Tuesday, February 26, 2013
This is a new restaurant for me. Margie sent me an email from them so 4 of us decided to try it out. Onotria is in Costa Mesa so for me to drive from Torrance It was over an hour. Fortunately going home was much shorter It also is a block and half from my sisters business so that cost me extra money for a new pair of earrings.
Owners name is Massimo and a very personable person he is. Knows his food and his wine. The place has an extensive wine cellar.
Tonight's wines were from the House of Michele Chiarlo in Piedmont, Italy. Alberto Chiarlo, the winemaker was in attendance. This started out as a 9 wine, 5 course dinner and ended up with ten wines. $60 was the price which I felt was an absolute bargain. Food was very good and the wines were good also. The four of us were seated at the end of the long table so we ended up with extra pours of the last wine which was the most expensive at $138 per bottle.
First course was a Ahi Tuna Carpaggio with arugula a & lemon EVOO & ginger. Tuna was very good quality.
Next was Octopus with Canellini bean soup in a tomato broth. Most tender octopus I have ever eaten.
Third course was "Lasagna" layers of semolina pasta oven baked with spinach, seasonal greens, robiola,,fontina cheese in a truffled creamy tomato sauce. Beautiful flavor.
Main dish was slow roasted lamb in a chiodini mushroom, nebbiolo wine sauce. Good flavor BUT - a slice of my lamb should have never gotten out of the kitchen. It was grisly and you could not cut it Also to me the lamb was over cooked. I do not like meat overcooked. It becomes dry and looses flavor.
Dessert was a bittersweet chocolate gelato mocha with espresso poured over it. Good but I would have preferred just plain gelato.
Wines poured to tonight - and a clean glass for every wine.
2010 Gavi
2011 Arneis
2010 Barbera d;Asti Le Orme
2009 Barbera d'Asti La Court
2008 Barolo Tortoniano
2009 Bararesco Reyna
2007 Barolo Cerequio
2007 Barola Cannubi
2011 Nivole Moscato
And the surprise wine of the evening was a 2006 Barolo Cerequio Riserva, 50th Anniversay. Needless to say this was an excellent wine. But at $138 a bottle I passed. I will wait until Terry opens his and hope that I am there when he does.
We liked this place so much we are gooing back next week for a Burgundy wine dinner.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
February Wino's Gathering
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Today's was the "wino's" monthly get together. Held at my house and my theme is always wines rated 93 to 100. Price is not important but quality is so by having a 93 and above you may not personally like the wine but it will be good.
The weather was good today. Sometimes we rain early in February but it came earlier in the week and I lucked out.
I served a pork loin roast which I had brined overnight in water,salt, maple syrup, brown sugar and spices. Gave a very good flavor to the meat. Loads of appetizers and side dishes.
William's birthday was yesterday so Patte had a cake with candles. He did manage to get all of them blown out.
A couple of the wines I especially liked were the 1995 Chateau Clerc, Milon Pauillac Bordeaux, 2006 Domaine des Perdrix Nuits-Saint George aux Perdrix Burgundy, 2008 Ramey, Napa, Cabernet Sauvigon and the 2007 AP Vin, Turner Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Today's was the "wino's" monthly get together. Held at my house and my theme is always wines rated 93 to 100. Price is not important but quality is so by having a 93 and above you may not personally like the wine but it will be good.
The weather was good today. Sometimes we rain early in February but it came earlier in the week and I lucked out.
I served a pork loin roast which I had brined overnight in water,salt, maple syrup, brown sugar and spices. Gave a very good flavor to the meat. Loads of appetizers and side dishes.
William's birthday was yesterday so Patte had a cake with candles. He did manage to get all of them blown out.
