We decided to have Christmas Dinner at Vino last night and it’s a good thing we reserved a table in advance. Both Vino and Hiroshi were packed with large parties for the whole evening. We missed the appetizer and wine “auction” on the 23rd – Chuck mentioned that he lost his “_ss” with the prices of the wines. Imagine 2006 Brewer Clifton Zotovich Pinot Noir for $39, 2005 Saxum Heartstone Syrah for $75 or 2005 Paul Pernot Puligny Montrachet Les Pucelles for $56?
Anyway we decided on the special Christmas menu but the Mrs had to also order Hiroshi’s Duo of Sushi – no arguments from me. I also ordered a bottle of 2006 Mongeard Mugneret Gevrey Chambertin for our meal.
The meal then progressed to the Braised Short Rib Tortellini (the Mrs) and Dungeness Crab Canneloni (mine). Nice tender chunks of short rib in a rich beef reduction and flaky crab in a cioppino sauce.
Next up was the Waialua Asparagus with Smoked Pork. The smoked pork was very ham-like and salty almost like Smithfield ham but the salt added a pleasing brininess to the asparagus.
The 3rd course was the Risotto with Oregon Black Truffles. Unlike the Perigord black truffles, the Oregon variety don’t have as pronounced an aroma as their French cousins but the risotto was still very good.
The entrée was ether a Mudica Crusted Mediterranean Sea Bass or Braised Lamb Shank. The Mrs selected the sea bass and we previously had an encarnation of this dish with swordfish. Once again Chef Keith’s gnocchi was outstanding with a nice seared crust and tender interior. The braised lamb shank was HUGE! It must have packed at least half a pound of meat but it was flaky like perfectly cooked BBQ. The fresh linguini also sopped up all the lamb juices.
Dessert was a Cinnamon Egg Nog Crème Brulee which was creamy and delicious.
Two holidays down, one to go… and I can’t wait for the Ultimate BYOB on the Eve.
Comments