Saturday, March 14, 2020
Trekked over to Redondo Beach for an adult birthday party. Warren does this every year for his birthday and always has a blind wine tasting with it. Dinner was catered by Louise and Dave Solzman who were the owners of Delius Restaurant., It was really great to be able to eat some of their signatures dishes.
Dinner was scheduled for 6:00 but I arrived at 5:00 because the parking at Warrens house is a nightmare. For those early arrivals they set put an array of appetizers. Cheeses, crackers, Delius's Spicy Ahi Poke, Delius's Curried Chicken in Lettuce Cup and Lisa's, Artichoke Dip with Sourdough.
Also being poured for early arrivals was a 2014 Conte Priola, Pinot Grigo, 20913 Kim Crawford sauvignon Blanc, 2005 Jana Old Vine Riesling , 2008 Clos Pegase Chardonnay, 2008 Brander, Cuvee Natalie and a 2018 Asssyritiko. Nice selection to get everyone started.
22 people for dinner. Started out with Delius's Apple Stilton Fritters and Delius's House salad. Forgot how good these fritters are.
Next was a bowl of Delius's Mushroom Walnut Soup. One of my favorite soups when the restaurant was opened.
Delius's Double Baked Goat Cheese Souffle. This was always a winner.
For the main course we had a selection of Delius's Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, Delius's Miso Glazed Cod or Delius's Crispy Skin Duck Breast. I opted for the duck and was not disappointed.
Dessert was Sandy's Chocolate Caramel Tart, Sandy's Lemon Tart which I ate and it was so good and lemony, Lisa's Home Made Banana Split Cake or Dr. Jim's Pie. Several dessert wines and ports were served.
After having all the brown bagged wines at dinner and we scored them, The list was revealed. 12 wines and 6 were cabernets.
2008 Mariziano Abbopna Terlo Ravera, Barolo - came in last on my score sheet
2000 Indian Springs, del Sol Verano - next to last on my scoring
2016 Clos Pegase, Pinot Noir - not for me
2013 Mt. Brave, Napa, Mt. Veeder, Cabernet Sauvignon - near the top
2016 Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon - 2 listed on printout
2016 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon - number 2 for me
2012 Schweiger, Spring Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon - first on my list
2011 Darioush Caravan, Cabernet Sauvignon -
2017 Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon
2014 La Jota, Howell Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Prager, Petite Syrah
2010 Silvio Grasso, Barolo Nebbiolo.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Prime Cut Cafe
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Margie selected Prime Cut Café in Orange for her monthly wine dinner. We have been here several times before. www,primecutcafe.com. We had use of a small private dining area which made it nice for our group of 14.
Prime Cut specializes in Prime Rib and beef cuts but offers numerous other meats and fish. Good selections.
I had the petite cut of prime rib along with mushroom risotto. Even with a small cut I took half of it home.
There were 14 people in attendance and 19 wines on the table. Most I did not get to taste and a lot of them I never saw the bottle.
I brought a 2015 Stephen Ross, Jeperson Ranch, Albarino. Well balanced, not too acidic and a 2012 Grassini Family, Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. I liked this wine but what I took home the leftover it did not fare well. Two days later it was not tasting good at all. Should have had better lasting qualities. Could be that particular bottle. I have another I will try in the future and compare my notes.
2018 Buscador, Chenin Blanc. Nice wine, clean.
2016 Louis Martini, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - not impressed
2018 Fallbrook, 33* North Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste
212 Hawkes Winery, Pyramid Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon - Ok wine
2018 Prager, Aria. White Port - cloying sweet
2016 Schramsberg, Brut Rose - always a winner
2017 Williams Selyem, Chardonnay - did not taste
Year not known - Patricia Green Cellars, Ribbon Ridge, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2011 Clos Pepe VS, Pinot Noir - one of the best wines tonight
NV Lucien Albrecht, Cremant D'Alsace. Brut Rose - always a winner also
2018 Duckhorn Vineyard, Napa, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste
2014 RN Estate, Fiddlestix Vineyard, Pinot Noir - decent wine but not overly impressed
2012 Groth. Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon - I expected more from this wine - a bit disappointed
2005 Miramonte Estate, Syrah - Did not taste
2015 Denner, Mother of Exiles - did not taste
2007 Turley, Old Vines, Zinfandel - did not taste
2015 Hopland Ranches, Mendocino, Cabernet Sauvignon - not for me
Margie selected Prime Cut Café in Orange for her monthly wine dinner. We have been here several times before. www,primecutcafe.com. We had use of a small private dining area which made it nice for our group of 14.
