Appetizer Night at Masala Waves

 Saturday, June 6, 2026

Masala Waves Restaurant

Large group tonight at Masala Waves Indian and Nepalese Restaurant. 12 people seated at a long, narrow table with tight seating. Which became a slight issue doing dinner. With all the wine bottles and wine glasses lined up it wasn't conducive for sending the bottles back and forth. You then had the tendency to drink what was closet to you. A few bottles did make it back and forth. It also made it so the only ones who could easily get out of their chairs and walk around were people on the ends. Closeness in this case made the wine in front of you much fonder and your right next door and right across dinning companions your best friends for dinner. There were eight appetizers dishes pre-selected for the evening. All were very good. It was a good gathering of people, food and wine

We started out with Spinach Dip Naan. This is always a winner. The rest of the dishes did not necessarily come out in order. With such a long table it was hard to keep track. Since there were multiple plates of each food dishes, some started at one end of the table only and a few the waiters brought to both ends. I did take portions off of almost everything. A couple I took a bit of the sauce and tested it then passed. I am still not 100% with my stomach problems so I don't want any issues coming up. I am still being overly cautious. 

Jhoi Momo Veggie - this one dish I skipped.

Loaded Fries with Chicken Tikka Masala - this I skipped just because I personally do not like extra food on my fries. It is a personal thing. Everyone seemed to enjoy them so I assume they were good.

Momo Chili Veggie - was good 

Papadam Shrimp - very good. I could have eaten the entire plate myself.

Tandoori Fish - this is a favorite dish for me. Fish is sweet and loads of flavor.

Tikka Masala Pizza - this dish was ok for me but I personally would not order it - others really dived into it. 

Tikka Masala Wings - another very good dish that I could have eaten the entire plate of it. 

I know I did not get a full list of the wines brought but I think this may be close. Several I did not get to taste so I am not making any comments on any wine. Just the list.

2014 Chateau D'Hanteillan, Haut-Medoc, Cru Bourgeois

2007 Sea Smoke, Sta. Rita Hills, Southing Pinot Noir (Magnum)

NV  Revelation Champagne, Alexandre Le Brun, 100% Petite Meunier 

???? Domaine Roland Schmitt, Alsace, Glintzberg, Gewurztraminer

2010 Maggy Hawk, Anderson Valley, Stormin Estate Vineyard, Pinot Noir

2018 Williams Seylem, Lime Stone Ridge, Chenin Blanc

2007 Hess Collection, Mount Veeder, Napa, 19 Block Cuvee

2018 Lucien Crochet, Sancerre

 NV   Chanoine Freres , Rose Champagne

2011 Williams Seylem, Ferrington Vineyard, Pinot Noir

2009 Clos du Bourg, Domaine Huet, Vouvray

2003 Williams Seylem, Vista Verde, Late Harvest, Gewurztraminer 

Jordan Winery Dinner at Arte Cafe

 Jordan Winery at Arte Cafe

May 7, 2026

Felt like I was Queen of The Court tonight. Four males and me. Restaurant was close to be sold out for tonight's dinner. Wines tonight are all from grapes grown by Jordan. Wine rep from Southern was "Dina" whom I have done loads of wine dinners with over the years. Nice to see her again. 

Starter was a Miso glazed fresh King Salmon with a creamy cauliflower gratin, Salmon was cooked perfectly and the portion size was very generous.  Paired with a 2025 Hanna Sauvignon Blanc. Good pairing.

Next is a Wild Mushroom soup with a fruit and nut crostini cracker. Soup had good flavor but the cracker was large and floating in the soup. It did make for a nice presentation but it took a bit of soaking before you could break in up. Wine was a 2023 Jordan, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay.  I am not a big Chardonnay fan but this one was not over oaked and not too buttery. It was good with the soup but not my style of wine.

Second course is Soy glazed Pork Loin with beet salad, Sonoma goat cheese and aged balsamic. Flavor was very good but I personally would have liked the pork to be a bit rarer. I have no issue with pink pork but so many others do. A nice presentation. Wine paired was a 2022 Hanzell, Sebella, Sonoma Coast, Pinit Noir. Paired well with the food dish.

Main course is Short Ribs with true corn pudding, heirloom tomato and yukon potatoes. Very tender, good flavor. Paired with a 2021 Jordan, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. Again a nice pairing. 

Dessert is a "Classic" Shortcake with Berries. Vert pretty presentation and light. Wine is a 2025 Cline Cellars, Catapult, Petaluma Gap, "Gust" Rose of Pinot Noir. This wine paired was the bummer of the night. I saw so many glasses that were still half full so I was not the only one who did not like the wine and I felt the pairing was way off.  Dina fell down on this one. 

Richard does 2 wine dinners a month. Unfortunately if the next falls on the 4th Thursday I will not be attending as I have commitments for the 4th Thursday every month. Hopeful he will do it on a Wednesday like last month. It is nice to have good wine dinners at a very reasonable price.

Trefethen Wine Dinner at Arte Cafe

Arte Cafe

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Almost a full house tonight for dinner.  Both sides of the room were filled except for two tables. Richard the owner/chef was in an unusually good mood tonight.

