Lunch at Masala Waves

Friday, May 16, 2025

My last meal out for a couple of months. Surgery next week and will be on a very restricted diet and no alcohol for approximately 2 months. So off to Masla Waves which is becoming one of our favorite places to eat. We did not order heavy as I am not eating much at all. Seems my intake, swallowing capabilities   and tolerance for food is getting smaller. 

Started off with the Spinach and Cheese stuffed Naan. It seemed to be exceptional today. Maybe because it was comped by the restaurant. Free always has a good taste. 

Our normal sides, Garlic Naan and Basmati rice.

Ordered Lamb Korma. A big favorite dish for Henry. Very good as usual.

A new dish. Tandoori Fried White Fish on a sizzling platter. Served with grilled onions and cabbage. A bit spicy but flavor was excellent. We definitely will order this again.  This dish is on their takeout menu but not on a sizzling platter. Half the fun is hearing the food sizzle and smoke coming from it.

Two wines today.  I am forgoing the alcohol at this point in time.  A 2009 Melville, Terraces, Pinot Noir. Showing well. A lighter style Pinot, opened up nicely.  Also a 2022 Windemere, Dry Creek Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. A nice clean wine. Will cellar well.

A nice lunch. The boys will just have to go without me for awhile. Maybe luck will be on my side and I will heal faster than expected. I can only hope. 

Margie's Monthly Wine Dinner at Mahe

 Saturday, May 10, 2025

14 of us tonight at Mahe in Seal Beach.  It is a Saturday and the place was packed. Not the best choice of nights. Mothers Day tomorrow, warm weather today and the crowds are out. Saturdays are very rarely good for large groups.  Parking was a challenge, even at 5:30 in the afternoon. We were in a back room which was good but unfortunately our single waiter was also handing some tables in the front. Not a good management decision. This ended up being a four hour dinner. But a very enjoyable time with good conversation on our end of the table. A good night of socialization. 

I had the Seafood Pasta which had an array of seafood. It was good but not any better than I make at home. But since I am very limited to what I can eat right now it was an OK decision

17 wines tonight. Quite a variety. I only got to taste the wines that were on the end of the table where I was seated. Big disconnect tonight in sharing. 

I brought a 2014 Tercero, Verbiage Rouge. Nice blend and a bit on the lighter side. It has several more years on it.

NV   Pannier Selection, France, Brut Champagne. Excellent wine. Did not get to taste any of the other bubblies which was OK because this was so good

2020 Lucien, Crochet, Sancerre, France Rose - did not taste

2018 Soliste, Torte, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir - pleasant wine

2016 Reniert, Brunello di Montalcino, Riserva - did not taste

2021 B Cellars, Richard Dinner Vineyard, Sonoma Mtn., Chardonnay - did not taste

2019 Halter Ranch, Paso Robles, Grenache Blanc - did not taste

2019 Navarro, Anderson Valley, Sparking Brut - did not taste

2018 PNW, Quisy, WA, Red Bland - did not taste

2023 Dog Point, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste

NV   Veuve Clicquot, France Champagne - did not taste

2019 Ledge MCA Cuvee, Paso Robles - did not taste

2021 Brooks, Bois Joli Vineyards, Eola-Amity Hills, OR, Riesling - did not taste

NV   Sea Smoke, Sta Rita Hills, Sea Spray, Blanc de Noirs, Sparking - did not taste

2023 Gundlach Bundschu, Sonoma Cst., Pinot Noir - nice clean wine

2022 Brecon, Central Cst., Zinfandel - a bit lighter zin which was refreshing

2008 Chappelet, St. Helena, Signature Cabernet Sauvignon - good wine. improved with sitting out for awhile

Lunch With The Boys at Seafood Cove

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Back to Seafood Cove # 1 for lunch. Noticed prices are creeping up. Guess it is the norm now.  

We started off with Hot Sour Soup and then onto the entrees. We each ordered one dish to share.

Salt & Pepper White Fish Filet. This is starting to become a favorite of mine. It is digestible and lately that has been the requisite. 

Next was Thai Style Green Beans with Beef. The beans were plump and very fresh. The beef was tender. But for some reason I could do without this dish. Just have not been enamored with it. 

Peking Style Pork Chops was up next. Great flavor in the sauce. But a knife and fork is required for me   - not chop sticks. Pieces were very large. This is a very good dish. The sauce makes it. 

Dessert is always on the house and today it was warm Tapioca with Green Beans and Red Dates.

Two wines today. Seems we are not drinking as much as we used to.

2014 Roar, Garys Vineyard, Pinot Noir and a 2008 Stolpman, Degli Angeli Sangiovese. Both were very good but the Stolpman was excellent. 

Another nice afternoon with the boys.