A couple of the wines I especially liked were the 1995 Chateau Clerc, Milon Pauillac Bordeaux, 2006 Domaine des Perdrix Nuits-Saint George aux Perdrix Burgundy, 2008 Ramey, Napa, Cabernet Sauvigon and the 2007 AP Vin, Turner Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Amore Vino & The Depot
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Tonight was another of Margie's "Fun Wine Activity" outings. We met at Amore Vino, a small wine bar in old town Torrance. I cannot find my list of wines we tasted. Six , I think with a nice plate of sliced cheeses, apples and dates. None of the wines were memorable and none I would be interested in buying. The wine bar obviously is set up for the "younger, hip" crowd.
Afterwards we drove a few blocks, actually Bill & Carolyn walked since their condo is across the street from the restaurant The Depot. It is housed in an old train depot and the tracks are still there. Bill said a train comes by about once a week, Probably to keep the right away. I heard about the Depot but never eaten there. I definitely will go back.
We were seated in a back room that was relatively quiet. Which is good because we can get noisy. We all ordered off the menu. No family style dining tonight. I had the New York steak with a fig & Gorgonzola sauce. Excellent. Cooked perfectly. Several other steaks were ordered, 3 people had the "killer" meatloaf which they said was excellent. A couple of fish and chicken dishes. Everyone said they would come back, their food was good and we were all happy. Not the most expensive place nor inexpensive. My steak which came with spinach and sweet potato & zucchini french fries was $32. Considering the price of beef now it was reasonable to me. There was a very large basket of breads, rolls & biscuits on the table. All "homemade". All their sausages are "homemade".
The owner Michael Schaeffer cut Margie a deal. No corkage which is great for us. He came by a few times to check on us. Service was good.
I took a 2001 Stolpman Angeli which is at its prime right now. Drinking beautifully. Everyone must have liked it as it was the first bottle emptied. Other wines were NV Domaine J Laurent Brut sparkling, 2007 Hanna Merlot, 2008 McKeon Phillips Leonardo ( excellent) , 2010 Domaine Faileley Clos Des Myglands Prmier Cru Burgundy (excellent), 2011 Dolia Vermentino, 2011 Longoria Albarino, 2008 Dusky Goose Dundee Hills Pinot Noir (also excellent) and a 2009 Stephen ?? (can't read my own hand writing) Chardonnay.
A good evening. The restaurant was excellent and definitely worth going back to.
Tonight was another of Margie's "Fun Wine Activity" outings. We met at Amore Vino, a small wine bar in old town Torrance. I cannot find my list of wines we tasted. Six , I think with a nice plate of sliced cheeses, apples and dates. None of the wines were memorable and none I would be interested in buying. The wine bar obviously is set up for the "younger, hip" crowd.
Afterwards we drove a few blocks, actually Bill & Carolyn walked since their condo is across the street from the restaurant The Depot. It is housed in an old train depot and the tracks are still there. Bill said a train comes by about once a week, Probably to keep the right away. I heard about the Depot but never eaten there. I definitely will go back.
We were seated in a back room that was relatively quiet. Which is good because we can get noisy. We all ordered off the menu. No family style dining tonight. I had the New York steak with a fig & Gorgonzola sauce. Excellent. Cooked perfectly. Several other steaks were ordered, 3 people had the "killer" meatloaf which they said was excellent. A couple of fish and chicken dishes. Everyone said they would come back, their food was good and we were all happy. Not the most expensive place nor inexpensive. My steak which came with spinach and sweet potato & zucchini french fries was $32. Considering the price of beef now it was reasonable to me. There was a very large basket of breads, rolls & biscuits on the table. All "homemade". All their sausages are "homemade".
The owner Michael Schaeffer cut Margie a deal. No corkage which is great for us. He came by a few times to check on us. Service was good.
I took a 2001 Stolpman Angeli which is at its prime right now. Drinking beautifully. Everyone must have liked it as it was the first bottle emptied. Other wines were NV Domaine J Laurent Brut sparkling, 2007 Hanna Merlot, 2008 McKeon Phillips Leonardo ( excellent) , 2010 Domaine Faileley Clos Des Myglands Prmier Cru Burgundy (excellent), 2011 Dolia Vermentino, 2011 Longoria Albarino, 2008 Dusky Goose Dundee Hills Pinot Noir (also excellent) and a 2009 Stephen ?? (can't read my own hand writing) Chardonnay.
