Thursday, January 9, 2014
Black Trumpet is a very small "bistro" in a strip mall in Huntington Beach, www.theblacktrumpetbistro.com, The owner also has Capone's and Mona Lisa in the same city. I believe they are all located on Beach Blvd.. I arrived at 6:15 which was good because in 10 minutes the place was packed. An eat/ bar that overlooks the cook area seats about 12. Then there are about 12 tables in the entire place.
They specialize in "Tapas" (small plates). But they do have dinners and they are named after Jazz people, eg: Satchmo, Coltrane, Miles, Billie etc.,
One person in our group ordered a dinner plate and the rest of us had the small plates. We were given a plate of fresh pita bread (tasted freshly made) with a dipping sauce of olive oil, feta cheese, garlic, green olives and red pepper flakes. Really good.
An order of 3 Bruschetta, Kalamata Tapenade, Caponata & Cannelini. All very good - served on soft bread instead of toasted,. Followed by Stuffed Mushrooms - stuffing was good but the sauce that they were sitting in was outstanding. We took the pita bread and sopped it up.
An order of veal meatballs, Very light with a good marinara sauce. Two large meatballs on the dish, these are Tapas not full plates.
One person ordered the Pear, Spinach, Cucumber, Feta Cheese, Gorgonzola salad. I did not taste it but they raved about it.
A plate of baked Brie was set down - best baked brie I have ever had - in a puff pastry.
Last dish was a Spicy Garlic Shrimp - very fresh shrimp, loads of garlic with a hint of red pepper flakes. The last of the pita bread went to sop up the sauce.
We did split a dessert of Dolce Leche which was encrusted with toasted coconut.
A large wine list with a good variety from different countries. About one quarter of the selection could be had by the glass. As I was with non-drinkers, instead of bringing a bottle I opted just to order from the list. Had two glasses of a Spanish Albarino which was good and only $6 a glass.
The corkage is $12 so I probably would have been ahead to bring a bottle and take the balance home, which I will do next time.
This is a place I will be going back to soon.There are a lot of Tapas I want to try and since everything we had was good I suspect everything else will be also.
The restaurant itself is small and a little noisy. A younger crowd. Not too many people over 50 in there, Not good for a large group. I would say a max of 6 to 8 people at the most for one of the larger tables. 6 would be ideal, 8 would be cramped. And not a good place for children.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Saturday, January 4, 2014
New Years Eve in the Harbor
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Celebrated New Years Eve at Donna's. The houses in the Harbor were still decorated for the holidays and parades. The lights reflected in the water and makes for a very picturesque scene.
10 for dinner tonight. Traditional Mexican food. Tamales, Enchiladas, and a wonderful Chili Rellano casserole made by Sam. Lots of nibblies to along with it. Donna made Margaritas from scratch. So much more flavor than the bottled mixes.
A couple of bottles of Champagne were opened. I brought a bottle of 2009 Meeker Four Kings, a blend of Cab, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Petite Syrah. This was showing nicely. I had opened an older bottle a few months ago and was a little disappointed in it. Apparently this wine needs to be drunk a little on the young side.
7 of us stayed and played cards, three rounds of LRC and then 3 of us hung on and played "Golf" which is 9 rounds, hence the name.
Left before midnight and it was pea soup fog. Glad I lived close and knew my way because you could only see about 20 feet in front of you. The lights still looked great in the fog.
Home before midnight and asleep when the noise started. Fortunately it didn't last long
Celebrated New Years Eve at Donna's. The houses in the Harbor were still decorated for the holidays and parades. The lights reflected in the water and makes for a very picturesque scene.
10 for dinner tonight. Traditional Mexican food. Tamales, Enchiladas, and a wonderful Chili Rellano casserole made by Sam. Lots of nibblies to along with it. Donna made Margaritas from scratch. So much more flavor than the bottled mixes.
A couple of bottles of Champagne were opened. I brought a bottle of 2009 Meeker Four Kings, a blend of Cab, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Petite Syrah. This was showing nicely. I had opened an older bottle a few months ago and was a little disappointed in it. Apparently this wine needs to be drunk a little on the young side.
7 of us stayed and played cards, three rounds of LRC and then 3 of us hung on and played "Golf" which is 9 rounds, hence the name.
Left before midnight and it was pea soup fog. Glad I lived close and knew my way because you could only see about 20 feet in front of you. The lights still looked great in the fog.