Prime Cut specializes in Prime Rib and beef cuts but offers numerous other meats and fish. Good selections.
I had the petite cut of prime rib along with mushroom risotto. Even with a small cut I took half of it home.
There were 14 people in attendance and 19 wines on the table. Most I did not get to taste and a lot of them I never saw the bottle.
I brought a 2015 Stephen Ross, Jeperson Ranch, Albarino. Well balanced, not too acidic and a 2012 Grassini Family, Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. I liked this wine but what I took home the leftover it did not fare well. Two days later it was not tasting good at all. Should have had better lasting qualities. Could be that particular bottle. I have another I will try in the future and compare my notes.
2018 Buscador, Chenin Blanc. Nice wine, clean.
2016 Louis Martini, Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon - not impressed
2018 Fallbrook, 33* North Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste
212 Hawkes Winery, Pyramid Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon - Ok wine
2018 Prager, Aria. White Port - cloying sweet
2016 Schramsberg, Brut Rose - always a winner
2017 Williams Selyem, Chardonnay - did not taste
Year not known - Patricia Green Cellars, Ribbon Ridge, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2011 Clos Pepe VS, Pinot Noir - one of the best wines tonight
NV Lucien Albrecht, Cremant D'Alsace. Brut Rose - always a winner also
2018 Duckhorn Vineyard, Napa, Sauvignon Blanc - did not taste
2014 RN Estate, Fiddlestix Vineyard, Pinot Noir - decent wine but not overly impressed
2012 Groth. Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon - I expected more from this wine - a bit disappointed
2005 Miramonte Estate, Syrah - Did not taste
2015 Denner, Mother of Exiles - did not taste
2007 Turley, Old Vines, Zinfandel - did not taste
2015 Hopland Ranches, Mendocino, Cabernet Sauvignon - not for me
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Dinner at Lupe's de la Mar Restaurant
Wednesday, March 3, 2020
Eight of us tonight to try the newest restaurant in Long Beach. They took over the Table 301 location by the promenade. Not much done to the interior as Table 301 was new construction before is closed 6 months later. Chairs are now upholstered instead of hard metal and some cosmetic paint changes it was an improvement over the original.
The owner is from Elle's in Long Beach. Chef Witzl. Great chef. Lupe's is a high end seafood style Mexican restaurant. They make everything from scratch. Roll their own blue corn tortillas. I was impressed with the food I ordered. Not large portions and not cheap prices, more middle road but don't expect a huge platter of food for $5.95. My dinner items and drinks came to about $75 before tax and tip.
I started out with raw oysters. Had six. Paradise, Beausoliel and Mystic. Very fresh, sweet and succulent. Light, briny taste.
Next was deep fried Squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta, quiltlacoche (fungus from corn), crab and salsa verde. 3 blossoms on the plate. Very good but not overly filling so I ordered another dish.
Camote (sweet potato) with crema and bone marrow with arbol chile. Another very good dish.
Had 2 cocktails this evening, The Visionary. Bourbon, crema de cacao, amaro 14 and charred lemon. Very good.
A variety of foods and drinks were ordered. Everyone was happy with their food and drinks. And we will be coming back. Nice to have this type of restaurant in town, We have loads of really good Mexican places with great food but they have the traditional style of food. This food at Lupe's is upscale without being pretentious.
Restaurant is right next the a large parking garage with first 2 hours free, I parked on the street which is no longer free parking. The Long Beach Parking Pimps have now parking stall numbers on the spaces and there is a machine that you enter your stall number and how much time you want. Then you pay. You do get 2 hours free like the garage.
Eight of us tonight to try the newest restaurant in Long Beach. They took over the Table 301 location by the promenade. Not much done to the interior as Table 301 was new construction before is closed 6 months later. Chairs are now upholstered instead of hard metal and some cosmetic paint changes it was an improvement over the original.
The owner is from Elle's in Long Beach. Chef Witzl. Great chef. Lupe's is a high end seafood style Mexican restaurant. They make everything from scratch. Roll their own blue corn tortillas. I was impressed with the food I ordered. Not large portions and not cheap prices, more middle road but don't expect a huge platter of food for $5.95. My dinner items and drinks came to about $75 before tax and tip.
