Thursday, May 16, 2013
Last week at Nayada, Terry piped up and asked if CJ & I were available this week to go back to the Himalayan Grill. www.himalayangrill.com. Thursday was selected and Henry joined us.
Henry who is Chinese raved about the sauces on the meat and vegetables, He took a small container of the Tikka Masala sauce home to his wife, Evan, to show her how good it was. Indian sauces are so different from the Chinese sauces.
We had a small plate of appetizers, did not want to spoil our dinner. The Himalayan makes the best Samosa's. Very light and delicate dough around the potato, pea mixture.
We ordered Tibetian Lamb which is always good and tonight for some reason just tasted better than normal. We also had the Saag Paneer, Chicken Tikka Masala and Vegetables Korma.
Again our wines were good.
2006 AP Vin, Keefer Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2006 Kosta Browne, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir
2006 Williams Seylem, Hirsch Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2007 Vie, White Hawk, Syrah
It was good to see Sanjiv , the owner back. He was trying to open another place in Los Alamitos but ran into problems and backed away. The place was crowded tonight and people were still coming in after 9:00 pm.
After a night of good food, good wine and great company, we decided to go back to the Seafood Palace next week,
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Nayada
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Terry, CJ & I met tonight at Nayada. Terry shortened his 6 week road trip to 2 weeks and we were anxious to hear about it.
Since it was only the three of us we just ordered 3 entrees and shared. Interesting selections and none that I had had before.
Thai Basil Scallops - scallops were sweet and tender and the dish was heavy on the basil. The Thai people really get into herbs.
Thai Baby Back Ribs - excellent, tender and full of flavor.
Lime Leaves, Chou Chee Prawns - again excellent flavor with basil and lemongrass.
With just us three the wines were good and we finished all 3 bottles over the course of 3 hours or so
2005 Williams Seylem Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard Pinot Noir
2006 Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot Noir
NV St. Clair Winery, Gerwurztraimer, Denning, New Mexico - Terry bought this on his road trip and it turned out to be a really good wine that ent excellent with the spicy Thai food.
Terry, CJ & I met tonight at Nayada. Terry shortened his 6 week road trip to 2 weeks and we were anxious to hear about it.
Since it was only the three of us we just ordered 3 entrees and shared. Interesting selections and none that I had had before.
Thai Basil Scallops - scallops were sweet and tender and the dish was heavy on the basil. The Thai people really get into herbs.
Thai Baby Back Ribs - excellent, tender and full of flavor.
Lime Leaves, Chou Chee Prawns - again excellent flavor with basil and lemongrass.
With just us three the wines were good and we finished all 3 bottles over the course of 3 hours or so
2005 Williams Seylem Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard Pinot Noir
2006 Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot Noir
NV St. Clair Winery, Gerwurztraimer, Denning, New Mexico - Terry bought this on his road trip and it turned out to be a really good wine that ent excellent with the spicy Thai food.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Buon Gusto Recon
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Buon Gusto is within 3 blocks of where I live and I have to admit I had never been. This restaurant moved from Long Beach and started out on the opposite corner of where it is now as a very small place with a big takeout business, Outgrew that location very quickly and when another building became available moved there. There is always people waiting to get in and weekends are really crowded.
Paul, Margie and I decided to check the place out to see if it would fit into one of Margie's monthly wine activities. Buon Gusto charges no corkage for wine bottles brought in. Which is a huge plus for the wine group.
Inside the acoustics leave a lot to be desired. All hard surfaces and loud. They do have an outdoor area but that would be only feasible in warm months.
I stared out with a grilled artichoke with aioli. Good. Nothing anything different that numerous other Italian restaurants. Paul & Margie both had salads which were huge. They were a meal in themselves. They both liked their salads.
For Dinner I choose the Veal Oso Bucco, Margie had the Pasta Carbonaro and Paul had the Veal Marsala. The "bowls" that they were served in were very large. The servings were large. Large enough to split between two people. A small dish of chocolate gelato finished the meal.
Looking around the place we noticed that all the meals except pizza was served in the large "bowls". Margie asked the waiter if everyone took home the "doggie bag" and he said yes, no one finished their meal there. Prices were reasonable. My oso bucco was $16.95. or $2 more you can get the house salad to go with it. The food was good, the service was good so this is a definite place to be put on the list. The place is not upscale but the portions and quality of the food make up for it.
I brought a 2007 Sinor-LaValle, Anniversay Cuvee, Pinot. The other two wines were a 2011 Martin Codax Albarino and a 2007 D'Bruno Sangiovese. (the sangio grapes used to be sourced from the Stolpman vineyards but not sure if they still are).
