Breast. Delius's duck breast is always perfect. They do an outstanding job with duck breast and lamb chops. No one does this better. This dish was full of flavor. Served with roasted brussel sprounts, fried sunchokes and red wine cherry reduction. Paired with a 2013 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. Had a taste of this wine a few weeks ago and thought it was a bit rough. Tonight's wine was a big difference. Could be bottle variation. This pinot was a blend of Bien Nacido, Solomon Hills, Sierra Madre vineyards with a small amount of Garey's vineyard in it. A very pleasant, drinkable wine and a good pairing.
Main course served was a Pink Peppercorn Crusted Rack of Lamb with parsnip puree, haricot verts and lamb demi. Another excellent dish. Lamb chops were cooked perfectly. Accompanied by a 2013 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir. (the menu said Santa Maria Valley but that was a typo). This was a very good Pinot. Sourced from vineyard that I was sworn to secrecy not to reveal their name.
Dessert was yummy. A Blackout Cake with Mulberry-Kumquat syrup, Mulberry ice cream and a citrus tuille. Light and refreshing. Beautiful flavor.
Another excellent wine dinner at Delius. Good wines from J. Wilkes. Great to see Wes again. Good table companions. Looking forward to next weeks wine dinner with Lane Tanner of Lumen Wines. Should be another good evening at Delius.
Looking forward to this dinner and seeing Wes Hagen again. I know the food will be good because Delius always comes through, www.deliusrestaurant.com. This will be my first encounter with J. Wilkes wines, expect for a small taste of one of the wines 3 weeks ago. I was not familiar with this label until Wes made the switch from Clos Pepe to J. Wilkes.. Numerous people I knew were in attendance. A good group to share a meal with.
Started out with a dish of Argentine Langostines with citrus zest, toasted hazelnuts, Asian pear and frisee salad. This dish was my least favorite of the night. The langostines were whole, head on. Made for messy eating. The flavor was good but I felt mine were a bit over cooked. Not as sweet and moist as they should be. Flavor was good with the salad but again we have that damm frisee that is hard to eat without cutting it up. I personally have an aversion to having to cut a salad. It should come from the kitchen ready to eat plus this one was in a bowl which makes it even harder to cut larger pieces of lettuce. The wine paired very well with the food. A 2014 Pinot Blanc. But it also made a fabulous picture on Facebook.
Second course was a Pork Belly Ravioli with brown butter and roasted sunburst squash. This was my favorite dish of the evening. Excellent flavors and the brown butter gave it the magic touch. A 2013 Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay was served. A tad oaky but the oak was cut by the richness of the ravioli.
Third course was a Crispy Skin Duck Breast. Delius's duck breast is always perfect. They do an outstanding job with duck breast and lamb chops. No one does this better. This dish was full of flavor. Served with roasted brussel sprounts, fried sunchokes and red wine cherry reduction. Paired with a 2013 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. Had a taste of this wine a few weeks ago and thought it was a bit rough. Tonight's wine was a big difference. Could be bottle variation. This pinot was a blend of Bien Nacido, Solomon Hills, Sierra Madre vineyards with a small amount of Garey's vineyard in it. A very pleasant, drinkable wine and a good pairing.
Main course served was a Pink Peppercorn Crusted Rack of Lamb with parsnip puree, haricot verts and lamb demi. Another excellent dish. Lamb chops were cooked perfectly. Accompanied by a 2013 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir. (the menu said Santa Maria Valley but that was a typo). This was a very good Pinot. Sourced from vineyard that I was sworn to secrecy not to reveal their name.
Dessert was yummy. A Blackout Cake with Mulberry-Kumquat syrup, Mulberry ice cream and a citrus tuille. Light and refreshing. Beautiful flavor.
Another excellent wine dinner at Delius. Good wines from J. Wilkes. Great to see Wes again. Good table companions. Looking forward to next weeks wine dinner with Lane Tanner of Lumen Wines. Should be another good evening at Delius.
Monday, April 11, 2016
All The Boys Are Back For Dim Sum
Monday, April 11, 2015
All the boys here today. Terry was in attendance after several hospital stays. John was here after a years absence. Dim Sum at noon at the Seafood Palace in Westminister. www.seafoodpalacerestaurant.com
We started out with the French style beef and Chinese broccoli. A lot of big reds on the table today.
Then onto "Beef Balls" off the cart
Since there was six of us today Henry ordered two lobsters Cantonese style with special noodles,. Finger licking good.
Seaweed wrapped minced shrimp that was deep fried came off the cart.
We also had our complimentary bowl of spicy sour soup.
The last dish was Salt & Pepper Calamari. Always a favorite. Since we had so much lobster we did not order numerous dishes as we usually do.''Finished it up with the egg custard tarts.
Wines were big today. I did bring my opened bottle from Saturday night, 2013 Tercero Outlier (dry Gewurztraminer). I also opened a 2008 Roar, Rosella's Vineyard, Pinot Noir.
Other wines today were, 2009 Keenan, Mernet, Spring Mountain Vineyard, Napa blend. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. Took a long time to open up. Bet it is really good tomorrow.
2011 Zaca Mesa, Estate Syrah - typical Santa Ynez style Syrah, Excellent wine.
2008 Twomey, Napa, Merlot - if you like Merlots this is the wine.
2010 McKeon Phillips BPR Cabernet Sauvignon. Drinking really well.
2008 Brown Family, Westside, Napa, Zinfandel. Another excellent wine today.
It was nice to have everyone here again, At our ages we are thankful for the time we get together. Next one in two weeks and hope everyone is still able to make it.
All the boys here today. Terry was in attendance after several hospital stays. John was here after a years absence. Dim Sum at noon at the Seafood Palace in Westminister. www.seafoodpalacerestaurant.com
We started out with the French style beef and Chinese broccoli. A lot of big reds on the table today.
Then onto "Beef Balls" off the cart
Since there was six of us today Henry ordered two lobsters Cantonese style with special noodles,. Finger licking good.
Seaweed wrapped minced shrimp that was deep fried came off the cart.
We also had our complimentary bowl of spicy sour soup.
The last dish was Salt & Pepper Calamari. Always a favorite. Since we had so much lobster we did not order numerous dishes as we usually do.''Finished it up with the egg custard tarts.
Wines were big today. I did bring my opened bottle from Saturday night, 2013 Tercero Outlier (dry Gewurztraminer). I also opened a 2008 Roar, Rosella's Vineyard, Pinot Noir.
Other wines today were, 2009 Keenan, Mernet, Spring Mountain Vineyard, Napa blend. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. Took a long time to open up. Bet it is really good tomorrow.
2011 Zaca Mesa, Estate Syrah - typical Santa Ynez style Syrah, Excellent wine.
2008 Twomey, Napa, Merlot - if you like Merlots this is the wine.
2010 McKeon Phillips BPR Cabernet Sauvignon. Drinking really well.
2008 Brown Family, Westside, Napa, Zinfandel. Another excellent wine today.
It was nice to have everyone here again, At our ages we are thankful for the time we get together. Next one in two weeks and hope everyone is still able to make it.
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