Saturday, July 19, 2008
This is about the 5th year I have attended this fundraiser event for the LA Free Clinic. It is held at the 20th Century Studios complex.
We arrived just before 6 pm so we did not have to wait too long for the gates to open. There are numerous restaurants and food vendors in attendance. I always have a tendency to overeat at these types of events and tonight was no exception. I did watch by alcohol consumption as I was the driver.
A few of the most memorable food dishes I had were the "Macadamian Shrimp" from the 20th Century Studios commissary, the beautiful raw oysters from the Palm restaurant, the gourmet wild mushroom tamale from Corn Maiden Foods, the tuna and salmon hand rolls from Hokusai and the fabulous chocolate ice cream from Dr. Bob's.
The higher end wineries were pouring their lower end wines so I did have several of the bubblies, a glass of Seghesio Zin, a glass of Loring Russell Vineyard Pinot and a glass of Domaine Alfred's "Da Red". Alize was there making concoctions. I had one not to sure what it was but is was real tasty. While I was standing in line for the hand rolls, Asahi beer had a booth right next to the hand roll booth which worked out really well. Beer and sushi.
And no these were not full glass of wine. They were pouring about 2 ounces. All the alcohol served at these functions is poured in moderation. Of course you can over consume if you drink everything available. We did see an acquaintance of ours that looked like he started early in the day and was finishing the night up with a bang. But he did have a designated driver.
So it was another fun evening of food & wine and for a good cause. Tax deductions are really nice.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Hill Family Estate Wine Dinner
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Delius restaurant hosted a wine dinner this evening, www.deliusrestaurant.com . I was not familiar with this winery, but after tasting what they opened with dinner tonight I have become a fan.
Appetizer was "Foie Gras Torchon, Pineapple Compote on Brioche Toast" served with a 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. A beautiful pairing. Just perfect.
The soup was a "Watercress-Apple with Sweet Potato Chips. Excellent soup. Served with a 2006 Carly's Cuvee Chardonnay. This was the type of Chardonnay that I really like. Just a "nano" touch of oak.
First course was "Pork Sous Vide with Caramelized Salisfy, Fava Beans and Roasted Pork Jus. Another great combination served with a 2005 Pinot Noir. We all agreed that this was an excellent wine. For those who are unfamiliar with the term "Sous Vide" - the meat, fish, chicken etc., is placed in a heavy plastic bag with seasonings and placed in a water bath with a constant temperature for many hours. The pork was one of the most tender and moist piece of meat I have had.
Next up was the main course, "Roasted Rack of Lamb with Beluga Lentils, Chipolini Onions and a Dried Cherry Demi-Glace. Louise is a master with lamb and this dish was no exception. Two wines were served with this dish, a 2005 Barrel Blend (Merlot, Cabernet & Syrah) and a 2004 Merlot. Again a great combination.
Dessert was "Strawberry Basil Panna Cotta with Pecan Crisps.
Another great dinner at Delius with some excellent wines.
Delius restaurant hosted a wine dinner this evening, www.deliusrestaurant.com . I was not familiar with this winery, but after tasting what they opened with dinner tonight I have become a fan.
Appetizer was "Foie Gras Torchon, Pineapple Compote on Brioche Toast" served with a 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. A beautiful pairing. Just perfect.
The soup was a "Watercress-Apple with Sweet Potato Chips. Excellent soup. Served with a 2006 Carly's Cuvee Chardonnay. This was the type of Chardonnay that I really like. Just a "nano" touch of oak.
First course was "Pork Sous Vide with Caramelized Salisfy, Fava Beans and Roasted Pork Jus. Another great combination served with a 2005 Pinot Noir. We all agreed that this was an excellent wine. For those who are unfamiliar with the term "Sous Vide" - the meat, fish, chicken etc., is placed in a heavy plastic bag with seasonings and placed in a water bath with a constant temperature for many hours. The pork was one of the most tender and moist piece of meat I have had.
Next up was the main course, "Roasted Rack of Lamb with Beluga Lentils, Chipolini Onions and a Dried Cherry Demi-Glace. Louise is a master with lamb and this dish was no exception. Two wines were served with this dish, a 2005 Barrel Blend (Merlot, Cabernet & Syrah) and a 2004 Merlot. Again a great combination.