Buon Gusto is within 3 blocks of where I live and I have to admit I had never been. This restaurant moved from Long Beach and started out on the opposite corner of where it is now as a very small place with a big takeout business, Outgrew that location very quickly and when another building became available moved there. There is always people waiting to get in and weekends are really crowded.
Paul, Margie and I decided to check the place out to see if it would fit into one of Margie's monthly wine activities. Buon Gusto charges no corkage for wine bottles brought in. Which is a huge plus for the wine group.
Inside the acoustics leave a lot to be desired. All hard surfaces and loud. They do have an outdoor area but that would be only feasible in warm months.
I stared out with a grilled artichoke with aioli. Good. Nothing anything different that numerous other Italian restaurants. Paul & Margie both had salads which were huge. They were a meal in themselves. They both liked their salads.
For Dinner I choose the Veal Oso Bucco, Margie had the Pasta Carbonaro and Paul had the Veal Marsala. The "bowls" that they were served in were very large. The servings were large. Large enough to split between two people. A small dish of chocolate gelato finished the meal.
Looking around the place we noticed that all the meals except pizza was served in the large "bowls". Margie asked the waiter if everyone took home the "doggie bag" and he said yes, no one finished their meal there. Prices were reasonable. My oso bucco was $16.95. or $2 more you can get the house salad to go with it. The food was good, the service was good so this is a definite place to be put on the list. The place is not upscale but the portions and quality of the food make up for it.
I brought a 2007 Sinor-LaValle, Anniversay Cuvee, Pinot. The other two wines were a 2011 Martin Codax Albarino and a 2007 D'Bruno Sangiovese. (the sangio grapes used to be sourced from the Stolpman vineyards but not sure if they still are).
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Annes Boutique Wines & The Alley
Saturday, April 27, 2013
This was Margie's April Fun Wine Activity event today. First we headed off to Costa Mesa to Anne's Boutique Wines on 17th St. I brought a cheese platter and Margie brought other goodies for the tasting.
We tasted 7 wines along with a Patricia Greene Pinot that Margie had brought along for Anne to taste.
Nice small wine store with an unusual collection of small wineries being showcased. I will have to go back again some day when I have more time to take a really good look around.
At 7'o'clock we met at The Alley which was just a few minutes away from the wine shop. This restaurant is a landmark in Newport. 12 of us were here tonight for dinner.
The special of the day was a prime rib with two sides for $15. Can't beat that. Several of us had this and we were all happy with our dinners. I had expected the slice of meat to be on the small side but it was quite large and I ended up taking half of it home. Of course I couldn't have been full from the mac n' cheese appetizer CJ ordered ? It was the most decadent, rich mac n'cheese I have ever had. Everyone was happy with what they ordered. there was a wide variety upon the 12 of us and no complaints. Service was good
I brought a 2005 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir and a 2009 Roar Rosella's Chardonnay. CJ brought a 2006 Williams Seylem Russian River Pinot Noir which was excellent.
Other wines of the night were 2011 Clos Pepe Homage to Chablis Chardonnay, (one of my favorites) 2011 Dave Phiney "I", 2009 Stoplman L'Avion (Roussane), 2007 Turley Juvenile Zinfandel, NV Paul Goerg Blanc de Blanc Premier Cru Brut Champagne, (excellent) 2004 Pago dei Feusi Taurasi (red), 2004 Terredora Dipola, 2009 Seal Beach Winery Pinot Noir, Porque'no and a Rata Sauvignon Blanc
This was Margie's April Fun Wine Activity event today. First we headed off to Costa Mesa to Anne's Boutique Wines on 17th St. I brought a cheese platter and Margie brought other goodies for the tasting.
We tasted 7 wines along with a Patricia Greene Pinot that Margie had brought along for Anne to taste.
Nice small wine store with an unusual collection of small wineries being showcased. I will have to go back again some day when I have more time to take a really good look around.
At 7'o'clock we met at The Alley which was just a few minutes away from the wine shop. This restaurant is a landmark in Newport. 12 of us were here tonight for dinner.
The special of the day was a prime rib with two sides for $15. Can't beat that. Several of us had this and we were all happy with our dinners. I had expected the slice of meat to be on the small side but it was quite large and I ended up taking half of it home. Of course I couldn't have been full from the mac n' cheese appetizer CJ ordered ? It was the most decadent, rich mac n'cheese I have ever had. Everyone was happy with what they ordered. there was a wide variety upon the 12 of us and no complaints. Service was good
I brought a 2005 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir and a 2009 Roar Rosella's Chardonnay. CJ brought a 2006 Williams Seylem Russian River Pinot Noir which was excellent.