A good evening. The restaurant was excellent and definitely worth going back to.
The Californian Room - Hyatt Huntington Beach
Friday, February 8, 2013
A dinner based on Pinot Noir was scheduled for this evening. Today its raining. I don't do well in the rain apparently. I drove to the back of the Hyatt where the valet parking is. Saw the valets and turned in. Walked into the building and something was not looking right. After wandering around in and out of the rain I finally found the main lobby and then I knew where I was. Went and joined my dining companions and was relating my story when I was informed I had pulled into the wrong valet parking. It seems that there are two wine events tonight and I pulled into the wrong area. If I did not move my car to the correct valet area I would be socked with a $14 charge. So off I trudge again to retrieve my car. Seems both valet areas did not know there was another event going on. Big lack of communication. I was not the only one who parked in the wrong area.
Since it was raining the reception was held inside the dining area instead of outside. I missed out on a few of the passed appetizers. They did not seem to have as many appetizers and did not pour multiple glasses of bubbly as normal.
All the Pinots poured tonight were from the same winemaker, Brain Maloney and all owned by the same company but different labels and vineyards.I originally was not going to do this dinner because of the line up of wines and the poor quality of the food that I had had at the last two dinners at the Hyatt, Glad I changed my mind as the food was good. Best dinner I have had at the Hyatt so far.
We started out with Duck Rillette, Gnarly Vine estate olive oil, sea salt crouton and pickled shallots. Interesting flavors. My only problem was I wanted more of this. Wine was a 2011 JCB Russian River Pinot Noir Rose, A good pairing.
Next came Community Grains Organic Red Flint Polenta, roasted cultivated mushrooms, fine herbs and Point Reyes Toma cheese. We all raved about this polents. It was "rustic" not creamy and the flavor was great. Paired with a 2009 Buena Vista Winery Carneros Pinot Noir. Decent wine but a good pairing with the dish.
Third dish was Shetland Insland Seared Salmon, pine nuts, golden raisins and roasted cauliflower. Salmon was cooked perfectly. Last time this salmon was not what it could have been. This was a good dish but nothing to knock your socks off. Good and safe, Served with a 2009 Deloach Vineyards, Marin County Pinot Noir. Best wine of the evening. I did not know that Marin County produced Pinot Noir. They had a home run with this one.
Main course was a Lamb Shoulder Ragout, organic carrot puree, cilantro and mint pistou and Pniot Noir Syrup. This ragout was exceptionally well made. Great flavors. Another dish we all raved about.
A 2009 Deloach OFS Russian River Pinot Noir was paired with this dish. A good wine but for the the money I preferred the Marin County.
Dessert was a plate with Duck Farms Glacier Cheese, Spiced Pear, Seal Salt & Rosemary Marcona Almonds and Sundried Cranberry Cookie. Wine was a 2010 JCB N'7 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. A nice ending but by tine we had gotten through with dinner there was not much room left to enjoy.
The wine maker Brain Maloney was very personable and came around the table several times to talk with us. The chef came out and talked with us also. I did let him know I had reservations about doing this dinner because the last two were not that memorable. I think he took my comments well, especially about salads and wine and do not do two salads in one dinner.
Since this dinner was just a few days after my birthday, Margie had them make a "birthday" dessert for me. A butter crust filled with Nutella and naturally a candle. Margie is really into the "extras" which make for a really nice experience. A nice ending to a good dinner.
A dinner based on Pinot Noir was scheduled for this evening. Today its raining. I don't do well in the rain apparently. I drove to the back of the Hyatt where the valet parking is. Saw the valets and turned in. Walked into the building and something was not looking right. After wandering around in and out of the rain I finally found the main lobby and then I knew where I was. Went and joined my dining companions and was relating my story when I was informed I had pulled into the wrong valet parking. It seems that there are two wine events tonight and I pulled into the wrong area. If I did not move my car to the correct valet area I would be socked with a $14 charge. So off I trudge again to retrieve my car. Seems both valet areas did not know there was another event going on. Big lack of communication. I was not the only one who parked in the wrong area.