Home before midnight and asleep when the noise started. Fortunately it didn't last long
Cellar Room Dinner at Delius
Thursday, December 19, 2013
6 of us dined tonight in the Cellar Room at Delius in Signal Hill. "Deliusrestaurant.com, ". Room holds 6 people and has a window into the kitchen to watch your meal being prepared. This is a 10 course dinner for $95 plus whatever wine you select to have with your meal.
Since I dine at Delius frequently, I let the others pick the wines for dinner.
This was the first time I had the chef come in and ask for food preferences. Margie was happy since she is the picky one. But there was only one dish they had to do a substitution on which worked out well.
We started out with a plate of cheeses, pate, meats, pickles, bread, etc. That could have been my dinner. Cindy picked a Vionat Albarino to pair with the first dishes. We ended up ordering 2 bottles of this wine. It did pair well with all 3 dishes.
Second course was Goat Cheese Souffle. This was excellent.
Third course was Scallop with Beluga Lentils, Spanish Chiorizo and Fennel. Scallops are cooked perfectly and this dish had lots of flavors going on with it. Margie got a ball of Buffalo Mozzarella as a substitution.
Next it was time for Paul & Margie to pick the wine for the next few dishes. After what it seemed like numerous selection were out of stock (Dave was expecting 70 case delivery the next day, but that did not help us now), we tasted a few wines and turned them down. We all have good cellars so it is hard to pick and drink a mediocre wine. Ended up with a 2007 Christom Sommers Pinot Noir.
Fourth dish was Pork Cheeks with Apples and Fennel. Meat was very tender and had good flavor.
Fifth course - Risotto with Farro and Farm Vegetables, Everyone agreed this dish was outstanding.
Now it was time for Jan & Bob's wine selection, This went much better than the Pinot selection. A Cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon from Oak Knoll AVA in Napa was selected. Nice wine.
Sixth course was a Crispy Skinned Duck Breast with Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Again a very good dish with loads of flavor.
Seventh course was the palate cleanser - House made Raspberry Sorbet.
Eight course - Beef Filet encrusted with Peppercorns on a bed of Cauliflower Puree with White Truffle, Roasted Brussel Sprouts and a Peppercorn demi glaze.
Ninth course was a cheese plate with a very good selection.
Tenth course was dessert - a Flourless Chocolate Cake with House made Vanilla Ice Cream.
By time you get two thirds through the dinner you are stuffed. Portions are small but rich
Again another really good dinner at Delius. They do not rush you which makes the dining experience nice. We were the last ones out the door.
6 of us dined tonight in the Cellar Room at Delius in Signal Hill. "Deliusrestaurant.com, ". Room holds 6 people and has a window into the kitchen to watch your meal being prepared. This is a 10 course dinner for $95 plus whatever wine you select to have with your meal.
Since I dine at Delius frequently, I let the others pick the wines for dinner.
This was the first time I had the chef come in and ask for food preferences. Margie was happy since she is the picky one. But there was only one dish they had to do a substitution on which worked out well.
We started out with a plate of cheeses, pate, meats, pickles, bread, etc. That could have been my dinner. Cindy picked a Vionat Albarino to pair with the first dishes. We ended up ordering 2 bottles of this wine. It did pair well with all 3 dishes.
Second course was Goat Cheese Souffle. This was excellent.
Third course was Scallop with Beluga Lentils, Spanish Chiorizo and Fennel. Scallops are cooked perfectly and this dish had lots of flavors going on with it. Margie got a ball of Buffalo Mozzarella as a substitution.
Next it was time for Paul & Margie to pick the wine for the next few dishes. After what it seemed like numerous selection were out of stock (Dave was expecting 70 case delivery the next day, but that did not help us now), we tasted a few wines and turned them down. We all have good cellars so it is hard to pick and drink a mediocre wine. Ended up with a 2007 Christom Sommers Pinot Noir.
Fourth dish was Pork Cheeks with Apples and Fennel. Meat was very tender and had good flavor.
Fifth course - Risotto with Farro and Farm Vegetables, Everyone agreed this dish was outstanding.
Now it was time for Jan & Bob's wine selection, This went much better than the Pinot selection. A Cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon from Oak Knoll AVA in Napa was selected. Nice wine.
Sixth course was a Crispy Skinned Duck Breast with Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Again a very good dish with loads of flavor.
Seventh course was the palate cleanser - House made Raspberry Sorbet.
