We just had our annual Christmas dinner this past Saturday at the Sakamoto's. As was the case for the past several years, not everyone could accomodate it on their schedule due to work, prior commitments, etc so it was just the five of us. We started the evening with Champagne (the norm) that Neal procured; a bottle of Chartogne-Taillet Sainte-Anne Brut and a Henriot Brut. The Chartogne-Taillet had a rich nose of ripe fruit and a touch of brioche. It had a balancing rich mouth feel, almost like an aged vintage Champagne and a long finish. The Henriot highlighted the citrus qualities of good Brut Champagnes and both were excellent with the appetizers. We started with Karen's Shrimp Salad with Mascarpone on Endive and I sliced Boccalone Truffled Mortadella, Aged Gouda and Boccalone's Nduja or spreadable salumi. The Henriot perfectly paired with the Shrimp Salad while the richness of the Chartogne-Taillet more than held its own against the salumi and cheese. We also had a Cherry Tomato Salad on Bread (I called it traditional Bruschetta but since the bread wasn't toasted or charred, Bruschetta it wasn't). I also served my Caramelized Onion and Foie Gras tartlets... too bad no Sauterne was opened but I did save the foie gras drippings for popcorn)!
For dinner we feasted on Karen's Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Root Veggies, Butter Sauteed Baby Brussel Sprouts, Butternut Squash Ravioli and the Mrs famous Cassoulet (she spent the whole night preparing it)! I uncorked a 1998 De La Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape (for the Cassoulet) and a 2003 Gevrey Chambertin for the Roasted Pork Tenderloin.
The De La Gardine at 11 years old was still youthful with loads of dark ripe fruit, smoked meat, dried herbs and a touch of licorice. Thankfully I still have 2 bottles left to savor in their prime (maybe 5-10 years out)? It provided a nice balance to the cassoulet while the perfume of semi-dried red fruit and spice of the Gevrey Chambertin worked wonders with the Pork Tenderloin.
We enjoyed a myriad of desserts - the Mrs Caramelized Pear Tarte as well as Satura Cream Puffs, Chocolate Cake and my gotta-have-it-every-year Chocolate Pannetone. Though Pannetone has the airy consistency of King's Bakery Sweet Bread, consumer beware. This puppy has enough calories to send the Olsen Twins to a guest spot on The Biggest Loser. But the holidays only come around once year (and pants do come in larger sizes with elastic waistbands)...
Wishing you and yours the same thing too...
Comments