I started out with raw oysters. Had six. Paradise, Beausoliel and Mystic. Very fresh, sweet and succulent. Light, briny taste.
Next was deep fried Squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta, quiltlacoche (fungus from corn), crab and salsa verde. 3 blossoms on the plate. Very good but not overly filling so I ordered another dish.
Camote (sweet potato) with crema and bone marrow with arbol chile. Another very good dish.
Had 2 cocktails this evening, The Visionary. Bourbon, crema de cacao, amaro 14 and charred lemon. Very good.
A variety of foods and drinks were ordered. Everyone was happy with their food and drinks. And we will be coming back. Nice to have this type of restaurant in town, We have loads of really good Mexican places with great food but they have the traditional style of food. This food at Lupe's is upscale without being pretentious.
Restaurant is right next the a large parking garage with first 2 hours free, I parked on the street which is no longer free parking. The Long Beach Parking Pimps have now parking stall numbers on the spaces and there is a machine that you enter your stall number and how much time you want. Then you pay. You do get 2 hours free like the garage.
Dinner with Terry's Daughters
Saturday, February 29, 2020
This is not one of my normal postings but it was important in my life.
It has been 3-1/2 years since my friend Terry passed away. I had not seen his daughters in probably 3 years due to everyone's personal life challenges. We all got together at CJ's house for a vey informal dinner . Elizabeth, who has been cancer free for a couple of years now, Christina and her partner Will and their son Nico who will be six in April. Our friend Henry was there also. We all used to get together frequently for Dim Sum and Chinese dinners. Great to be able to get together again.
CJ made stuffed shells. I brought meatballs and Henry a great vegetable dish CJ set out 3 wines. 2007 Williams Selyem, Bacigalupi Vineyards, Zinfandel. 2011 Williams Selyem RRV, Pinot Noir and a 2009 McKeon Phillips, BPR, Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cab was in honor or Terry and Cora who turned all of us onto McKeon Phillips wines. My favorite of the evening was the Zinfandel. All were good wines.
Nico the 6 year old took a bit of time to warm up to us. After he got comfortable he honed in on me. Maybe because I am old and children seem to gravitate to older people. We are willing to sit and listen to them talk away about everything which their parents will tell them to find something to do.
Nico asked if I was his grandmother. I told him no that I was not but I could be his pretend grandmother. He seemed to be OK with that. His grandmother Cora passed away before Nico was born and Terry passed away when Nico was about 3.So the child has no memories of grandparents. Which is so sad because Terry and Cora would have been fabulous grandparents.
We all had a great time talking about the past and vowed to get together for lunch soon.
This is not one of my normal postings but it was important in my life.
It has been 3-1/2 years since my friend Terry passed away. I had not seen his daughters in probably 3 years due to everyone's personal life challenges. We all got together at CJ's house for a vey informal dinner . Elizabeth, who has been cancer free for a couple of years now, Christina and her partner Will and their son Nico who will be six in April. Our friend Henry was there also. We all used to get together frequently for Dim Sum and Chinese dinners. Great to be able to get together again.
CJ made stuffed shells. I brought meatballs and Henry a great vegetable dish CJ set out 3 wines. 2007 Williams Selyem, Bacigalupi Vineyards, Zinfandel. 2011 Williams Selyem RRV, Pinot Noir and a 2009 McKeon Phillips, BPR, Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cab was in honor or Terry and Cora who turned all of us onto McKeon Phillips wines. My favorite of the evening was the Zinfandel. All were good wines.
Nico the 6 year old took a bit of time to warm up to us. After he got comfortable he honed in on me. Maybe because I am old and children seem to gravitate to older people. We are willing to sit and listen to them talk away about everything which their parents will tell them to find something to do.
Nico asked if I was his grandmother. I told him no that I was not but I could be his pretend grandmother. He seemed to be OK with that. His grandmother Cora passed away before Nico was born and Terry passed away when Nico was about 3.So the child has no memories of grandparents. Which is so sad because Terry and Cora would have been fabulous grandparents.
We all had a great time talking about the past and vowed to get together for lunch soon.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Cusumano Wine Dinner at Michaels on Naples
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
4 of us tonight for a wine dinner at Michaels. www.michalesonnaples.com. Cusumano Wines which are from the Sicilian area of Italy. Price of dinner was $100, in the past it has been from $125 to $140. Things must be slow in the restaurant business right now. I have noticed a lot of closures lately. Competition is tough.