Eight course - Beef Filet encrusted with Peppercorns on a bed of Cauliflower Puree with White Truffle, Roasted Brussel Sprouts and a Peppercorn demi glaze.
Ninth course was a cheese plate with a very good selection.
Tenth course was dessert - a Flourless Chocolate Cake with House made Vanilla Ice Cream.
By time you get two thirds through the dinner you are stuffed. Portions are small but rich
Again another really good dinner at Delius. They do not rush you which makes the dining experience nice. We were the last ones out the door.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Pinot Provence
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Paul & Margie invited the group up to their suite at the Westin Hotel at South Coast Plaza for appetizers and drinks before dinner this evening at Pinot Provence. They were on the 16th floor.
They put out quite the spread with meats, cheeses, great popcorn. cookies etc. and a tray delivered from room service with some of the best pot stickers I have had. Red, white and bubbly was poured. The view was beautiful and when I got there it was just the beginning of sunset. Had to really watch the eating as we had dinner coming up in an hour.
At the designated time to went back down to the lobby and headed for the restaurant in the hotel. 19 of us tonight. The restaurant was busy. We had great service and I sure hope everyone tipped well.
I ordered an appetizer of wild mushrooms and tempura frog legs. Served on a flat piece of slate. Flavor was wonderful. Six small frog legs which I am sure they are farm raised and they were very tender. I saw a few bowls of french onion soup and it looked really good also.
My dinner choice was the short rib and I will say that is the most tender short rib I have ever had. A great sauce and sitting on a bed of polenta.. Had raspberry & chocolate gelato for dessert. Always room for ice cream.
Margie passed around two boxes of See's chocolates and everyone got a party favor from her. I will say she really outdid herself. to make for a very festive evening
We had a gift exchange of bottles of wine. The restaurant had 2 bottles of a Spanish Tempranillo on the table which was a nice gesture on their part.
2007 Ancient Peaks, Petite Syrah, Paso Robles
NV Charles Mitchell Port, Fairplay
2007 McKeon-Phillips BPR< Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 Triumpf, Pinot Noir, Serbia
2011 Domaine Chenvivres, Chablis
2008 Sojurn, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
2010 De Ponte Cellars, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon
2011 Orin Swift Abstract
2010 Lemelson, Jerome Reserve, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
2011 Dumol, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
2012 Old Vines, Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
2011 Halter Ranch, Synthesis, Paso Robles
2011 Halter Ranch, Ancestor, Paso Robles
2007 Arcadian, Chardonnay
2011 Chateau Gawaud, Lolande de Pomerol
2011 Arcadian, Pinot Noir
2004 Chateau Lynch Bages, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac Grand Vin
2008 Martinelli, Charles Ranch, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
Paul & Margie invited the group up to their suite at the Westin Hotel at South Coast Plaza for appetizers and drinks before dinner this evening at Pinot Provence. They were on the 16th floor.
They put out quite the spread with meats, cheeses, great popcorn. cookies etc. and a tray delivered from room service with some of the best pot stickers I have had. Red, white and bubbly was poured. The view was beautiful and when I got there it was just the beginning of sunset. Had to really watch the eating as we had dinner coming up in an hour.
At the designated time to went back down to the lobby and headed for the restaurant in the hotel. 19 of us tonight. The restaurant was busy. We had great service and I sure hope everyone tipped well.
I ordered an appetizer of wild mushrooms and tempura frog legs. Served on a flat piece of slate. Flavor was wonderful. Six small frog legs which I am sure they are farm raised and they were very tender. I saw a few bowls of french onion soup and it looked really good also.
My dinner choice was the short rib and I will say that is the most tender short rib I have ever had. A great sauce and sitting on a bed of polenta.. Had raspberry & chocolate gelato for dessert. Always room for ice cream.
Margie passed around two boxes of See's chocolates and everyone got a party favor from her. I will say she really outdid herself. to make for a very festive evening
We had a gift exchange of bottles of wine. The restaurant had 2 bottles of a Spanish Tempranillo on the table which was a nice gesture on their part.