Dessert was "Strawberry Basil Panna Cotta with Pecan Crisps.
Another great dinner at Delius with some excellent wines.
Annual Bus Trip
Sunday July 13, 2008
Today's was the annual bus trip that Delius restaurant puts on every year, www.Deliusrestaurant.com,. We start our with a buffet breakfast served with oj, sparkling wine and mimosa's. Naturally the food served is very good. This year we had a scrambled egg and mushroom casserole, sausages & peppers, potatoes, rolls and fresh fruit. At 9 AM we board the bus. This year our destination was Ojai.
I have not been to Ojai since the 1960's Our first stop was a wine & liquor store just past the downtown area. It was next to an auto parts store and for the life of me I cannot remember the name nor the winery. The wines were ok but not that memorable but the store itself, I was blown away with. It carried 700 different kinds of beer, had a very high end liquor department and carried an amazing amount of high end wines. They had a great tasting area in the back of the store with high back stools to sit on and tables . I would have never imagines a store of this caliber in Ojai.
Our next stop was Old Creek Ranch Winery in Ojai Valley., www.oldcreekranch.com, We had our picnic lunch here and the owner came around and poured our wines for us while we ate lunch. I bought several wines here. The prices were reasonable and the wines were good. Its only a short drive off the 101 freeway. Take Hwy 33 to Old Creek Ranch road and it leads directly to the winery. They lost all of their vines to Pierce's disease so they source there grapes from the Central Coast, Santa Ynez and Napa.
The next stop was a disaster. We went to Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard. They make kosher wine. It was terrible. I have nothing more to say about this one.
Our last stop was the Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City. We had a wide assortment of cheese's and wine to sample. This place was the hit of the day.
We returned to Delius restaurant about 8 pm. Another bus trip and another great time to the memory book.
Today's was the annual bus trip that Delius restaurant puts on every year, www.Deliusrestaurant.com,. We start our with a buffet breakfast served with oj, sparkling wine and mimosa's. Naturally the food served is very good. This year we had a scrambled egg and mushroom casserole, sausages & peppers, potatoes, rolls and fresh fruit. At 9 AM we board the bus. This year our destination was Ojai.
I have not been to Ojai since the 1960's Our first stop was a wine & liquor store just past the downtown area. It was next to an auto parts store and for the life of me I cannot remember the name nor the winery. The wines were ok but not that memorable but the store itself, I was blown away with. It carried 700 different kinds of beer, had a very high end liquor department and carried an amazing amount of high end wines. They had a great tasting area in the back of the store with high back stools to sit on and tables . I would have never imagines a store of this caliber in Ojai.
Our next stop was Old Creek Ranch Winery in Ojai Valley., www.oldcreekranch.com, We had our picnic lunch here and the owner came around and poured our wines for us while we ate lunch. I bought several wines here. The prices were reasonable and the wines were good. Its only a short drive off the 101 freeway. Take Hwy 33 to Old Creek Ranch road and it leads directly to the winery. They lost all of their vines to Pierce's disease so they source there grapes from the Central Coast, Santa Ynez and Napa.
The next stop was a disaster. We went to Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard. They make kosher wine. It was terrible. I have nothing more to say about this one.
Our last stop was the Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City. We had a wide assortment of cheese's and wine to sample. This place was the hit of the day.
We returned to Delius restaurant about 8 pm. Another bus trip and another great time to the memory book.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Winos Monthly Gathering
Sunday, June 27, 2008
The winos gathered today for our monthly "wine" outing. Today's theme was Red & White Bordeaux's.
As usual the reds outnumbered the whites. This time by a large margin 5 to 1. All of the wines were good and there were a few notables that stood out.
Two of the whites I really liked. The 2006 Chateau De Launay and the 2006 Baron de Rothschild-Lafite.
In the red department the 1993 Font Villac St Emillion Grand Cru, 1998 Clos Rene Pomerol, 2000 Reginac, 2002 Reginac.
I found these wines were my favorites. All of the wines were drinking nicely and there was not one of them I would not want on my table for dinner.