Margie's Monthly Wine Dinner at Baci Restaurant

 Saturday,  April 12, 2025

Baci Restaurant

12 of us tonight for dinner at Baci an Italian restaurant. We were in the back room where they put the larger parties. They save the smaller tables for patrons who like to listen to the live music in front.  The group tonight seemed a bit lively and of course the 16 bottles of wine helped a bit.  I haven't had my surgery yet so I was still limited in what and how much of the food selections. 

Opted for the Veal Salvatore. 4 nice thin pieces of veal with a Maderia sauce, asparagus and mushrooms.  Ate half of the serving and had them box it up for lunch tomorrow. Ate two very small pieces of bread. No dessert.  What I did have was very good.  The other dishes people ordered did look very good also.

Wines were a mixed lot. I brought a 2015 Sinor-La-Vallee, SLO,  Bassi Vineyards, Pinot Noir which I knew would be a good selection for the veal dish that I had decided on looking at the menu online.  I was not disappointed in the wine. It was excellent and the bottle did get emptied throughout the dinner. 

Other wines brought which I did taste almost all of them were.

2019 Dei-Nobile di Montepulciano - nice 

2022 Marco Bonfanti, Gavi, I Ronchetti - nice, clean wine

2011 Rocca di Montegrossi, Vin Santo deli, Chianti Classico - 

2016 Levendi, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon - good

2022 Quady, Pistoleta, Oregon, White Rhone Blend - did not taste

NV   Bellissi, Italy, Prosecco - tasted but did not like

2023 Raero. Italy, Arneis - did not taste

2023 Tablas Creek, Adelaide District , "Dianthus" Rose - did not taste   

NV   Antichura, Argentina, "Cherie" Sparkling Pinot Noir - did not get to taste this bottle but I have had the wine before and it is very good. 

2021 LaTour Estate, Red Hills, Lake Country "Sneaky Kiki" red blend - nice, pleasant wine

???? Fultz Family Vineyards, Sonoma "der Zambrero" Merlin Pinot Noir - did not taste

2023 Monte Volpe. Potter Valley, Mendocino, Ribolla Gialla - showing well

2012 Citille di Sopra, Montalcino, Italy, Brunelle di Montalcino Riserva - OK wine but not impressed

2021 Opolo, Paso Robles, Mountain Zinfandel - Typical Paso Zin, fruity and bold

2013 La Lecciaia, Montalcino, Italy, Brunello di Montalcino - Very good wine. good body

Lunch With The Boys at Masala Waves

 Tuesday, March 25, 2025

A last minute decision to have lunch today. We chose Masala Waves because it was close to where my appointment was and we really like this restaurant.

Started off the out favorite Spinach and Cheese stuffed Naan bread.  As always very good.

Waiter brought us bowls of soup on the house.  Aloo Tama Bodi. Made with bamboo shoots, potatoes, black eyed peas and lemon. I was not a fan of this soup. Found the taste very off putting. 

Next up was Lamb Korma. A favorite. Along with Basmati rice and Garlic naan.

A new dish called Vegetable Sabzi Curry.  This I definitely did not like. Again it is the flavor profile. Not for my taste buds.

Rounded out lunch with a dessert on the house. Kulfi - pistachio ice cream. I have had this before and it is always refreshing. 

Two wines today. A 2023 Precision, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was way too young to drink. Needs several more years of cellaring. A  2009 Copain, Kiser "En Haut". Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir. This wine was drinking quite well. A treat.  There was a 2009 Huber, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir opened but it was way over the hill.

Arte Cafe and Quattro Theory Wine Dinner

 Thursday, March 6, 2025

Arte Cafe - Bellflower

A new Arte Cafe opened in Bellflower November 2024. First time I was able to go. Richard, the owner had Arte Cafe in Cerritos for years but lost his lease several years ago. Glad he finally found a suitable building. Interior decor was my style. Black, white and grays. For a store front style building he did a great job .  Biggest issue is the lack of convenient parking. Two lots nearby by but not next to. Limited street parking. But the food and service here is so good parking becomes a minor issue. I just wish I was still able to drive and not rely on generous friends. I would be at Arte Cafe a lot.  

Through the course of the evening, I saw and talked with several people I knew. Nice to see everyone supporting the new restaurant location.   Also talked with Dina the local wine rep. Had not seen her in several years. Still bubbly as ever.

Since I still have major gastric issues, I talked with the wait staff. I was going to have the first two courses served. The mains and dessert I would be taking home. They packed up everything in the kitchen ahead of time. Also told them my limits on the wine and that was accommodated also. No use in wasting wine if it is poured and I do not drink it.  I justified everything by the price of the dinner and the type of food being served. Dinner was $95 for 5 courses with 5 wines. If it had been $195 I would not have attended.

We started off with Hamachi Poke on a Corn Tosada with Miso Black Bean Puree and Avocado/Mango Puree. Very good but to me the tostado was difficult to cut and I wasn't about to pick it up with my fingers. I was only about 4 inches in diameter but a bit messy.   Paired with a Quattro Theory Sauvignon Blanc which I did not taste.