2007 Ancient Peaks, Petite Syrah, Paso Robles
NV Charles Mitchell Port, Fairplay
2007 McKeon-Phillips BPR< Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 Triumpf, Pinot Noir, Serbia
2011 Domaine Chenvivres, Chablis
2008 Sojurn, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
2010 De Ponte Cellars, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon
2011 Orin Swift Abstract
2010 Lemelson, Jerome Reserve, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
2011 Dumol, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
2012 Old Vines, Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
2011 Halter Ranch, Synthesis, Paso Robles
2011 Halter Ranch, Ancestor, Paso Robles
2007 Arcadian, Chardonnay
2011 Chateau Gawaud, Lolande de Pomerol
2011 Arcadian, Pinot Noir
2004 Chateau Lynch Bages, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac Grand Vin
2008 Martinelli, Charles Ranch, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
Sunday. December 8, 2013
Invited to Donna's for a small gathering to watch the annual boat parade. This year it seems that the amount of boast decorated was much smaller than last year. Weather was cold but not windy like last night. She had the fire pit going and the patio heaters turned up. Donna made a great pot of chili and it really hit the spot on this cold night.
All the houses in the harbour are decorated and it was quite festive. Apparently the association really gets on people who do not decorate, Some of the houses were decked out heavy the lights and decorations. Must be a lot of work.. Donna's place is on a corner of the main channel so you get to see the boats 4 times as they make their circuit of the harbour.
Can't list the wines that were brought - I brought a 2009 Clos Pepe Sparkling Pinot Noir. The rest of the wines I wouldn't cook with. Granted this was not the wine crowd but you would think that if you were invited for dinner that you could pop for more that $5 for a bottle. And these are all people that have lot more money than I do.
Invited to Donna's for a small gathering to watch the annual boat parade. This year it seems that the amount of boast decorated was much smaller than last year. Weather was cold but not windy like last night. She had the fire pit going and the patio heaters turned up. Donna made a great pot of chili and it really hit the spot on this cold night.
All the houses in the harbour are decorated and it was quite festive. Apparently the association really gets on people who do not decorate, Some of the houses were decked out heavy the lights and decorations. Must be a lot of work.. Donna's place is on a corner of the main channel so you get to see the boats 4 times as they make their circuit of the harbour.
Can't list the wines that were brought - I brought a 2009 Clos Pepe Sparkling Pinot Noir. The rest of the wines I wouldn't cook with. Granted this was not the wine crowd but you would think that if you were invited for dinner that you could pop for more that $5 for a bottle. And these are all people that have lot more money than I do.
Dim Sum at Seafood Palace
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Henry called at the last minute and wanted to get together for Dim Sum. So Terry & I joined him. The Seafood Palace is much busier on weekends for Dim Sum than during the week. Also the dishes cost $2.38 each instead of $2.00. No matter it is still a huge bargain compared to other food places.
Started out with Lotus Leaf wrapped rice ball. Rice, mushrooms, Chinese sausage. Had a sweet taste to the rice. You do not eat the lotus leaf. It is strictly a wrap.
Next was the shrimp in the soft noodle wrap we had last time. Still good, still slippery and hard to eat. Also had the shrimp rolled in seaweed again.
New dish - scallop dumplings, very good and also had a repeat on the ribs, and sweet & sour soup.
Topped it off the beef with snow peas and carrots.
7 dishes for 3 people and the bill with tax & tip came to $11 each.
Wines were all excellent. 2002 & 2006 McKeon Phillips BPR Cabernet and I brought a 2004 Bouchard Pere Fils Gervey Chambertain. At its peak and I don't think it would improve any more.
This was nice break from all the hustle of trying to get things ready for the holidays.
Henry called at the last minute and wanted to get together for Dim Sum. So Terry & I joined him. The Seafood Palace is much busier on weekends for Dim Sum than during the week. Also the dishes cost $2.38 each instead of $2.00. No matter it is still a huge bargain compared to other food places.
Started out with Lotus Leaf wrapped rice ball. Rice, mushrooms, Chinese sausage. Had a sweet taste to the rice. You do not eat the lotus leaf. It is strictly a wrap.
Next was the shrimp in the soft noodle wrap we had last time. Still good, still slippery and hard to eat. Also had the shrimp rolled in seaweed again.
New dish - scallop dumplings, very good and also had a repeat on the ribs, and sweet & sour soup.
Topped it off the beef with snow peas and carrots.
7 dishes for 3 people and the bill with tax & tip came to $11 each.
Wines were all excellent. 2002 & 2006 McKeon Phillips BPR Cabernet and I brought a 2004 Bouchard Pere Fils Gervey Chambertain. At its peak and I don't think it would improve any more.
This was nice break from all the hustle of trying to get things ready for the holidays.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Dim Sum
Friday, November 29, 2013
The boys and I met for Dim Sum lunch today at the Seafood Palace. This was the first time I could join them for lunch as I still work full time and they are all retired so one day is just like another to them. Since it was Thanksgiving week I had 4 days off which is almost like a vacation.