Started out with A Creole Style Crab Cake in a Mini Roasted Tomato Soup. Cake and soup had excellent flavors Soup had a slight bite to it but not over whelming. Added some interest.  This dish was paired with a 2024 Trefethen, Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, Dry Riesling. Excellent pairing and the wine was very good. My favorite of the night.

First course is a Carpaccio of Beet, Baby Watercress and Parmesan Cheese.  Beets were sliced paper thin and the Parmesan added an interesting flavor. Wine was a 2023 Trefethen, Oak Knoll, Napa Valley Chardonnay. Again a solid pairing.  Chardonnay was not oaky or buttery. True favors of the grape without additives. 

Next is Duck Confit, Risottino Milanese and Truffle Peelings. Meat was shredded and still very moist. The small bits of truffle added the right touch. A 2023 Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, Cabernet Franc was the wine paired. A very nice pairing.

Main is a Prime Rib with Horseradish Sauce, Red Cabbage, Rosemary Potatoes. Meat was tender and excellent flavor, The horseradish sauce was the perfect touch My plate portion was very large so I traded with one of my dining companions who had received a smaller portion. Worked out well. Paired with a 2022 Trefethen, Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. Again an excellent pairing.

Dessert is a Ricotta Cheesecake with Wild Berries, Arte Cafe's dessert wine was a 2024 Michael David, Lodi, Symphony. Symphony is the grape varietal. We did a Michael David wine dinner at Arte Cafe a few  months ago. 

All the food dishes were very good as was all the wines. Dinner turned out to be one of the better ones so far this year. Looking forward to many more.

Dinner at India Restaurant

 India Restaurant

April 18, 2026

Small group of six tonight for a "lamb" themed dinner. It has been awhile since I have dined here. Interesting area with a nickname of "Little India" because of the heavy Indian population that lives in the surrounding residential area.  Loads of restaurants and shops. No need to travel to India it is all right here. 

Started out with Onion Bhaji. Pieces of onion battered and deep fried. Served with a couple of sauces. Not a lot of flavor unless you use the sauces. Indian food is all about the sauces. 

Since the theme was lamb we had 3 dishes that featured that cut of meat. First was Rogan Josh, then Lamb Saag and followed by Lamb Seekh Kabob. All quite good.

A plate of Aloo Mater which is peas and potatoes in a sauce accompanied the dishes. Rounded out with the traditional rice and Garlic Naan.

I topped off my dinner with a bowl of Pistachio Kulfi (ice cream)

Interesting group of wines tonight. They all seemed to pair well with the food dishes even though it was a real mixed bag of varietals.  I brought a 2018 Buttonwood, Santa Ynez Valley, Malbec.

2015 Col di Lamo, DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino.

2020 Rocca di Montegrossi, San Marcellino, Chianti Classico

NV Le Mesnil, Grand Cru, Blanc de Blanc

2005 Chateau Montelena, Calistoga, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2021 Brooks, Amity Hills, Orchard Fold Vineyard, Riesling

2020 Roccodi Montegrassi,  Classico Gran Selection, Chianti

NV Mumm, Sparkling Rose

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Wine Dinner at Arte Cafe

 April 9, 2026

Arte Cafe

New wine for me. Not familiar with the "Jayson" label.  Made by Pahlmeyer. Female winemaker. Not a sold out dinner but a good size crowd in attendance.  Location leaves a bit be desired for the restaurant. This was the original location years ago and then Arte moved to Cerritos. After years at that location they moved back to the original. But the regulars followed. Owner of Arte, Richard, owns the building. Maybe that is why his dinners are always reasonable. 

3 at our table tonight and I came away the lucky person. Both of the men  brought me a bottle of wine and one brought me a very large chunk, at least 3 to 4 lbs., of sushi grade blue fin tuna.

Dinner started out with two oysters and two mini chicken potstickers. First oysters I have had since way before my abdominal surgery. No issues with digestion so I may try again at another dinner.  A bowl of cold Cucumber Gazpacho followed.  Gazpacho had good flavor but the spice was so fiery. My tongue burned for several minutes after the first taste. I had just two spoonfuls of it and had to push it aside. 

 These appetizers were paired with a 2024 Jayson Sauvignon Blanc. Nice wine. Just a bit of tartness to it. Clean and fresh. 

Next was a fresh Hamachi Tataki with grilled pineapple, candied kumquats, macadamia nuts and Thai basil. Excellent dish.  Wine served was a 2022 Jayson Chardonnay. Just a hint of oak. I am not the great California Chardonnay fan. Not into buttery and oaky. Prefer mine clean and crisp like a good French Chablis. 

Second course was a Five Spice Dusted Goose Breast with winter vegetable pave, braised endive and fig balsamic jus. Another excellent dish. Goose was cooked perfectly. Paired with a 2022 Jayson Red wine. Blend of  Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Good wine and paired perfectly with the goose.

Main course is a Wagyu Flat Iron Steak with smoked beef bacon, watercress, crispy shallot, dijon vinaigrette, pommes souffle. Great flavors. Again an excellent dish.  A 2022 Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon  was the wine selection. And another very good pairing. 