Second Course was Excellent.  Fresh Lump Crab Risotto with English Peas and Crisp Pancetta.  This is what I nibbled on all evening. Wine was a Quattro Theory Chardonnay. Did not taste that wine also.

Next was a Coco Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry -Merlot Reduction and Charred Brussels Sprouts with Warm Blue Cheese and Pickled Onions.  This was packed for take home and I will be tasting it tomorrow. But I did drink the wine. A Quattro Theory Merlot. A nice wine not stellar but solid.

Fourth Course was packed for take home also. Grilled Wagu Rib Eye with peppercorn-Cabernet Sauce and Roasted Root Vegetables.  Looked really good.  Will know tomorrow.  Wine paired was a 2022 Quattro Theory Cabernet Sauvignon. A good drinking wine.

Dessert is a Basque Cheesecake with Orchard Fruit Compote and Toasted Nut Crumble. This was taken home also for a treat tomorrow.  Wine paired was a NV, I Vignaioli di Santov Stefano-Ceretto Moscato. Others at the table said it was a good wine. 

Quattro Theory is owned by Trinchero which bought Sutter Home. First winery to make "White Zinfandel" They have a variety of labels in their portfolio. With a big range in pricing and quality. 

I passed on the white wines and dessert wine. Acidity and bubbles are not my friend now days. A very good dinner, a great night of socialization. I really miss doing these wine dinners. It was so good to get out and do one again. I do get out for dinners and lunches where we bring our own wines but it is different having everything set up professionally for you and have the food, wine and service set up in advance.  No decisions and everything is good. 

Lunch with The Boys at Seafood Cove # 1

 Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Back to the Seafood Cove for lunch today. Surprised on a Tuesday how crowded it was. Also noticed price increases in menu. Fresh Lobster tank was priced at $32.99 lb. Last time here it was $27.99 lb. Also noticed that several items on their display boards had stickers on them as "not available". Do not know if it is a supply issue or wholesale prices have risen too much. 

Started out with Hot and Sour Soup. Complimentary with all lunches.  Then onto Salt and Pepper Fried Fish Fillet. I have been ordering this lately because it is easy on my digestive system and it is good. 

Next was a plate of String Beans with Ground Pork and Basil.  Not a big fan of this dish. Not into Basil to begin with and the pork was too finely ground to be able to taste. 

Beef with Bamboo Shoots, Mushrooms and Broccoli was served. Good flavor. Meat was tender. Excellent choice. 

3 wines today.  2010 Kosta Brown, Keefer Ranch, RRV, Pinot Noir which was very good.  I brought a 2014 Lando, RRV, Pinot Noir which was showing quite well. An Oblivion, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon. A new label for me.  Did not get the year on that one but I would say it was probably a 2022. It was very young and would do well with a couple of years of cellaring. A nice wine. 

Another enjoyable lunch with the boys. AKA Two Asians and a White Chick. 

Margie's Monthy Dinner at Red Table

 Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Red Table

12 of us dining tonight at Red Table restaurant. Surprised on a rainy Wednesday evening that the place was packed. Diners cleared out about 8:00 but the bar area remained full. Our table was very congenial and chatty. Made for a very pleasant evening. I did notice other patrons "eyeballing" our table. Maybe it was the dozens of glasses and the 16 bottles of wine that made them envious. 

A lot of appetizers were ordered so actual dinner did not start until about 7:30 which made it very late for me to start eating with my medical issues. Should have had lunch at 3:30 and it would have helped. My fault for not adhering to my schedule.  Next time I will order an appetizer and forget dinner. Can't eat both. It would have really helped to have a basket of bread or crackers on the table. I may have to start bringing a small bag of such to tide me over until food arrives.

I had ordered the "Filet" for dinner.  About 7:15 to 7:30 I was told they ran out of filets. Seems early to run out of a cut of beef. But who knows how they order, Substituted a Rib Eye. Did not know it came with a sauce all over it. I scrapped as much sauce as I could off the meat. It was a decent steak but I was not impressed. Would not order it again. 

With 16 wines I did not taste at least half of them.  I brought a 2015 Williams Selyem, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir. In my opinion one of the best wines on the table. There was about 2 ounces left in it when I brought it home, Numerous compliments on the wine.