As usual we had many appetizers to nibble on until the main dish was served. The host cooked salmon on the grill and as always I had stuffed myself so when it came to the numerous desserts that were on the table I could only taste a couple of them.
The weather today was great. A little breezy but the sun shone brightly all day. Just cannot beat California weather.
Next month its off to "Washington State Wines" for the flock.
The winos gathered today for our monthly "wine" outing. Today's theme was Red & White Bordeaux's.
As usual the reds outnumbered the whites. This time by a large margin 5 to 1. All of the wines were good and there were a few notables that stood out.
Two of the whites I really liked. The 2006 Chateau De Launay and the 2006 Baron de Rothschild-Lafite.
In the red department the 1993 Font Villac St Emillion Grand Cru, 1998 Clos Rene Pomerol, 2000 Reginac, 2002 Reginac.
I found these wines were my favorites. All of the wines were drinking nicely and there was not one of them I would not want on my table for dinner.
As usual we had many appetizers to nibble on until the main dish was served. The host cooked salmon on the grill and as always I had stuffed myself so when it came to the numerous desserts that were on the table I could only taste a couple of them.
The weather today was great. A little breezy but the sun shone brightly all day. Just cannot beat California weather.
Next month its off to "Washington State Wines" for the flock.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Beer Dinner at BBC
Monday, June 23, 2008
This was the second "beer dinner" of the season at Belmont Brewing Company. The beer of this evenings tasting was "Craftsman". I had never heard of this brewery before so I did not know what was to take place.
I arrived early and was seated at one of the tables next to the beach. The view of the Long Beach skyline is great. Even the "Old Queen Mary" looked good at night with the lights twinkling.
While waiting for my dinning companions I had a few glasses of "Honesty Ale". Cherry undertones.
They did serve this with the appetizer which was "Smoked Pork Tenderloin on Ancho Crostini w/Pickled Cabbage and Whole Grain Mustard". Actually the beer complimented the food. I do feel that the "crostini" should have been smaller and it would have been much easier to eat.
Soup course was served next. A "Sweet Corn & Black Bean Soup w/Crema Fresca". Half of the bowl had the corn soup and the other half had the black bean with the crema fresca drizzled across it. The soup had good flavor. They served this with the "1903 Pre Prohibition Lager" This beer had a spicy flavor to it. Cross between cloves and allspice.
A salad of "Crisp Apples, Goat Cheese & Field Greens w/Caramelized Pecans appeared. Just a salad. Nothing overly special. This was served with a "Heavenly Hefeweizen". The beer had a slight fruit taste to it but it did go well with the salad.
Main course was "Oven Roasted Game Hen w/Mushroom Cornbread Stuffing & Julienne Vegetable Nest". This dish was paired with the "Triple White Sage" beer. The underlying hints of sage went well with the cornbread stuffing. By this time I was stuffed so I ate 1 leg and 1 spoonful of dressing and took the rest home. This was a "whole" game hen.
Dessert was a "Expresso Mousse Parfait w/Sour Cherry Compote & Vanilla Cream". This was served with the Baltic Porter. The best beer of the evening. The dessert was just "ok". Nothing special but edible.
These beer dinners are always interesting. Its a crap shoot as to the quality. But at $50 you cannot be overly picky but coming off the absolutely fabulous dinner Saturday night I would say this dinner was acceptable, boring and not to inventive but edible.
I would never order these beers as a stand alone drink. They seemed to pair well with the food but I could not drink a glass of any of these except maybe the porter. But the company was good, the setting perfect along the waves with the twinkling lights in the background and the weather was great for beachside dining.
This was the second "beer dinner" of the season at Belmont Brewing Company. The beer of this evenings tasting was "Craftsman". I had never heard of this brewery before so I did not know what was to take place.
I arrived early and was seated at one of the tables next to the beach. The view of the Long Beach skyline is great. Even the "Old Queen Mary" looked good at night with the lights twinkling.
While waiting for my dinning companions I had a few glasses of "Honesty Ale". Cherry undertones.