Arrived 30 minutes early so sat at the bar and had a Manhattan. Talked with a man next to me for a bit. Turned out he was a wine rep and got his card. He is doing a dinner at the restaurant in the Porsche Center in Carson. (racetrack where you can rent a Porsche to run the course) I drive by the facility numerous times but never knew they had a restaurant. In April there will be a high end wine dinner. Plan on checking it out and hope to attend.
Three distributor reps and the winery rep Diego Cusumano were in attendance tonight. Knew all the distributors from other venues.
We started out with a "Ricciola Sicilian", amberjack crudo, blood orange, EVO. Fish was delicate and delightful. The citrus was a nice contrast. Paired with a 2017 Alta Mora, Etna Bianco (Caricante grape) New grape for me so that makes 551 tasted in my quest.
"Antipasto" consisted of pan seared squid, fennel pollen and carmelized fennel. Not a fan of fennel but it was used with a very light touch. Wine was a 2016 Grillo, Shamaris. Grillo is the grape. A white wine. A good pairing.
"Primo" course is "Mafaldine", house made wide pasts, ahi tuna, San Marzano tomatoes and capers. Great flavor but wished for a light touch of cheese to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. But this is how they serve it in Sicily. Paired with two wines. 2014 Alta Mora, Nerello Mascalese, Etna Rosso, Guardiloa and a 2014 Alta Mora, Nerello Mascalese, Etna Rosso, Feudo di Mezzo. Both wines were good but I did prefer the second one more.
"Secondi" is next with a very thinly sliced egglant rolled with braised pork, pine nuts raisins and finely diced bell peppers. Very tasty dish even if is eggplant. Paired with a 2015 Noa, a super Scilian Nerello Mascalese. Big wine but very good with the food.\
"Agnello". is the last dish. Grilled lamb loin, roasted potatoes an olive tapenade. Lamb was tender and had good flavor. I liked the touch of tapenade. Had just the right touch of saltiness.
"Per Finire" Dolcetti Della Casa, is the dessert course, A small almond cake and a mini cannolli.
Good dinner but I can see where they cut back on certain foods to be able to offer it at $100. Which I am OK with that. Food was good. I do not need numerous dishes of heavy proteins.. I very rarely finish all the courses and the majority of the time I have leftovers to take home. This suits me better.
4 of us tonight for a wine dinner at Michaels. www.michalesonnaples.com. Cusumano Wines which are from the Sicilian area of Italy. Price of dinner was $100, in the past it has been from $125 to $140. Things must be slow in the restaurant business right now. I have noticed a lot of closures lately. Competition is tough.
Arrived 30 minutes early so sat at the bar and had a Manhattan. Talked with a man next to me for a bit. Turned out he was a wine rep and got his card. He is doing a dinner at the restaurant in the Porsche Center in Carson. (racetrack where you can rent a Porsche to run the course) I drive by the facility numerous times but never knew they had a restaurant. In April there will be a high end wine dinner. Plan on checking it out and hope to attend.
Three distributor reps and the winery rep Diego Cusumano were in attendance tonight. Knew all the distributors from other venues.
We started out with a "Ricciola Sicilian", amberjack crudo, blood orange, EVO. Fish was delicate and delightful. The citrus was a nice contrast. Paired with a 2017 Alta Mora, Etna Bianco (Caricante grape) New grape for me so that makes 551 tasted in my quest.
"Antipasto" consisted of pan seared squid, fennel pollen and carmelized fennel. Not a fan of fennel but it was used with a very light touch. Wine was a 2016 Grillo, Shamaris. Grillo is the grape. A white wine. A good pairing.
"Primo" course is "Mafaldine", house made wide pasts, ahi tuna, San Marzano tomatoes and capers. Great flavor but wished for a light touch of cheese to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. But this is how they serve it in Sicily. Paired with two wines. 2014 Alta Mora, Nerello Mascalese, Etna Rosso, Guardiloa and a 2014 Alta Mora, Nerello Mascalese, Etna Rosso, Feudo di Mezzo. Both wines were good but I did prefer the second one more.