NV   Bohigas, Spain, Brut Reserva, Cava - very good wine

2023 Piero Macini, Olbia, Italy, Vermentino de Gallura - did not taste

2017 Croad, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, Mouvedre - did not taste

2019 Heitz Cellar, St. Helena, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon - nice, not a fruit bomb

2022 Eifrig, Alexander Valley, Chardonnay - did not taste

2018 Tenuta Cucco, Serralunga D'Alba, Barolo - did not taste

2022 Lando, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir - not impressed, lacked any characteristics 

2023 Paul Lato, Santa Ynez, 2 Wolves, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste

NV Scharffenberger, Anderson Valley, Sparkling - did not taste

2019 Birchino, Central Coast, Besson Vineyards, Old Vines Grenache - a very nice wine

2009 Ken Brown, Sta Rita Hills, Rancho LaVina Vineyards, Pinot Noir - a big disappointment

2020 Graziano, Redwood Valley, Coro Mendocino, Zinfandel Blend - did not taste

2020 Denner, Paso Robles, Mother of Exiles, Bordeaux Blend - did not taste

2019 Champalon "LaCuvee des Fondraux, Loire, Vouvray - nice clean wine

2018 Brunier Lynch, Les Pallieres, Rhone - did not taste

Lunch With The Boys at Masala Waves

 Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Masala Waves

An impromptu lunch today. Holiday rush is over and back to the routine. 

Started out with our favorite, Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Naan.  This is so good. You could make an entire meal of this one dish. 

Then onto to Samosa's.   These today were exceptionally good. Nice crispy outside.

A new dish Namche Lamb. It was good but I prefer some of the other lamb dishes. This dish did have cauliflower and broccoli in the sauce. And the meat itself wasn't quite as tender as other times we ordered lamb. Win some, loose some.

Last was Yak Chow Mein. This dish has always been a favorite. The Yak is raised in the US but limited supply.  Lunch was rounded out with Basmati Rice and Garlic Naan.

Wines today were mixed.  A Circumference, Dry Creek Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. Didn't get the year but would guess at 2022. It was a young wine, a bit on the sweet side. 

2005 Chateau Calon, St Georges-St. Emilion (Merlot) - excellent wine. For 20 years old it has many years ahead of it. 

I brought a 2013 Ken Brown, Sta Rita Hills, Ritas Brown, Pinot Noir. Showing very well. A bit on the light side, bright cherry. A very nice wine. 

A nice enjoyable lunch with good friends. Made for a really good day.

Margies Monthly Dinner at Fish In A Bottle

 Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Fish In A Bottle Restaurant

First of Margie's monthly dinners for the new year.  I did miss the Christmas dinner at 555 East so I was glad to get together again.

A wide selection of Sushi, Bento Boxes and other non Japanese dishes. Something for everyone.  I ordered the Beef Bento Box. A lot of food in the box. I ate the tempura vegetables and the Miso soup. Those items do not do well being taken home. The next day at home I ate the beef which was very good. Tender and full of flavor. It seems to me the food was better than last time I ate here several years back and the restaurant looked a lot cleaner.  Our waiter was great and we rewarded him with very generous tips.

An array of wines this evening. I tasted a couple of the whites and most of the reds. A few really stood out. 

The real stand out of the evening was a NV, Antucum."Cherie" Sparkling Rose of Pinot Noir from Argentina. The bottle was emptied quickly. A really very good wine and the price point was very good also - $19. Wish I could have more than a few sips of bubbly right now, I would stock up

2022 Caymus, Napa , "Club 50" Anniversary, Cabernet Sauvignon - good wine, would have been better if cellared for a few years. A bit young for a cab.

2022 Jan Jacques, Santa Barbara, Sancerre - did not taste

NV Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley, Brut Sparkling - always a consistent wine.

2023 ???  Santa Barbara, Grenache Blanc. I couldn't read the hand writing of the person who brought it. But I did not taste it.

2022 Michael Davis, Lodi, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste

2019 Chappelet, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon - a very nice wine

2021 Presqu'ile, Santa Maria, Pinot Noir - good

2016 Nalle, Dry Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon - I liked this wine a lot

2023 Groth, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste

2016 Rusack, Los Olivos, Solomon Hills, Pinot Noir - I brought this wine and it was showing very well

2022 Merry Edwards, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir - good wine, a bit young

2021 Brooks, Dundee Hills, Meyer Vineyard. Riesling - good wine

NV Fableist Wine Co., Paso Robles, 087 Reserve Sparkling Rose - did not taste

Christmas Eve Dinner at Masala Wines

 December 24, 2024

Dinner at Masala Waves

Back to Masala Waves for our last lunch of the year. Sal the owner welcomed the 4 of us. The restaurant was a bit busy today and also doing a big business in take out. Good lunch and great company. 

We started out with the Spinach Cheese Stuffed Naan . Always a hit. I was careful to only have one piece. Did not want to fill up before the other dishes arrive.

A new dish we had nor tried before, Papadum Shrimp. Excellent. Sorry to have missed ordering this before. Definitely on the must have on list from now on. 

Paneer Saag,. Lamb Korma and Yak Chow Mein rounded out the rest of the dishes.  Lamb seemed to be extra tender today. Basmati Rice and Garlic Naan are always complimentary. 