After I was there for a few minutes I asked Henry where CJ was. The look on Henry's face was priceless. He had forgotten to call CJ and let him know we were doing lunch that day. It was funny. As it was CJ had another commitment.
We started out with a shrimp wrapped in a wonton type noodle/wrapper. It was sitting in a sauce which made it very slippery. It was hard to eat with a fork much less chopsticks. Even Henry who is Chinese was having problems. Flavor was good.
Next we were served a hot/sour soup. We have had this particular soup with dinner before and it is aways a hit with us.
Scallops with Snow Peas and carrots. Scallops seemed to be extra tender for some reason.
Then some little rolls about 4 inches long appeared - a mixture of ground shrimp, ground pork and ground fish rolled in Seaweed and fried. Excellent flavor.
Steamed spare ribs with black beans. Again very good flavor.
Steamed Pork ball with fish. Very tender.
White fish, chefs style with jalapenos and onions. Another good and flavorful dish
BBQ pork buns - a staple at Dim Sum's.
Mongolian Beef with Chinese Broccoli
Beef Tendon in a sauce - I always like beef tendon - if cooked properly it is very tender and depending on the sauce it should have a lot of flavor which this dish did.
Squid with Chinese Broccoli - good but I do like the salt & pepper calamari better
Steamed Tripe was our last dish. Very tender. Tripe has really no flavor of its own. Just takes on the flavor of what it is cooked in.
The nice thing about Dim Sums' is the array of dishes you can eat. All portions are small and when you have 5 people is a good way to try a wide variety of specialties of the restaurant. So 12 dishes for 5 people today.
We nailed in in the wine department today. The Christmas Spirit is starting to get to everyone. Even the Seafood Palace had their decorations up.
NV Nicholas Feuillatte Brut Rose Champagne
2008 McKeon-Phillips Petit Verdot
2009 Chateau Gigognan, Chateauneuf du Pape
2008 J.Davis, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Chateau Les Grand, Marechaux, Bordeaux
2008 Saxum, James Berry Vineyard, Syrah blend
The boys and I met for Dim Sum lunch today at the Seafood Palace. This was the first time I could join them for lunch as I still work full time and they are all retired so one day is just like another to them. Since it was Thanksgiving week I had 4 days off which is almost like a vacation.
After I was there for a few minutes I asked Henry where CJ was. The look on Henry's face was priceless. He had forgotten to call CJ and let him know we were doing lunch that day. It was funny. As it was CJ had another commitment.
We started out with a shrimp wrapped in a wonton type noodle/wrapper. It was sitting in a sauce which made it very slippery. It was hard to eat with a fork much less chopsticks. Even Henry who is Chinese was having problems. Flavor was good.
Next we were served a hot/sour soup. We have had this particular soup with dinner before and it is aways a hit with us.
Scallops with Snow Peas and carrots. Scallops seemed to be extra tender for some reason.
Then some little rolls about 4 inches long appeared - a mixture of ground shrimp, ground pork and ground fish rolled in Seaweed and fried. Excellent flavor.
Steamed spare ribs with black beans. Again very good flavor.
Steamed Pork ball with fish. Very tender.
White fish, chefs style with jalapenos and onions. Another good and flavorful dish
BBQ pork buns - a staple at Dim Sum's.
Mongolian Beef with Chinese Broccoli
Beef Tendon in a sauce - I always like beef tendon - if cooked properly it is very tender and depending on the sauce it should have a lot of flavor which this dish did.
Squid with Chinese Broccoli - good but I do like the salt & pepper calamari better
Steamed Tripe was our last dish. Very tender. Tripe has really no flavor of its own. Just takes on the flavor of what it is cooked in.
The nice thing about Dim Sums' is the array of dishes you can eat. All portions are small and when you have 5 people is a good way to try a wide variety of specialties of the restaurant. So 12 dishes for 5 people today.
We nailed in in the wine department today. The Christmas Spirit is starting to get to everyone. Even the Seafood Palace had their decorations up.
NV Nicholas Feuillatte Brut Rose Champagne
2008 McKeon-Phillips Petit Verdot
2009 Chateau Gigognan, Chateauneuf du Pape
2008 J.Davis, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Chateau Les Grand, Marechaux, Bordeaux
2008 Saxum, James Berry Vineyard, Syrah blend
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