Other wines of the night were 2011 Clos Pepe Homage to Chablis Chardonnay, (one of my favorites) 2011 Dave Phiney "I", 2009 Stoplman L'Avion (Roussane), 2007 Turley Juvenile Zinfandel, NV Paul Goerg Blanc de Blanc Premier Cru Brut Champagne, (excellent) 2004 Pago dei Feusi Taurasi (red), 2004 Terredora Dipola, 2009 Seal Beach Winery Pinot Noir, Porque'no and a Rata Sauvignon Blanc
Pipestone Wines & Delius Restaurant
Friday, April 26, 2013
This was a full house for dinner this evening. Usually is when its a winemaker dinner.
We started out with Apricot Parsnip Ravioli with a brown butter and pine nut sauce. This ravioli was my favorite dish of the night. Paired perfectly with a 2011 Viognier, barrel sample. This wine has not been bottled yet. I am not a fan of white Rhone wines and I would not like to drink a glass of this wine by itself but it was so perfect with the dish.
Second course was Roasted Squab, Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Tomato Ragout. Good dish except I felt the Brussels Sprouts needed a minute more of cooking. I like my vegetables to have some crunch but I felt these were to close to raw. Paired with a 2009 Grenache.
Third course was Crispy Sweetbreads, Jerusalem Artichokes, Pearl Onions and Heirloom Baby Carrots. They deep fried the sweetbreads which was an unusual way of cooking them. But I really liked the way they turned out. Wine poured was a 2008 Rhone Style Red.
Main Course was Marinated Flat Iron Steak with Farro Risotto, Steak was excellent but I found that the Farro needed to be cooked a little longer. Just a tad too al dente for me. Good flavor. and went very well with the 2008 Syrah.
Dessert was a very good Frozen Lemon Souffle, Graham Cracker Tuile, Lemon Chip and Strawberry Coulis.
Very good dinner, just a couple of minor flaws for me personally. Had great conversation with the winery owner, Jeff Pipes, the rep Bert and his wife. Looking forward to the next winemaker dinner which will be Andrew Murray. Should be another sold out event.
This was a full house for dinner this evening. Usually is when its a winemaker dinner.
We started out with Apricot Parsnip Ravioli with a brown butter and pine nut sauce. This ravioli was my favorite dish of the night. Paired perfectly with a 2011 Viognier, barrel sample. This wine has not been bottled yet. I am not a fan of white Rhone wines and I would not like to drink a glass of this wine by itself but it was so perfect with the dish.
Second course was Roasted Squab, Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Tomato Ragout. Good dish except I felt the Brussels Sprouts needed a minute more of cooking. I like my vegetables to have some crunch but I felt these were to close to raw. Paired with a 2009 Grenache.
Third course was Crispy Sweetbreads, Jerusalem Artichokes, Pearl Onions and Heirloom Baby Carrots. They deep fried the sweetbreads which was an unusual way of cooking them. But I really liked the way they turned out. Wine poured was a 2008 Rhone Style Red.
Main Course was Marinated Flat Iron Steak with Farro Risotto, Steak was excellent but I found that the Farro needed to be cooked a little longer. Just a tad too al dente for me. Good flavor. and went very well with the 2008 Syrah.
Dessert was a very good Frozen Lemon Souffle, Graham Cracker Tuile, Lemon Chip and Strawberry Coulis.
Very good dinner, just a couple of minor flaws for me personally. Had great conversation with the winery owner, Jeff Pipes, the rep Bert and his wife. Looking forward to the next winemaker dinner which will be Andrew Murray. Should be another sold out event.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
April's Wino's
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Small gathering today for our monthly meeting of the wino's. Lot of colds going around but I have also noticed that the restaurants are not as busy as they normally are.
It was a cold and windy day so Mike & Bradlee had the wines inside the house. The view was still outstanding from their place. All of Long Beach to Catalina and if you walked around the deck to the north you can see downtown Los Angeles.
Theme was interesting. Besides Russian River Reds and Columbia River Whites they threw in "Wines 1998 & Older " I can say I was really surprised at the older wines that showed up.
1997 Kalin Cellars, Livermore, Semillion - this was the only wine that was not good. Should have been opened up a couple of years ago,
1994 BV, Georges De LaTour, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon - Excellent
1995 Opus One, Napa Valley - this was good but of the 4 older reds my least favorite
1995 Chateau St Jean, Cinq Cepages - another excellent wine
1998 Sterling, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon - this was my favorite of all the wines today - thank you David & Judy for bringing it.
Small gathering today for our monthly meeting of the wino's. Lot of colds going around but I have also noticed that the restaurants are not as busy as they normally are.
It was a cold and windy day so Mike & Bradlee had the wines inside the house. The view was still outstanding from their place. All of Long Beach to Catalina and if you walked around the deck to the north you can see downtown Los Angeles.
