Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Tonight Delius Restaurant hosted a Riesling tasting. 7 wines, 1 from New Zealand which I did not like. I from New York, Fox Run which I have had before and is quite good. 5 from Germany. Dave had opened a magnum of an older bottle which turned out to be my favorite.
A multitude or appetizers were passed around. More than in the past. A new one which apparently one of the cooks makes at home all the time. A crostini smeared with blue cheese and an avocado, grape, garlic mixture on top. It was to die for. Need to find out the exact mixture.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Bus Trip To Malibu Wine Country
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Today a large group of us met at Delius Restaurant for the annual bus trip to "wine country". This year the Malibu area was chosen. The small bus was full so 3 of us volunteered to ride with Dave in the Delius van that they use for catering. So after a great breakfast with Champagne we loaded ourselves into the van.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride again. No AC in the van so we had to keep the windows down. This was not bad because it had not warmed up yet. But the van has front end problems so that became an interesting aspect to the ride. Dave did get better at the handling as the way wore on. Louise usually drives this van because she does all the catering.
Headed up 101 and got off at Kannan Road. (I'm thinking this is not the Malibu that I know). First stop was a tiny area called Cornell. I saw 3 buildings. The restaurant was loaded with bikers and the smell from the fire pits & smokers was heaven. Might be worth the trip just to eat there. Next door there was a building that used to be a storage building. This housed the wine store. Pressed tin ceiling tiles, open beams. A really beautiful, rustic place. We sat in the back on long wood tables that were varnished and stained to a real high gloss. Gorgeous chandeliers hung over the tables We had six wines. 5 from other areas that the owner sold in the store and one wine that he made himself. It was a red blend and quite good. No label on the bottle but he sold them anyway.
After walking around the store, I found that he had quite a selection of central coast wines and prices were very good. Others must have through the same as a lot of wine was bought from this establishment. I would consider stopping here on the way back from the central coast if I was early enough in the day. Or even a "road trip"
Next stop was a winery named Ciello. Outstanding view from the property but the wines sucked.
After negotiating the stop sign at the highway, it took forever to turn because of the parade of cars and motorcycles. We headed down Kannan Dume Road to PCH and made our way towards the end of Malibu where the tasting room for Rosenthal Winery was. Small building but a nice outdoor area with tables and umbrellas. We set up for lunch. They had a serving area set up for us and a staff member that took care of our party himself. As we ate lunch he came around and poured the wine for us.
Lunch this year had the same sandwiches we have had for years on this trip, Subs with either ham. turkey, beef or vegetarian. But we did have some different salads. A nice, spicy rice salad, green beans in a curry dressing, ,macaroni salad, individual quiches, homemade potato ships. Dessert was two types of brownies. We had snacks during the trip so we were not a bit deprived of food.
My disappointment was not being able to go to the Rosenthal Estate. I do know they have events and wine tastings there all the time.
I did well by not purchasing any wines. My goal this year is to drink more than I buy and reduce my cellar to a manageable size.
We got back to Signal Hill about 6:00 in the evening. Much shorter day than when we go to Santa Barbara area. A nice change. Dave is already planning next years trip, Probably to Santa Barbara proper There is an area called the "Funk Zone" which houses a lot of tasting rooms . There also are several wineries that have their barrel room facilities in that close proximity. The drive would be an hour shorter both ways if we did not go all the way into the Santa Ynez area.
Today a large group of us met at Delius Restaurant for the annual bus trip to "wine country". This year the Malibu area was chosen. The small bus was full so 3 of us volunteered to ride with Dave in the Delius van that they use for catering. So after a great breakfast with Champagne we loaded ourselves into the van.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride again. No AC in the van so we had to keep the windows down. This was not bad because it had not warmed up yet. But the van has front end problems so that became an interesting aspect to the ride. Dave did get better at the handling as the way wore on. Louise usually drives this van because she does all the catering.
Headed up 101 and got off at Kannan Road. (I'm thinking this is not the Malibu that I know). First stop was a tiny area called Cornell. I saw 3 buildings. The restaurant was loaded with bikers and the smell from the fire pits & smokers was heaven. Might be worth the trip just to eat there. Next door there was a building that used to be a storage building. This housed the wine store. Pressed tin ceiling tiles, open beams. A really beautiful, rustic place. We sat in the back on long wood tables that were varnished and stained to a real high gloss. Gorgeous chandeliers hung over the tables We had six wines. 5 from other areas that the owner sold in the store and one wine that he made himself. It was a red blend and quite good. No label on the bottle but he sold them anyway.
After walking around the store, I found that he had quite a selection of central coast wines and prices were very good. Others must have through the same as a lot of wine was bought from this establishment. I would consider stopping here on the way back from the central coast if I was early enough in the day. Or even a "road trip"
Next stop was a winery named Ciello. Outstanding view from the property but the wines sucked.