Dessert was a Chocolate Espuma, crispy meringue and blackberry caramel. Nice light and decadent. A good ending to a very good dinner.  A 2002 Covey Run, Yakima Valley, Riesling, Ice Wine was poured Not too sweet but again a good selection for the dessert.

Looking forward to the next wine dinner at Arte Cafe, Curious to see if the dishes outshine this one. 

Dinner at Amaravati

 Saturday, March 28, 2026

Amaravati Cuisine

6 of us tonight for dinner. Second time dining here for me.

Started out with Peshawari Naan and Garlic Naan. Then onto a plate of Samosa's. For me the dough of the Samosa way to crunchy. Difficult to cut without sending pieces all over the table. I suppose if I had put sauce all over the Samosa it would have soften. Taste was OK but I have had better.

Then a plate of Spring Rolls appeared.  A two bite size. Good flavor

New dish for me that I have not had before. Palak Chutney Dosa with Masla Filling with Chutneys.  I was told that the restaurant will be taking this dish off their menu. Apparently it is time consuming to make. Similar to a crepe but larger and dough was crispier. Nice flavors. Glad I got to try it once.

A bowl of Chicken Tikka Masla and a bowl of Navratan Korma rounded out the meal. Both had very good flavors but not enough of the meat or vegetables in the bowls compared to the amount of sauce.

Six wines tonight. I brought a 2016 Roar, SLH, Rosellas, Pinot Noir. Showing very well. Think it is at it's prime.

2009 Scherrer, RRV, Pinot Noir. Nice wine but not exciting.

NV Tenuta, Villa Crespia, Franciacorta, Brolese, Extra Brut Rose. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Went very well with the Indian food flavors. A bit on the light side but refreshing. 

2022 EenzaAmheid, South Africa, Cinsult. A very nice wine. Also paired well with the Indian flavors.

2022 Silk & Spice, Portugal, Red blend. 30% Alicante, 40% Touriga National and 30% Baga. Interesting blend and again went well with the food.

2022 Two Wolves, SBC,  Semillon. A nice clean wine All the wines tonight seemed to pair with the Indian food flavors.  Good choices from the attendees.

Eco Terreno Wine Dinner at Arte Cafe

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Arte Cafe & Eco Terreno Wines

Two wine dinners in one month at Arte Cafe. Can't beat the pricing which is always great compared to other restaurants and the food has been consistently good all these years. This dinner was $105 plus tax & tip. A bargain in today's financial climate.

I had not heard of Eco Terreno wines before. A new one for me. Mark Lyons, the owner was with Sebastiani's for 30 years before he took off on his own. His vineyards are in the Alexander Valley. 

Unfortunately for the restaurant it wasn't full compared to the Groth dinner two weeks ago. Probably because of the unknown winery. People really missed the boat on this one. 

Appetizer was a Hamachi Tartare with Asian Pear, Avocado and Micro Greens. Very good, Hamachi was tender and full of flavor.

First course is a Miso Black Cod, Coconut Rice and Bok Choy. The Black Cod was flown in fresh from South Korea that day. It was the best Black Cod I have ever had. Cooked to perfection. Moist, silky and succulent. 

Up next was a Spatchcocked Grilled Quail, Figs, Lemon,. Rosemary. Quail was moist and had very good flavor (no birdshot). Again a moist entree with crisp skin and cooked perfectly.

Third course is a Lamb Loin Chop with Greek Salad and Lemon Yogurt Sauce. Lamb was pink and flavorful

Dessert is a Lilikoi Chiffon Pie. Light and full of flavor.

Richard really shined tonight with his cooking. He puts a lot of love into his cooking. People missed an excellent dinner tonight. I am glad that I am not a stickler for known names in wine and always willing to try something I don't know about. I am like that with food. Will taste anything once. If I not a fan I don't have to order it again. 

Wines tonight were a mixed bag of my likes and not so liked. But I personally liked these Eco Terrano wine better than the far more expensive Groth wines from two weeks ago. Groth wines are very good but the price point is up there.

2022 Eco Terreno "Cuvee Arcero" Sauvignon Blanc. Not steely but a perfect balance of acid. This wine I was impressed with and so were my tablemates. One tablemate bought a case of it. I purchased a few bottles.

2020 Eco Terreno "Cultura, Chardonnay. Just a hint of oak and no butter. A good wine. But I still prefer my Chard's with no oak at all.

2020 Eco Terreno "Cuvee Tierro".  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. I really liked this wine. Easy drinking with a a lot of character.  I did purchase several bottles of this wine.

2018 Eco Terreno , Lyon Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon.  A nice cab but I am not a cab person.

2006 Ferrari-Carano, RRV, "Eldorado Noir" a black muscat. This was supplied by Arte Cafe. I have an idea Richard may be cleaning his extensive wine cellar he acquired by his other location a few years back, This location and area is much smaller. 

A very good dinner and good wines to accompany it. Reasonable pricing for food and wine. Mark Lyons the winery owner gave us "logo" wine openers. Great to add to my collection. He was personable and informative. Made for a very pleasant and fun evening.