Interesting group of wines today. All excellent. Enjoyed every one of them

2022 Navarro, Paso Robles,  Gewurztraminer

2012 Clos Pepe , Sta Rita Hills, VS Pinot Noir

2010 Kosta Brown, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir

2010 Saxum, Paso Robles, James Berry, Blend

Lunch With The Boys at Sea Food Cove # 1

 November 19, 2024

Sea Food Cove # 1

We were finally able to get together for lunch. It has been awhile. Henry sold his house and moved into new digs so hopefully back to our normal lunch routine. Went to Sea Food Cove # 1. Very light lunch crowd. Usually we go later in the week. Have to remember to go early in the week again. Waiters and kitchen not stressed. Good service and the food seemed to be much better. It is always good but today it was a bit better. 

Started out with the house soup - Sweet and Spicy. Exceptionally good today. Seemed to have a lot more meat in it today.  Then onto the Salt & Pepper Deep Fried White Fish Filet. Very good, moist and succulent. 

Thai Style Scallops with Green Beans. Again the scallops were exceptionally moist. Then onto Thai Style Beef Chief Fun. with noodles. Dessert was Green Bean Tapicoa. Nice finish to the meal.

Since there was 3 of us there was 3 bottles of wine on the table. The star of the day was the 2005 Clos Pepe VS Pinot Noir. Exceptional wine and it was no where close to being old. Had several more years of good life in it. 

The 2026 Tercero, SBC, Carignane was showing quite well but it really opened up the next day. The 2021 Roth, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon was tasty but I am not a cab fan and it was young. Had just one pour of it. It also was probably much better the next day.

Margies Monthly Dinner at Kings Fish House

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Kings Fish House

22 people tonight and 28 wines. Kings never charges corkage so a bit overboard on the wines.  No way to taste them all but we can always try.  I had the Macadamia Crusted Alaskan Halibut for my dinner choice. Great flavor but a bit dry. They have done better on this dish before.

I am only going to list the wines not make comments except to say the 2011 and 2014  Kostra Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was a real interesting comparison. They were both very good but I think the 2011 nudged out the 2014. I only tasted one of the bubblies and 2 of the whites. Way too many wines. If you had a one ounce pour of each wine that would be more than a bottle being drunk tonight. There are 24 ounces to a bottle. Can not function that way.

NV   AJ Margerie, A Bouzy, Grand Cru Champagne

2015 Kosta Browne, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir

2023 Paul Lato, Boogie Nights, Malvasia Bianca

2019 Ferrari Carano. Mendocino Ridge, Sky High Ranch, Pinot Noir

2019 Lions Peak, Paso Robles, Torrantes

2021 Casale Del Giglio, Lazio, Italy, Cesanese

2017 Forget-Chemin, France, Special Club, Brut Champagne

2023 Colli di Lapio, Capanis, Italy, Romano Clecia, Fiano di Avellino

2022 Saxum, Paso Robles, Heart Stone, GSM

2016 Elk Cove, Williamette Valley, Ultima, Estate White Wine, Riesling

???? San Pasqual, Summer Vine, Hababero, Passion Fruit

2022 Gundlach Bundschu, Sonoma Valley, Estate Vineyard, Tempranillo

2020 Henniger Estates, Central Coast, Late Harvest, Viognier

2016 Sol Ridge, Red Hills, Lake County, Syrah

2022 Raeburn, Sonoma County, Pinot Noir

2007 Caballero de La Cepa, Mendoza, Argentina, Reserve Malbec

2018 Bridlewood, Santa Barbara County, Reserve, Viognier

2021 Bonsegna, Pulglia, Italy, Negroamaro

2022 Feudi di San, Italy, Falanghina

2022 Ken Brown, Sta Rita Hills, Pinot Noir

2023 Chehalem, Willamette Valley. Estate Vineyard, Gruner Veltliner

2023 Graziano, Mendocino County, Chenin Blanc

2022 Syncline, Columbia Gorge, WA, Estate Grown, Gruner Veltliner

2023 Slyvain Bailly, Loire, France, Terriors, Sancerre

2022 Roland Lavantureux, Burgundy, France, Vielies Vignes, Chablis

NV   Lavnois, LeMesnil, France, Quartz, Blanc de Blanc, Champagne

Margie's Monthly Wine Dinner at Naples Rib Co

 Wednesday, October 10, 2024

Naples Rib Co.

Started out with 15 people reserved and ten at dinner, 5 dropped out that day. Their loss. They missed out on a very good dinner, great wines and gifts of candy and wine from two couples of the attendees.

I had not been to Naples Rib Co in the Naples area of Long Beach for several years. I will say I think there has been an improvement in their food since the pandemic started.  They were always known for their generous portion sizes.

I ordered Prime Rib which was a very large thick cut that I really appreciated. I dislike restaurants that cut their prime rib so thin that you are not sure to cut it or roll it. It came with cornbread, slice of pineapple, ear of corn and 2 sides and sauces.  At $37 it was a bargain.  Meat was a good inch in thickness. My take home will give me 3 meals. 

One of the guests brought everyone a gift of a 375m bottle of Fess Parkers "The Big Easy" wine. He had decorated it for Halloween. A very nice gesture. 