After negotiating the stop sign at the highway, it took forever to turn because of the parade of cars and motorcycles. We headed down Kannan Dume Road to PCH and made our way towards the end of Malibu where the tasting room for Rosenthal Winery was. Small building but a nice outdoor area with tables and umbrellas. We set up for lunch. They had a serving area set up for us and a staff member that took care of our party himself. As we ate lunch he came around and poured the wine for us.
Lunch this year had the same sandwiches we have had for years on this trip, Subs with either ham. turkey, beef or vegetarian. But we did have some different salads. A nice, spicy rice salad, green beans in a curry dressing, ,macaroni salad, individual quiches, homemade potato ships. Dessert was two types of brownies. We had snacks during the trip so we were not a bit deprived of food.
My disappointment was not being able to go to the Rosenthal Estate. I do know they have events and wine tastings there all the time.
I did well by not purchasing any wines. My goal this year is to drink more than I buy and reduce my cellar to a manageable size.
We got back to Signal Hill about 6:00 in the evening. Much shorter day than when we go to Santa Barbara area. A nice change. Dave is already planning next years trip, Probably to Santa Barbara proper There is an area called the "Funk Zone" which houses a lot of tasting rooms . There also are several wineries that have their barrel room facilities in that close proximity. The drive would be an hour shorter both ways if we did not go all the way into the Santa Ynez area.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
The Sages of The Sta Rita Hills
Friday, June 12, 2013
Wine Country in Signal Hill held a wine tasting this evening with two of the original winemakers of the area. Ken Brown and Rick Longoria. These two have been around for a long time and both make very good wines.
This event was a sell out with a waiting list. 10 wines were poured, a mixed selection of what these two guys produce.
Two of my favorite wines tonight was the 2012 Longoria, Clover CreekVineyard, Albarino and the 2010 Ken Brown Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir.
A very enjoyable evening with friends.
Wine Country in Signal Hill held a wine tasting this evening with two of the original winemakers of the area. Ken Brown and Rick Longoria. These two have been around for a long time and both make very good wines.
This event was a sell out with a waiting list. 10 wines were poured, a mixed selection of what these two guys produce.
Two of my favorite wines tonight was the 2012 Longoria, Clover CreekVineyard, Albarino and the 2010 Ken Brown Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir.
A very enjoyable evening with friends.
Franco's Plus 3
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
CJ, Terry & I met at Franco's for a last minute dinner. It has been a couple of months since we have been here.
We made it simple, ordered the same dish. Filet Mignon but ordered finished 3 separate ways. Terry ordered rare, I had the medium rare and CJ had the well done, And they all came out of the kitchen at the same time and cooked perfectly. That is a well run kitchen.
Started out with the stuffed mushrooms and boy could you smell the garlic - they were delicious.
Only 3 wines tonight but really good ones. When you have a small group you want to bring out the better stuff.
2011 Francois Chidaine Vouvray. Excellent with the mushrooms.
2001 Stoplman La Croce - blend of sangiovese & syrah. At its peak right now. The little that was left was better the next day.
2004 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino, Cerretalto - this was the screaming winner of the evening. We polished this bottle off fast.
We closed the place down. Last ones out to the relief of the staff.
CJ, Terry & I met at Franco's for a last minute dinner. It has been a couple of months since we have been here.
We made it simple, ordered the same dish. Filet Mignon but ordered finished 3 separate ways. Terry ordered rare, I had the medium rare and CJ had the well done, And they all came out of the kitchen at the same time and cooked perfectly. That is a well run kitchen.
Started out with the stuffed mushrooms and boy could you smell the garlic - they were delicious.
Only 3 wines tonight but really good ones. When you have a small group you want to bring out the better stuff.
2011 Francois Chidaine Vouvray. Excellent with the mushrooms.
2001 Stoplman La Croce - blend of sangiovese & syrah. At its peak right now. The little that was left was better the next day.
2004 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino, Cerretalto - this was the screaming winner of the evening. We polished this bottle off fast.
We closed the place down. Last ones out to the relief of the staff.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Never Get Tired of Nayada
Tuesday. July 2, 2013
Just was here at Nayada two weeks ago but back again. Food is good and the company not half bad either.
Christina does not each "seafood" of any kind. So two weeks ago along with her and no seafood and three guests that did not eat beef we had dishes that we had not ordered before. Along with "No Seafood Christina" and the doctor who is a vegetarian I expect tonight will be the same. Gives us a real good reason to break away from our favorites and be surprised with a new dish.
We started out with Vegetable Spring Rolls, Vegetable Summer Rolls and Vegetables Tempura. A dish of steamed vegetables was ordered along with a Curry dish of soft tofu, green beans and asparagus.
Maybe the Curry dish was good but I was so turned off by the color of the curry I could not bring myself to taste it. I am not a big fan of "soft" tofu and the light grey tone that the Curry took on just did not get far with me, I will usually eat just about anything but somehow that dish was "zombie like" , grey, green and cubes of white stuff.
We did have the Deep Fried Catfish with Green Apple Slaw which is always excellent along with Crying Tiger Steak.
Two non drinkers at the table so just a few wines tonight.