They did serve this with the appetizer which was "Smoked Pork Tenderloin on Ancho Crostini w/Pickled Cabbage and Whole Grain Mustard". Actually the beer complimented the food. I do feel that the "crostini" should have been smaller and it would have been much easier to eat.
Soup course was served next. A "Sweet Corn & Black Bean Soup w/Crema Fresca". Half of the bowl had the corn soup and the other half had the black bean with the crema fresca drizzled across it. The soup had good flavor. They served this with the "1903 Pre Prohibition Lager" This beer had a spicy flavor to it. Cross between cloves and allspice.
A salad of "Crisp Apples, Goat Cheese & Field Greens w/Caramelized Pecans appeared. Just a salad. Nothing overly special. This was served with a "Heavenly Hefeweizen". The beer had a slight fruit taste to it but it did go well with the salad.
Main course was "Oven Roasted Game Hen w/Mushroom Cornbread Stuffing & Julienne Vegetable Nest". This dish was paired with the "Triple White Sage" beer. The underlying hints of sage went well with the cornbread stuffing. By this time I was stuffed so I ate 1 leg and 1 spoonful of dressing and took the rest home. This was a "whole" game hen.
Dessert was a "Expresso Mousse Parfait w/Sour Cherry Compote & Vanilla Cream". This was served with the Baltic Porter. The best beer of the evening. The dessert was just "ok". Nothing special but edible.
These beer dinners are always interesting. Its a crap shoot as to the quality. But at $50 you cannot be overly picky but coming off the absolutely fabulous dinner Saturday night I would say this dinner was acceptable, boring and not to inventive but edible.
I would never order these beers as a stand alone drink. They seemed to pair well with the food but I could not drink a glass of any of these except maybe the porter. But the company was good, the setting perfect along the waves with the twinkling lights in the background and the weather was great for beachside dining.
Wine Fest Weekend
June 21 & 22, 2008
This weekend the Sta. Rita Hills Alliance hosted "Wine Fest". For a fee of $75 you got into numerous wineries both days along with a boxed lunch on Saturday. Many of these wineries are not open to the public except on this weekend.
You get to taste barrel samples and older vintages along with nibblies. Every winemaker I talked with this weekend is really excited about the 2007 vintage. After 2006 (which was ok but not as good as the 2005) they all have their hopes up for a very highly rated year.
From the sample's that I tried I'm excited also. I found most of them clean, complex and a lot of layers to sift through. I did not find the bite or slight bitterness that sometimes comes through in a young barrel sample.
It was a good weekend. Trying but satisfying. It was a 3 hour drive up and 4 hours back. It could have been worse but with the gas at all time highs the amount of pickups with trailers and RV's and campers was noticeably lighter.
Next year, my plan is to go up early Saturday am and come back on Monday. That way I miss the weekend traffic and I will have more time to taste and not feel that I am rushing myself.
Now all I need is to make the cut for dinner at Clos Pepe next year and I will again be a "happy woman". I do not need diamonds and furs. Just give me good wine and good food. That's why I am still working when most people I know are retired. I'm not quite willing to give it up yet. I know the day of reckoning is coming but I hope to push it off as long as I can.
This weekend the Sta. Rita Hills Alliance hosted "Wine Fest". For a fee of $75 you got into numerous wineries both days along with a boxed lunch on Saturday. Many of these wineries are not open to the public except on this weekend.
You get to taste barrel samples and older vintages along with nibblies. Every winemaker I talked with this weekend is really excited about the 2007 vintage. After 2006 (which was ok but not as good as the 2005) they all have their hopes up for a very highly rated year.
From the sample's that I tried I'm excited also. I found most of them clean, complex and a lot of layers to sift through. I did not find the bite or slight bitterness that sometimes comes through in a young barrel sample.
It was a good weekend. Trying but satisfying. It was a 3 hour drive up and 4 hours back. It could have been worse but with the gas at all time highs the amount of pickups with trailers and RV's and campers was noticeably lighter.
Next year, my plan is to go up early Saturday am and come back on Monday. That way I miss the weekend traffic and I will have more time to taste and not feel that I am rushing myself.