All the red wines were good.  I did not try any of the sparkling's or whites. But there was not a red I did not like.  There were a few surprises. I brought a 2013 Stolpman, Ballard Canyon, Angeli Syrah. Always a favorite of mine. Tom does exceptionally well with Syrah's.  Other wines were.

2017 Mario Bazan Cellars, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon. Not a familiar label but I was impressed.

2022 Williams Seylem, RRV< Westside Neighbors, Pinot Noir.

2021 Denner Estates, Willow Creek Dist., Cabernet Sauvignon

NV Marc Chauvet, 1st Growth Brut Selection, Champagne

2021 Stags Leap, Napa Valley, Chardonnay

2021 Talley, SLO, Sauvignon Blanc

2014 Carol Shelton, Rockpile, Reserve Petite Syrah

2022 Averaen, Williamette Valley, Pinot Noir

NV Chateau St. Jean, Sonoma Cst., Benoist Ranch, Sparkling

2021 Schug, CA, White Pinot Noir

2015 Abacela, Umpqua Valley, Fiesta Tempranillo

2015 Turley, Howell Mtn., Zinfandel

Margie's Monthly Dinner at Masala Waves

 Saturday September 14, 2024

Masla Waves Indian & Nepalese Restaurant

Large group tonight, 20 people showed up. First time for the group at Masala Waves. The boys and I have been several times before. Good food, friendly staff, Margie negotiated a prix fixe menu and set cost, couldn't beat the deal. 9 main, rice, Naan and dessert, $40 plus tax & tip. 

Started out with the Naan stuffed with spinach and cheese. This is so good. You can OD on it before anything else comes.

Next was Vegetable Pakora. Vegetables coated with chickpea flour and deep fried. Personally for me it was too crispy

Then onto Nepali Momo. Filled dumplings with sauces. 

A soup made with pureed garbanzo beans and potatoes. Cream style. Not a favorite of mine but others enjoyed it.

Tandoori Artichokes. Artichokes marinated in yogurt and grilled in a Tandoori over. I really like this dish but then I am really into artichokes. Others did not seem to be too keen on it. Matter of taste.

Next was Tandoori Fish. This was a very good. White fish fillets marinated in Indian spices and grilled in the Tandoori over.  Very good flavor.

Tandoori Malai Kabobs.  Boneless chicken breast marinated in yogurt and gilled in the Tandoori oven. The chicken was a bit dry for my taste but good flavor. CJ had explained to me before that Nepalese cooks have a tendency to cook chicken a bit too long. Indian cooks a bit shorter time. So I guess we got the Nepalese cook tonight. 

They kept bowls of rice and baskets of Naan filled throughout the dinner.

They ran out of Yak so we did not get the Yak Chow Mein tonight. I have had it before at Masala Waves and it is very good, Sorry to miss it tonight.

Dessert was Pistachio Kulfi. Homemade ice cream with pistachios. I passed on dessert tonight for stomach issues.  If I could have taken it home I would have. 

25 wines tonight.  Did not taste any of the whites and had a very small pour of a champagne. We had 3 Pinot Noirs from the same general area of the Sta Rita Hills. Interesting to taste them side by side. You could see the terroir was the same in each wine but subtle differences.in each, You knew they had some of the same characteristics but different at the same time. 

I brought a 2013 Ken Brown, Ritas Crown, Pinot Noir. Excellent.

2021 Black Summer, Swartland, Chenin Blanc

2018 Tatomar. SBC, Meeresbaden, Gruner Veltliner

NV   Marc Chauvet, Brut Selection, Champagne

2017 Spear, Sta Rita Hills, Gruner Veltliner

2003 Chateau Monbousquet Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux

2022 Moonlight, Dry Creek, Merlot, (Stuart Frickes homemade wine) very good

2016 Sanford, Sta Rita Hills, Block 6, Pinot Noir

2021 Old Soul, Lodi, Pinot Noir

2021 Gundlach Bundshu, Sonia, Dry Gewurztraminer

NV    Laurent-Perrier, La Cuvee, Champagne

2021 Lincourt, Gruner Veltliner

2012 Shafer, Relentless, Napa Valley, Syrah

2015 Williams Selyem, Central Cst, Pinot Noir

???? Delinger, Altamont, RRV< Pinot Noir

???? Runquist, Amador Cty, Rose of Sangiovese

NV  Gaia Notios, Greece, Blanca

???? Lesterland Winery, Fresno, Cetiri 4, Red Blend

2019 Fox & The Flock. CA,  Red Blend 

2020 Milliarie Winery, calaverosm Roberts Cuvee, Zinfandel

2021 Bovine Winery, Paso Robles, gen-er-os-i-ty, Sauvignon Blanc

2007 Kosta Browne, Kanzler Vineyards, Pinot Noir

2007 Clos Pepe, Sta Rita Hills, VS Pinot Noir

2015 Vie L'Imaginaire, Lake Cty. Grenache

2021 Limerick Lane, RR, Zinfandel (59 barrels)

Margie's Monthly Wine Dinner at Prime Cut

 Saturday, August 10, 2024

13 of us gathered tonight at Prime Cut Restaurant in Orange. Private room and no corkage. What could be better. 