Since it was raining the reception was held inside the dining area instead of outside. I missed out on a few of the passed appetizers. They did not seem to have as many appetizers and did not pour multiple glasses of bubbly as normal.
All the Pinots poured tonight were from the same winemaker, Brain Maloney and all owned by the same company but different labels and vineyards.I originally was not going to do this dinner because of the line up of wines and the poor quality of the food that I had had at the last two dinners at the Hyatt, Glad I changed my mind as the food was good. Best dinner I have had at the Hyatt so far.
We started out with Duck Rillette, Gnarly Vine estate olive oil, sea salt crouton and pickled shallots. Interesting flavors. My only problem was I wanted more of this. Wine was a 2011 JCB Russian River Pinot Noir Rose, A good pairing.
Next came Community Grains Organic Red Flint Polenta, roasted cultivated mushrooms, fine herbs and Point Reyes Toma cheese. We all raved about this polents. It was "rustic" not creamy and the flavor was great. Paired with a 2009 Buena Vista Winery Carneros Pinot Noir. Decent wine but a good pairing with the dish.
Third dish was Shetland Insland Seared Salmon, pine nuts, golden raisins and roasted cauliflower. Salmon was cooked perfectly. Last time this salmon was not what it could have been. This was a good dish but nothing to knock your socks off. Good and safe, Served with a 2009 Deloach Vineyards, Marin County Pinot Noir. Best wine of the evening. I did not know that Marin County produced Pinot Noir. They had a home run with this one.
Main course was a Lamb Shoulder Ragout, organic carrot puree, cilantro and mint pistou and Pniot Noir Syrup. This ragout was exceptionally well made. Great flavors. Another dish we all raved about.
A 2009 Deloach OFS Russian River Pinot Noir was paired with this dish. A good wine but for the the money I preferred the Marin County.
Dessert was a plate with Duck Farms Glacier Cheese, Spiced Pear, Seal Salt & Rosemary Marcona Almonds and Sundried Cranberry Cookie. Wine was a 2010 JCB N'7 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. A nice ending but by tine we had gotten through with dinner there was not much room left to enjoy.
The wine maker Brain Maloney was very personable and came around the table several times to talk with us. The chef came out and talked with us also. I did let him know I had reservations about doing this dinner because the last two were not that memorable. I think he took my comments well, especially about salads and wine and do not do two salads in one dinner.
Since this dinner was just a few days after my birthday, Margie had them make a "birthday" dessert for me. A butter crust filled with Nutella and naturally a candle. Margie is really into the "extras" which make for a really nice experience. A nice ending to a good dinner.
Birthday at The Himalayan
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Coincidence that this dinner fell on my birthday. Not planned but worked out well.
Everyone orders dish and we all share. Seems tonight was heavy into the meat. Tibetan Lamb, Rack of Lamb, Tandoori chicken, Chicken Chau Chau (noodles) and a lone Shrimp Tandoori. I ended up ordering Aloo Gobi and Kafta Mata both vegetable dishes. Needed something to break up the heavy meats.
Tonight's group was interesting. Not our usual suspects. Somehow I did not get a good flow about the evening. Seemed to me everyone was in their own zone.
A decent selection of wines.
2010 Beckman Purisima Syrah
2006 Roar SLH Pinot Noir (I brought this wine and was slightly disappointed in it)
2004 Tablas Creek Espirit de Beaucastel
2010 Tablas Creek Antitresis Chardonnay
2008 McKeon Phillips BPR Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Monte de Oro, Merlot, Temecula (not impressed)
NV Roeder Anderson Valley Sparkling (this was good)
NV Robert Moncuit Brut Champagne, France (this is becoming my house champagne I like it so well)
A nice evening but a little disjointed. Sometimes that happens. Food as usual was good The Himalayan is always a winner.
Coincidence that this dinner fell on my birthday. Not planned but worked out well.