"Secondi" is next with a very thinly sliced egglant rolled with braised pork, pine nuts raisins and finely diced bell peppers. Very tasty dish even if is eggplant. Paired with a 2015 Noa, a super Scilian Nerello Mascalese. Big wine but very good with the food.\
"Agnello". is the last dish. Grilled lamb loin, roasted potatoes an olive tapenade. Lamb was tender and had good flavor. I liked the touch of tapenade. Had just the right touch of saltiness.
"Per Finire" Dolcetti Della Casa, is the dessert course, A small almond cake and a mini cannolli.
Good dinner but I can see where they cut back on certain foods to be able to offer it at $100. Which I am OK with that. Food was good. I do not need numerous dishes of heavy proteins.. I very rarely finish all the courses and the majority of the time I have leftovers to take home. This suits me better.
Dinner at Kelly's & Dimitry's
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Eight of us gathered around the table tonight for a "Rack of Lamb" dinner. Kelly has been practicing cooking lamb. A few stumbles along the way but she finally got it down pat. Lots of appetizers and sides. Everyone really enjoyed the night. Kelly brought out a beautiful fruit tart from Katella Bakery with a candle on it. It was for my recent birthday. Nice touch.
Loads of wines, most of which I did not taste.Had eye surgery 2 days ago and still nit up to par. Eye was really bothering me. But did had a pour of each champagne.
2008 Pol Roger Champagne
NV Palmer and ; Co, Brut Reserve, Champagne
NV Nicholas Feuillette Champagne
2010 Chateau Vieux, Gadet, Medoc
2011 Les Beaux, Monts Premier Cru, Vosne-Romanee
2003 Dry Creek Vineyards, Somers Ranch, Zinfandel
2011 Williams Selyem, Coastlands Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2008 Lillian, Dundee, Oregon, California Syrah
2009 Saxum, Broken Stones, Blend
2014 North Star, Merlot
2015 Ken Brown, Ritas Crown, Pinot Noir
2017 Golden Eye, Pinot Noir Rose
2009 Williams Selyem, Forchini Vineyards, South Knoll, Zinfandel
Eight of us gathered around the table tonight for a "Rack of Lamb" dinner. Kelly has been practicing cooking lamb. A few stumbles along the way but she finally got it down pat. Lots of appetizers and sides. Everyone really enjoyed the night. Kelly brought out a beautiful fruit tart from Katella Bakery with a candle on it. It was for my recent birthday. Nice touch.
Loads of wines, most of which I did not taste.Had eye surgery 2 days ago and still nit up to par. Eye was really bothering me. But did had a pour of each champagne.
2008 Pol Roger Champagne
NV Palmer and ; Co, Brut Reserve, Champagne
NV Nicholas Feuillette Champagne
2010 Chateau Vieux, Gadet, Medoc
2011 Les Beaux, Monts Premier Cru, Vosne-Romanee
2003 Dry Creek Vineyards, Somers Ranch, Zinfandel
2011 Williams Selyem, Coastlands Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2008 Lillian, Dundee, Oregon, California Syrah
2009 Saxum, Broken Stones, Blend
2014 North Star, Merlot
2015 Ken Brown, Ritas Crown, Pinot Noir
2017 Golden Eye, Pinot Noir Rose
2009 Williams Selyem, Forchini Vineyards, South Knoll, Zinfandel
Monday, February 3, 2020
Dinner at the Red Table
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Margie's second monthly dinner for 2020. Red Table in Huntington Beach. www.redtablerestaurants.com. They have a "RED" table that comfortably seats 10. The restaurant says 12 and that is tight. We have 14 people tonight and that made a very crowded table. 14 people, several dozen wine glasses and 16 wines . In spite all this the service was great. Our waitress really kept things moving.
CJ and I decided ahead of time to share appetizers instead of ordering dinner. But unfortunately we were seated across the table from one another instead of being by a side. So when the dishes came out we had to pass them back and forth trying to be careful and not break any glasses or knock over a bottle of wine. A big faux pas. Also those dishes were heavy. I feel lucky we didn't have an accident.
The couple seated on the end between us offered to trade one of their seats so CJ and I could sit next to each other but by then the wines glasses were out, wine was poured and food was served. Difficult changeover so we declined. Wish I had asked when they first got to the table.
Portions are very large here. Food is very good. We ordered Roasted beets with feta and walnuts.