I opted for the petite cut Prime Rib with sauteed garlic spinach and Yorkshire pudding. Tonight something is quite off with my taste.  Food and wine did not taste right. Only thing that seemed to work was bread with butter. After talking with someone they thought perhaps the medical procedure I went through on the Wednesday before may have something to do with it. I drank a lot of barium for x-rays and maybe it hadn't worked out of my system yet. Been to Prime Cut numerous times and the food is always very good. 

An interesting group of wines tonight. 13 people, 20 wines. You would have thought that going to a restaurant that specializes in prime rib and steak that Cabernet Sauvignon would have been the predominate wine. It did make a good showing with 7 out of 20 being a Cab.  I won't make comments on the wines since obviously I could not taste them correctly. But after tasting my wine the next day at home I still think it was a very mediocre wine. A big disappointment.  I brought the 2014 Kosta Brown wine

2017 Trump, Charlottesville, VA, Blanc de Blanc sparkling

2022 Merry Edwards, RRV, Sonoma Coast, Sauvignon Blanc

2019 Gary Farrell. Lancel Creek Vineyard, Sonoma. Pinot Noir

2017 Michael Mondavi, Napa, Emblem, Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Bodega de Edgar, Paso Robles, Priorat

2020 Bodega de Edgar, Paso Robles, 75% Albarino, 25% Torrontes

NV   Galleano, Cucamonga, dry white wine

2007 Levigne, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Sculpterra, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon

NV   Banshee, California, Brut Champenoise

2019 Ferrari Carano, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir

2022 Jean-Jacque-Auchere, Loire, France, Sancerre

2012 Dusky Goose, Oregon, Pinot Noir

2020 Faustino, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo

2021 Bogle, California, Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Graveyard, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon

2000 Chateau Grand Bert, Saint-Emilion, France, Grand Cru Bordeaux

2014 Kosta Browne, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir

2022 Hess, Napa, Allomi, Cabernet Sauvignon

2021 J Vineyard, RRV, Pinot Noir

Two Asians and a White Girl for Lunch Today at Irrawaddy Taste of Burma Restaurant

 Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Went to Irrawaddy today for lunch. I had been before a year ago or so. But new to the boys.  We all agreed we will be back soon. Henry was really taken with the Burmese food. He was born in China but this was a new experience for him.

We had 3 dishes so we did not overindulge but all 3 dishes were consumed.  All were excellent

Started out with Paratha with curry sauce. A fried bread. Almost pancake like but so much lighter and a bit crispy.  

Next was Kauk Sware Thota.  A Mandalay style coconut noodle with chicken and cabbage. I had several servings of this dish. 

Last was Lamb Masala. Very large pieces of lamb and very tender, great flavor. Best Lamb Masala I have had. 

Did not order dessert as we were stuffed.  Total with tip came to $75. Not bad pricing considering what fast food goes for nowadays. 

Wine was very good.  A 2019 Provence Vineyards, Rutherford, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc. I did not have any of this wine as it is too acidic for me right now but the boys enjoyed it. 

A 2000 Longoria, Sta Rita Hills, Blind Faith Vineyards, Pinot Noir. Excellent wine. Could go a few more years. No flaws. Only issue is cork broke when opening but a filter was easily produced. CJ and I went in on this wine a few years back when Wine Country had it on sale for approximately $150. We split the cost. Wine was well worth it.

Seafood Cove 1 With The Boys

 Tuesday, July 2, 2024

It has been a busy few months for everyone. Between putting a house on the market, moving, vacations etc., this was the first chance to get together for lunch. Since we were trying out a few new restaurants we had not been to Seafood Cove in awhile. For a Tuesday the restaurant was very busy. Probably the holiday had some influence. Noticed that their live lobster tanks were packed and that the price had actually gone down a few dollars per pound. Still high an $27.99 a lb. put a bit cheaper. 

Started out with the sour, spicy soup. A restaurant standard. Only difference is the chef that day as to the spiciness. Today this was very good.

Then onto the entrees. I ordered the Salt & Pepper Fried Fish Filets. I needed to make sure there was something my stomach could tolerate if the other dishes vert too spicy. As always a very good tasting fish.

Next was Thai Style Scallops with Sauteed Green Beans. Scallops were very tender and dish had loads of flavor. Good Choice.

Last entree was Seafood Cove Chow Main Hong Kong Style. Crispy noodles, baby bok choy, carrots, water chestnuts, shrimp, pork and a very good sauce under the crispy noodles. 

Dessert was the house specialty. Green Bean Warm Tapioca. 