Everyone orders dish and we all share. Seems tonight was heavy into the meat. Tibetan Lamb, Rack of Lamb, Tandoori chicken, Chicken Chau Chau (noodles) and a lone Shrimp Tandoori. I ended up ordering Aloo Gobi and Kafta Mata both vegetable dishes. Needed something to break up the heavy meats.
Tonight's group was interesting. Not our usual suspects. Somehow I did not get a good flow about the evening. Seemed to me everyone was in their own zone.
A decent selection of wines.
2010 Beckman Purisima Syrah
2006 Roar SLH Pinot Noir (I brought this wine and was slightly disappointed in it)
2004 Tablas Creek Espirit de Beaucastel
2010 Tablas Creek Antitresis Chardonnay
2008 McKeon Phillips BPR Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Monte de Oro, Merlot, Temecula (not impressed)
NV Roeder Anderson Valley Sparkling (this was good)
NV Robert Moncuit Brut Champagne, France (this is becoming my house champagne I like it so well)
A nice evening but a little disjointed. Sometimes that happens. Food as usual was good The Himalayan is always a winner.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
January Wino's
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Our monthly wine tasting was held today. The theme was Argentinian wines. All the wines brought were good but none stood out as great. Nothing to complain about but nothing that stood out as great.
The tri tip served was excellent. Went well with the red wines. The hostess made a lot of Empanadas which were very good. We did not need an main dish after eating those.
Good conversation with some people I had not seen in awhile
Our monthly wine tasting was held today. The theme was Argentinian wines. All the wines brought were good but none stood out as great. Nothing to complain about but nothing that stood out as great.
The tri tip served was excellent. Went well with the red wines. The hostess made a lot of Empanadas which were very good. We did not need an main dish after eating those.
Good conversation with some people I had not seen in awhile
Wine , cheese and ribs
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Drove up the coast though the thick fog to Belmont Shore to the Venissimo Cheese store. I have heard of the establishment and had tasted cheeses from here but had never set foot in the door. After the shop closed for the days business they set up a large table in the front that took up the entire area. 11 of us sat down for this tasting. There was an assortment of crackers, bread, salami, nuts, fruit etc for us to nibble on. Margie and I donated the wines for this event. The store charged us $20 per person and we got to take a cheese knife home with us. A real bargain evening for everyone.
Six cheese's with wine pairings were on the menu. All the cheeses were excellent and the wines were good. All of the pairings were fantastic except one which was very good but just a notch below the others. But I would take it any day.
Caprichio Cabra (spanish goat) , creamy with a hint of blue. Wine was a Paul Goerge Blanc de Blanc Premium Crut Brut Champagne.
Ewephoria (dutch sheep), a gouda style cheese paired with a NV Noviate Jesuit California Dry Sherry. This wine had to be a least 20 years old.
Old Croc (australian white cheddar). Paired with a 2006 Meeker Petit Syrah.
Tilster (german cow) , creamy & nutty. Wine was a Halter Ranch 2011 Rose (grenanche, syrah, mouverdre & picpoul blanc). This was the pairing that was not quite. But a really good pairing as far as I am concerned.
Ami Chambertain(french cow) bacony flavor. The wine that was paired was back up and I did not get it on my list. I am sure that when Margie reads this she will let me know and I can edit the post.
Moody Blue (american cow) smoky, Would be excellent on any meat. Paired with a 2001 Baker & Brain Gruner Vetliner. (yes that is BRAIN)
A great tasting and well worth the trip to go back. They had at least 100 cheeses in their cases. Most I had never heard of. I did buy five cheese in the afternoon when I took my wine down the store early. The five cheeses were quarter pound pieces and came to $42. Not cheap but well worth the price. They were all cheeses I had never heard of and I am willing to try. I am always open to trying new things. If I don't like it I don't have to finish it nor do I have to buy it again. When I think of all the good things I ended up tasting and liking I am so glad I did try them.