Theme was interesting. Besides Russian River Reds and Columbia River Whites they threw in "Wines 1998 & Older " I can say I was really surprised at the older wines that showed up.
1997 Kalin Cellars, Livermore, Semillion - this was the only wine that was not good. Should have been opened up a couple of years ago,
1994 BV, Georges De LaTour, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon - Excellent
1995 Opus One, Napa Valley - this was good but of the 4 older reds my least favorite
1995 Chateau St Jean, Cinq Cepages - another excellent wine
1998 Sterling, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon - this was my favorite of all the wines today - thank you David & Judy for bringing it.
Me & The Guys at Golden Star
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Decided to have a "bon voage" dinner before Terry drives away on his "odyssey". He is leaving for 6 to 7 weeks and driving around the country to visit relatives and friends. we don't need an excuse or getting together and having dinner but it is always nice to conger up one.
Mr. Do had just taken out a roasted duck and we took half of it. It was so moist and juicy. I really pigged out on it. Served with a plum sauce.
Next a plate of very small whole fish that had been breaded and deep fried appeared. It was like eating a crispy chip of some kind. These were very addictive and not one was left on the plate. You just popped them into your mouth and ate the hole thing. The bones were so small and delicate after the deep frying you just chomped away.They probably would not have been as good cold but hot they were excellent
A soup was ladled out. Pork with Vegetables and Apples. Good flavor. Henry called it Mystery Soup # 8. Otherwise known as leftovers thrown together
A plate of white sea bass and garlic green beans showed up at the table. This has always been a good dish. CJ had requested this particular dish and glad he did
I am starting to get full but we have 3 more dishes to go.
A plate of chicken with "special chef's sauce". Special sauce is always the name when you are not sure what is in it.
Beef with Chinese Broccoli. Another dish that is consistently good.But we needed beef to go with the Cab's that were brought.
And last dish served Terry had requested. Salt & Pepper Whole Shrimp. Finger licking good.
Dessert was Warm Tapioca and a plate of sliced oranges and strawberries.
When this particular group of people get together the wines are always good. and tonight was the same. Nothing mediocre here.
NV Veuve Cliquot Champagne
2001 Lone Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon - I had been waiting to open this wine. 50 cases made. Took awhile to open but when it did was excellent. From the Paso Robles area . Since John was coming tonight and he is partial to Cab's I decided it was time. I think I opened this wine at its prime.
2008 Cornerstone Cellars, Howell Mtn., Cabernet Sauvignon. John brought this one it was excellent also.
2008 McKeon Phillips Petit Verdot
2009 Proivgnase, Vin de Pay du Loiret Cher
2006 La Venture Cote de Cote
Decided to have a "bon voage" dinner before Terry drives away on his "odyssey". He is leaving for 6 to 7 weeks and driving around the country to visit relatives and friends. we don't need an excuse or getting together and having dinner but it is always nice to conger up one.
Mr. Do had just taken out a roasted duck and we took half of it. It was so moist and juicy. I really pigged out on it. Served with a plum sauce.
Next a plate of very small whole fish that had been breaded and deep fried appeared. It was like eating a crispy chip of some kind. These were very addictive and not one was left on the plate. You just popped them into your mouth and ate the hole thing. The bones were so small and delicate after the deep frying you just chomped away.They probably would not have been as good cold but hot they were excellent
A soup was ladled out. Pork with Vegetables and Apples. Good flavor. Henry called it Mystery Soup # 8. Otherwise known as leftovers thrown together
A plate of white sea bass and garlic green beans showed up at the table. This has always been a good dish. CJ had requested this particular dish and glad he did
I am starting to get full but we have 3 more dishes to go.
A plate of chicken with "special chef's sauce". Special sauce is always the name when you are not sure what is in it.
Beef with Chinese Broccoli. Another dish that is consistently good.But we needed beef to go with the Cab's that were brought.
And last dish served Terry had requested. Salt & Pepper Whole Shrimp. Finger licking good.
Dessert was Warm Tapioca and a plate of sliced oranges and strawberries.
When this particular group of people get together the wines are always good. and tonight was the same. Nothing mediocre here.
NV Veuve Cliquot Champagne
2001 Lone Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon - I had been waiting to open this wine. 50 cases made. Took awhile to open but when it did was excellent. From the Paso Robles area . Since John was coming tonight and he is partial to Cab's I decided it was time. I think I opened this wine at its prime.
2008 Cornerstone Cellars, Howell Mtn., Cabernet Sauvignon. John brought this one it was excellent also.
2008 McKeon Phillips Petit Verdot
2009 Proivgnase, Vin de Pay du Loiret Cher
2006 La Venture Cote de Cote
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