2011 Francois Chidaine, Touraine Val de Loire, Pinot Rose
2011 Reichsrat Von Buhl, Sauvignon Blanc ( I did like this - green apples and not very acidic)
2006 Kosta Browne, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Just was here at Nayada two weeks ago but back again. Food is good and the company not half bad either.
Christina does not each "seafood" of any kind. So two weeks ago along with her and no seafood and three guests that did not eat beef we had dishes that we had not ordered before. Along with "No Seafood Christina" and the doctor who is a vegetarian I expect tonight will be the same. Gives us a real good reason to break away from our favorites and be surprised with a new dish.
We started out with Vegetable Spring Rolls, Vegetable Summer Rolls and Vegetables Tempura. A dish of steamed vegetables was ordered along with a Curry dish of soft tofu, green beans and asparagus.
Maybe the Curry dish was good but I was so turned off by the color of the curry I could not bring myself to taste it. I am not a big fan of "soft" tofu and the light grey tone that the Curry took on just did not get far with me, I will usually eat just about anything but somehow that dish was "zombie like" , grey, green and cubes of white stuff.
We did have the Deep Fried Catfish with Green Apple Slaw which is always excellent along with Crying Tiger Steak.
Two non drinkers at the table so just a few wines tonight.
2011 Francois Chidaine, Touraine Val de Loire, Pinot Rose
2011 Reichsrat Von Buhl, Sauvignon Blanc ( I did like this - green apples and not very acidic)
2006 Kosta Browne, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Stan's Old Wine Cellar Cleaning
Sunday, June 30, 2013
A small group of us gathered at Stan & Karen's in Santa Monica today. Stan decided he needed to clear out some of his old wines because the aisles of his cellar are full and he cannot maneuver. Stan could do a cellar cleaning once a week for a year and it would not make a dent in his stash of wine..
We all brought a small dishes to share and Stan cooked some of his Chinese BBQ Pork, along with chicken and Morels in gravy.
I did not keep a list of the wines which I could kick myself for now but they were all in the 1993 to 1997 vintages. There was Kister, Peter Michaels, Saintsbury, Viader & Dalle Valle that I remember. Also a Banfi Brunello that was exceptional. Not a bad wine in the bunch and all were good.
Did not get home until after 10:00 pm. It has been a very long weekend for me and the alarm goes off at 5:30 am
A small group of us gathered at Stan & Karen's in Santa Monica today. Stan decided he needed to clear out some of his old wines because the aisles of his cellar are full and he cannot maneuver. Stan could do a cellar cleaning once a week for a year and it would not make a dent in his stash of wine..
We all brought a small dishes to share and Stan cooked some of his Chinese BBQ Pork, along with chicken and Morels in gravy.
I did not keep a list of the wines which I could kick myself for now but they were all in the 1993 to 1997 vintages. There was Kister, Peter Michaels, Saintsbury, Viader & Dalle Valle that I remember. Also a Banfi Brunello that was exceptional. Not a bad wine in the bunch and all were good.
Did not get home until after 10:00 pm. It has been a very long weekend for me and the alarm goes off at 5:30 am
Private Wine Tasting
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Wes Hagen, winemaker and vineyard manager of Clos Pepe Vineyards in the Sta Rita Hills did a private tasting of the 2011 releases at my "Casa" tonight. Wes was in town to judge at the Long Beach Grand Cru and did several private home tastings over 4 days. Mine being the smallest and the last one.
I served small plates pairings with each wine so to enhance the food and the wine.
Scallop Crudo with 2011 Homage to Chablis Chardonnay
Shrimp with Butter & Chives with the 2011 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
Pulled Pork with 2011 Axis Mundi Grenache Blend
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with 2011 Estate Pinot Noir
Lamp Chops with the 2011 Vinergon Select Pinot Noir
A table full of cheeses, mushroom terreine, pate, etc along with fresh strawberries and peanut butter cheesecake brownies rounded put the evening.
There was a 2009 Estate Pinot and BF Chardonnay opened tonight also.
Wes is a very entertaining and knowledgeable person. A former school teacher and he gives a great lesson in grape growing, terrior, wine making and taste.
Wes Hagen, winemaker and vineyard manager of Clos Pepe Vineyards in the Sta Rita Hills did a private tasting of the 2011 releases at my "Casa" tonight. Wes was in town to judge at the Long Beach Grand Cru and did several private home tastings over 4 days. Mine being the smallest and the last one.
I served small plates pairings with each wine so to enhance the food and the wine.
Scallop Crudo with 2011 Homage to Chablis Chardonnay
Shrimp with Butter & Chives with the 2011 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
Pulled Pork with 2011 Axis Mundi Grenache Blend
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with 2011 Estate Pinot Noir
Lamp Chops with the 2011 Vinergon Select Pinot Noir
A table full of cheeses, mushroom terreine, pate, etc along with fresh strawberries and peanut butter cheesecake brownies rounded put the evening.
There was a 2009 Estate Pinot and BF Chardonnay opened tonight also.
Wes is a very entertaining and knowledgeable person. A former school teacher and he gives a great lesson in grape growing, terrior, wine making and taste.
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