There were 3 bottles of wine brought. The Rose was half gone and the two reds only had a small amount taken out of each bottle. For some reason it was just not a drinking day. 

2022 Precision, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Tercero Aberration (Cinsault & Grenache) and a 2019  Francois Chidaine, Touraine, Grolleau, Pinot Noir, Gamay Rose.  

Margie's Monthly Dinner at Taboon

 Saturday, May 4, 2024

Taboon Restaurant

Very small group for tonight's dinner. Only 7 of us.  Several people out of town, vacation etc.  But a nice, congenial group and very good wines.  We arrived close to 5:30 and I was very surprised to see the restaurant almost empty. I doubt that it was 25% capacity. Same when we left at 8:00. This is not the normal for Taboon.. Saturday nights it is usually at capacity.  Sign of the times. If the economy does not turn around somewhat we will be seeing a lot more restaurant closures. It is hard to stay open if you cannot make a profit. 

Margie was told corkage would be $10 but when the bills came it was listed at $15. I realize that restaurants make a lot of money on selling their own wines and when you bring your own wines in there should be a nominal fee. To me if the group brings in their own glasses, opens and pours their own wines and the wait staff does not need to provide any service in regards to your wines then a charge of $5 per bottle should be adequate. If the staff, opens, pours, provides glasses, etc  yes then charge your full corkage fee.   Restaurants buy wine at a 40% to 50% discount off of retail and then mark the wine up 2-1/2 to 3 times retail or more. At dinner we had 10 bottles of wine so that was $160 pure profit for them. My pet peeve at the moment. But maybe if it helped their bottom line for the evening it was a good donation. 

Everyone but me ordered appetizers and they did look good.  Large portions, to me a full meal. I will say the portions at Taboon are large and priced reasonably. 

I ordered the lamb chops for dinner and asked for rare which I got. The plate was loaded with 2 kinds of rice, salad, humus and a few other various items. A large plate full of food for $27. But - my lamb chops were so thin, I am sure they got 3 to 4 chops out of a regular cut. This is mainly an ethnic issue. I find it in almost every Middle Eastern restaurant. Probably because their meat in those countries is not as tender and flavorful as those in the US. Also not as plentiful. So they cook as their ancestors did. We are so spoiled here in the US

Wines were all good, I did taste most of them with about a one ounce pour. Did pass on the whites but did taste the bubblies.

I brought a 2009 Stolpman, Ballard Canyon, Angeli which is their top rated Syrah, It was showing very nicely and paired well with the lamb chops.  Other wines brought were.

2012 Harmonique,  Anderson Valley, Bounty, Pinot Noir. I had never heard of this wine label and was quite surprised at how good the wine was. 

2009 Williams Seylem, RRV, Flax Vineyard, Pinot Noir. Good wine but not as good as it should have been. Seemed to lack something, not sure what since I only had a one ounce pour. 

2019 Far Nienete, Oakville, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon. A big bold cab.

2015 Peay Vineyards, Annapolis, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir. A nice clean Pinot.

2021 Domaine se L'enclos, Romain Et Damien Bouchard, Burgundy, France, Chablis - did not taste.

2017 LVE, Napa Nalley, Blanc de Blancs Sparkling - this was a new one for me also - I did like it and felt it was the best bubbly of the evening. 

2019 Schramsberg, Blanc de Blanc Brut - can never go wrong with this label. 

2021 Cantina Oramin Bianco, Italy - did not taste, a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

2012 Saxum, Paso Robles, Booker Vineyard, Red Blend. 73% Syrah and 27% Mouvedre - a typical Saxum wine, big and fruit forward. This wine is great by itself. No food required. 

Lunch with The Boys at Cafe Corleone

 April 16, 2024

Lunch at Cafe Corleone

Special treat today. CJ brought a 2001 Domenico Clerico, Percristina, Barolo. Because of its age he decided not to decant it. It was drinking very nicely on the first pour but really opened up after an hour. It probably could have been decanted at the table. This bottle was just at the start of going downhill. A slight copper halo but the taste was not compromised at all. A lot of sediment in the filter.  Wine opened up quite well after an hour. A bit of smoke, dark fruit and very smooth tannins. Good mouth feel from first to last. So glad that it was shared with us today. 

We started out with the traditional garlic bread, then onto a Spinach and Mozzarella baked dip.  Good flavors and the fresh spinach really shined in this dish.

A plate of Beef Ravioli with meat sauce. I did not have any of this dish because of the sauce. It did look good. 

Next was a plate of Rigatoni Barese.  Pasta with fresh broccoli and garlic with a white cream sauce. Had decent flavor with to me it was a bit on the bland side. I expected more with the garlic. And the cream sauce was thin. 

A plate of Tortellini Emiliana was next. This I really liked. Cheese stuffed tortellini with white cream sauce, fresh sweet peas, mushrooms and ham.  Sauce was a bit thicker on this dish.  Very good flavor. Really enjoyed this. 

Good food, good friends and great wine.