Now all I need is to make the cut for dinner at Clos Pepe next year and I will again be a "happy woman". I do not need diamonds and furs. Just give me good wine and good food. That's why I am still working when most people I know are retired. I'm not quite willing to give it up yet. I know the day of reckoning is coming but I hope to push it off as long as I can.
Dinner at Winery
Saturday, June 21, 2008
This weekend is the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Fest and along with the activities several wineries host dinners in the evening.
This is the third year that I have been fortunate to get on the list for the private dinner at Clos Pepe Estate.
The wines poured at this dinner are from pinot grapes sourced from the Clos Pepe vineyards but 3 different winemakers. We had Wes Hagen from Clos Pepe Estate, Brian Loring from Loring Wine Co. and Andrew Vinegello from A.P. Vin Wines.
The evening started in the courtyard of the house with "pizzas from the wood fired oven" which is outdoors in the corner of the courtyard. Every house needs one of these. Unfortunately most houses do not have the room for something this size.
Servers were passing "Smoked Salmon, Mascarpone and American Caviar pizza, Homemade Sika Venison Italian Sausage and Buffalo Mozzarella pizza and Grilled Bison Loin with Manchego and Basil pizza. These were all served with 2007 barrel samples of the three wineries. I will say I was impressed with it all. I did watch my consumption of pizza because we still had dinner to navigate through. But I could have stayed where I was and noshed on pizzas all night. They were excellent.
We were asked to go into the house to be seated. There were 7 tables of various sizes so I headed for the larger one. It is easier to seat a single person at a large table than one that is set for 6 or 8. I am aware of this and do not like to break up couples or people who want to sit together. I was standing behind a chair at the large table when Cathy Pepe came up and asked if I would mind sitting at another table that had a single seat as she needed two seats together for someone. No problem with that for me so I headed to where she wanted me to sit and it was Brian Loring's table. So I had dinner with the "boys". Five men and me. We did have a great time after they figured out they did not have to watch their "P's & Q's" with me.
First course was "Carpaccio of Kona Kampachi (fish) with Avocado, Clos Pepe Olive Oil and Maldron Sea Salt. Served with 2007 Clos Pepe Estate Rose. This is the first year for this wine. Wes's intern winemaker decided to make this wine with grapes that were left hanging after harvest. He got to them before the birds did and made this interesting Rose. Only 70 cases made and it sold out very quickly. I was allowed to buy 6 bottles and I will really enjoy them this summer. It was slightly dry with just a hint of sweetness and a little bit of effervescence. The fish of course was raw, sliced extremely thin (carpaccio) and had a wonderful flavor. The oil and salt was a very nice compliment to the fish.
Second course was "Grilled Maitake Mushoooms with Sesame Aioli, Steamed Spinach and Bonito". This dish was paired with A.P. Vin 2006 Clos Pepe Vineyards Pinot Noir. Another real interesting dish. Great flavor. The spinach was rolled with the bonito inside. I have not had Maitake mushrooms before. They looked like a flower and tasted similar to Portabello mushrooms. Bold flavor. Again another excellent pairing. A.P. Vin wines are more towards the burgundian style and very food friendly.
Third course was "Pan Roasted South Texas Antelope with Cranberry Beans, Heirloom Beets and Smokey Bacon-Star Anise Jus". I have eaten antelope before but since this is farmed raised it was not quite as gamy. I find it similar to lamb and and young goat. There was nothing left on my plate. The wine served with this course was the Loring Wine Company 2006 Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir. Brian's wines are bolder that Wes's and Andrew's but the boldness paired well with this particular dish
Individual cheese plates came to the table. "Rinconada Dairies Poza Tomme with Sweet Butter and Baugette. The wine paired with this dish was the Clos Pepe Estate 2005 Pinot Noir. 2005 was one of my favorite vintages but after tasting the 2007 barrel samples I may change my mind.
I have tasted Clos Pepe Pinot Noir from 2000 to 2006.
A dessert tray was set down - "Family Style Dessert", very small shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles (handmade) and local fresh strawberries. This was a prefect ending to a very rich dinner. Wes Hagen's roasted coffee was served,
Again to me another fantastic dinner is a gorgeous setting. The temperature had dropped from the heat of the day and it was a beautiful evening. Great dinning companions, fabulous food , great wines and me. What more could I ask for. I'm already looking forward to next years bash.