After the cheese tasting we headed over the bridge to Naples and the Naples Rib Company. The restaurant charged us a flat $40 corkage so that worked out to about $3 per person.
I ordered the "smaller senior" portion of the ribs I was so full from the tasting that I could have forgotten the dinner.
I brought a 2006 Huber Charlottes Reserve Dornfleder which I felt went well with the meat.
Other wines brought to the table:
2003 Chateau St. Pierre Saint Julian, Bordeaux
2009 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel
2007 Turley Howell Mtn, Cedarman, Zinfandel
2009 Brauhaus Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Macchia Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel
2008 Dunham Columbia Valley Syrah
NV Perrier Joulet Grand Brut Champagne
2006 Green & Red, Tip Top, Zinfandel
2010 Merry Edwards Russian River, Olivet Lane, Chardonnay
2005 William Selyem Russian River, Forchini Vineyards, Zinfandel
A great evening, fantastic cheeses, good wine and a great group of people to hang with. It could not be better.
Drove up the coast though the thick fog to Belmont Shore to the Venissimo Cheese store. I have heard of the establishment and had tasted cheeses from here but had never set foot in the door. After the shop closed for the days business they set up a large table in the front that took up the entire area. 11 of us sat down for this tasting. There was an assortment of crackers, bread, salami, nuts, fruit etc for us to nibble on. Margie and I donated the wines for this event. The store charged us $20 per person and we got to take a cheese knife home with us. A real bargain evening for everyone.
Six cheese's with wine pairings were on the menu. All the cheeses were excellent and the wines were good. All of the pairings were fantastic except one which was very good but just a notch below the others. But I would take it any day.
Caprichio Cabra (spanish goat) , creamy with a hint of blue. Wine was a Paul Goerge Blanc de Blanc Premium Crut Brut Champagne.
Ewephoria (dutch sheep), a gouda style cheese paired with a NV Noviate Jesuit California Dry Sherry. This wine had to be a least 20 years old.
Old Croc (australian white cheddar). Paired with a 2006 Meeker Petit Syrah.
Tilster (german cow) , creamy & nutty. Wine was a Halter Ranch 2011 Rose (grenanche, syrah, mouverdre & picpoul blanc). This was the pairing that was not quite. But a really good pairing as far as I am concerned.
Ami Chambertain(french cow) bacony flavor. The wine that was paired was back up and I did not get it on my list. I am sure that when Margie reads this she will let me know and I can edit the post.
Moody Blue (american cow) smoky, Would be excellent on any meat. Paired with a 2001 Baker & Brain Gruner Vetliner. (yes that is BRAIN)
A great tasting and well worth the trip to go back. They had at least 100 cheeses in their cases. Most I had never heard of. I did buy five cheese in the afternoon when I took my wine down the store early. The five cheeses were quarter pound pieces and came to $42. Not cheap but well worth the price. They were all cheeses I had never heard of and I am willing to try. I am always open to trying new things. If I don't like it I don't have to finish it nor do I have to buy it again. When I think of all the good things I ended up tasting and liking I am so glad I did try them.
After the cheese tasting we headed over the bridge to Naples and the Naples Rib Company. The restaurant charged us a flat $40 corkage so that worked out to about $3 per person.
I ordered the "smaller senior" portion of the ribs I was so full from the tasting that I could have forgotten the dinner.
I brought a 2006 Huber Charlottes Reserve Dornfleder which I felt went well with the meat.
Other wines brought to the table:
2003 Chateau St. Pierre Saint Julian, Bordeaux
2009 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel
2007 Turley Howell Mtn, Cedarman, Zinfandel
2009 Brauhaus Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Macchia Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel
2008 Dunham Columbia Valley Syrah
NV Perrier Joulet Grand Brut Champagne
2006 Green & Red, Tip Top, Zinfandel
2010 Merry Edwards Russian River, Olivet Lane, Chardonnay
2005 William Selyem Russian River, Forchini Vineyards, Zinfandel
A great evening, fantastic cheeses, good wine and a great group of people to hang with. It could not be better.
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