Then the quad of french fries. Red Table makes 4 different fries and have 4 sauces. Regular fries with hose made ketchup, sweet potato fries with bacon, chive aioli, , Bollywood fries with madras curry dust and garlic fries with blue cheese crumbles. After these dishes I was staring to expand.
Next was crab cakes (4 oz) each and Bacon Truffle mac n' cheese with mozzarella, parmesan and prosciutto. All were good. But this was my swan song. Doggie bags.
Margie made a batch of her very decadent brownies in celebration of my birthday in a few days. This was a nice surprise.
Wines were a real mix which usually happens at these dinners. I brought a 2010 Kosta Browne, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir. . The second best wine tonight. The best wine was a 2009 Williams Seylem, Olivet Lane, RR, Pinot Noir.
2014 Tobin James, Arroyo Grand Valley. Paso Robles, Pinot Noir - did not taste.
2017 Croad, Paso Robles, Viognier - did not taste
2017 Enroute, RRV, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2015 Chronic Cellars, Paso Robles, Paradise Proprietary red - did not taste
NV Piper Heidsieck Champagne - never wrong
2016 Grgich Hills Estate, Fume Blanc - did not taste
2014, Cabernet Franc Reserve - big wine, bold flavors - I liked it
2013 Halter Ranch, Paso Robles, CDP Red blend - OK
2017 Vina Ponte, Cabaleiros, Albarino - did not taste
2014 Lando, Sonoma, Pinot Noir - very good.
NV Kirkland, French Brute Champagne - a bargain for the price
Sierra Foothills, Coppermine, Miners Nightcap - very sweet - needed cheese
2016 Rideau, Enchevetre, white bland - did not taste
2016 Miro, Ponzo Vineyard, Red wine reserve - did not taste
Margie's second monthly dinner for 2020. Red Table in Huntington Beach. www.redtablerestaurants.com. They have a "RED" table that comfortably seats 10. The restaurant says 12 and that is tight. We have 14 people tonight and that made a very crowded table. 14 people, several dozen wine glasses and 16 wines . In spite all this the service was great. Our waitress really kept things moving.
CJ and I decided ahead of time to share appetizers instead of ordering dinner. But unfortunately we were seated across the table from one another instead of being by a side. So when the dishes came out we had to pass them back and forth trying to be careful and not break any glasses or knock over a bottle of wine. A big faux pas. Also those dishes were heavy. I feel lucky we didn't have an accident.
The couple seated on the end between us offered to trade one of their seats so CJ and I could sit next to each other but by then the wines glasses were out, wine was poured and food was served. Difficult changeover so we declined. Wish I had asked when they first got to the table.
Portions are very large here. Food is very good. We ordered Roasted beets with feta and walnuts.
Then the quad of french fries. Red Table makes 4 different fries and have 4 sauces. Regular fries with hose made ketchup, sweet potato fries with bacon, chive aioli, , Bollywood fries with madras curry dust and garlic fries with blue cheese crumbles. After these dishes I was staring to expand.
Next was crab cakes (4 oz) each and Bacon Truffle mac n' cheese with mozzarella, parmesan and prosciutto. All were good. But this was my swan song. Doggie bags.
Margie made a batch of her very decadent brownies in celebration of my birthday in a few days. This was a nice surprise.
Wines were a real mix which usually happens at these dinners. I brought a 2010 Kosta Browne, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir. . The second best wine tonight. The best wine was a 2009 Williams Seylem, Olivet Lane, RR, Pinot Noir.
2014 Tobin James, Arroyo Grand Valley. Paso Robles, Pinot Noir - did not taste.
2017 Croad, Paso Robles, Viognier - did not taste
2017 Enroute, RRV, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2015 Chronic Cellars, Paso Robles, Paradise Proprietary red - did not taste
NV Piper Heidsieck Champagne - never wrong
2016 Grgich Hills Estate, Fume Blanc - did not taste
2014, Cabernet Franc Reserve - big wine, bold flavors - I liked it
2013 Halter Ranch, Paso Robles, CDP Red blend - OK
2017 Vina Ponte, Cabaleiros, Albarino - did not taste
2014 Lando, Sonoma, Pinot Noir - very good.
NV Kirkland, French Brute Champagne - a bargain for the price
Sierra Foothills, Coppermine, Miners Nightcap - very sweet - needed cheese
2016 Rideau, Enchevetre, white bland - did not taste
2016 Miro, Ponzo Vineyard, Red wine reserve - did not taste
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