This weekend is the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Fest and along with the activities several wineries host dinners in the evening.
This is the third year that I have been fortunate to get on the list for the private dinner at Clos Pepe Estate.
The wines poured at this dinner are from pinot grapes sourced from the Clos Pepe vineyards but 3 different winemakers. We had Wes Hagen from Clos Pepe Estate, Brian Loring from Loring Wine Co. and Andrew Vinegello from A.P. Vin Wines.
The evening started in the courtyard of the house with "pizzas from the wood fired oven" which is outdoors in the corner of the courtyard. Every house needs one of these. Unfortunately most houses do not have the room for something this size.
Servers were passing "Smoked Salmon, Mascarpone and American Caviar pizza, Homemade Sika Venison Italian Sausage and Buffalo Mozzarella pizza and Grilled Bison Loin with Manchego and Basil pizza. These were all served with 2007 barrel samples of the three wineries. I will say I was impressed with it all. I did watch my consumption of pizza because we still had dinner to navigate through. But I could have stayed where I was and noshed on pizzas all night. They were excellent.
We were asked to go into the house to be seated. There were 7 tables of various sizes so I headed for the larger one. It is easier to seat a single person at a large table than one that is set for 6 or 8. I am aware of this and do not like to break up couples or people who want to sit together. I was standing behind a chair at the large table when Cathy Pepe came up and asked if I would mind sitting at another table that had a single seat as she needed two seats together for someone. No problem with that for me so I headed to where she wanted me to sit and it was Brian Loring's table. So I had dinner with the "boys". Five men and me. We did have a great time after they figured out they did not have to watch their "P's & Q's" with me.
First course was "Carpaccio of Kona Kampachi (fish) with Avocado, Clos Pepe Olive Oil and Maldron Sea Salt. Served with 2007 Clos Pepe Estate Rose. This is the first year for this wine. Wes's intern winemaker decided to make this wine with grapes that were left hanging after harvest. He got to them before the birds did and made this interesting Rose. Only 70 cases made and it sold out very quickly. I was allowed to buy 6 bottles and I will really enjoy them this summer. It was slightly dry with just a hint of sweetness and a little bit of effervescence. The fish of course was raw, sliced extremely thin (carpaccio) and had a wonderful flavor. The oil and salt was a very nice compliment to the fish.
Second course was "Grilled Maitake Mushoooms with Sesame Aioli, Steamed Spinach and Bonito". This dish was paired with A.P. Vin 2006 Clos Pepe Vineyards Pinot Noir. Another real interesting dish. Great flavor. The spinach was rolled with the bonito inside. I have not had Maitake mushrooms before. They looked like a flower and tasted similar to Portabello mushrooms. Bold flavor. Again another excellent pairing. A.P. Vin wines are more towards the burgundian style and very food friendly.
Third course was "Pan Roasted South Texas Antelope with Cranberry Beans, Heirloom Beets and Smokey Bacon-Star Anise Jus". I have eaten antelope before but since this is farmed raised it was not quite as gamy. I find it similar to lamb and and young goat. There was nothing left on my plate. The wine served with this course was the Loring Wine Company 2006 Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir. Brian's wines are bolder that Wes's and Andrew's but the boldness paired well with this particular dish
Individual cheese plates came to the table. "Rinconada Dairies Poza Tomme with Sweet Butter and Baugette. The wine paired with this dish was the Clos Pepe Estate 2005 Pinot Noir. 2005 was one of my favorite vintages but after tasting the 2007 barrel samples I may change my mind.
I have tasted Clos Pepe Pinot Noir from 2000 to 2006.
A dessert tray was set down - "Family Style Dessert", very small shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles (handmade) and local fresh strawberries. This was a prefect ending to a very rich dinner. Wes Hagen's roasted coffee was served,
Again to me another fantastic dinner is a gorgeous setting. The temperature had dropped from the heat of the day and it was a beautiful evening. Great dinning companions, fabulous food , great wines and me. What more could I ask for. I'm already looking forward to next years bash.
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