Last night we savored our final dinner at Le Guignol with the primary wine crew. After 14 years at their current location and numerous wine dinners hosted by the Sutton Clan, Le Guignol shuts its doors for good after dinner service on Tuesday. While we lose another BYOB establishment, I'm glad that Chef Ala gets to spend more time with his young family. The evening started with a bottle of 2011 Clos Ste Magdelaine Cassis Rose - probably my favorite Rose!
Along with a bottle of 2004 J. Lassalle Blanc de Blanc 1er Cru Brut
Because they are closing in just another 3 days, the full menu wasn't offered but the evening's selections were still superb! We started with the Pate de Campagne with whole grain mustard and Mesclun greens with a Big Island honey vinaigrette.
Which was killer with V's 1995 Champy Corton Charlemagne
We also sampled the Escargot
The Onion Soup with Gruyere
And the Vichyssoise
I uncorked a 1976 Matrot Blagny La Piece sous le Bois with that classic Burgundy funk on the nose and a seamless palate flow.
For the entrees, I also uncorked a 1976 Breton Chinon Beaumont which had loads of black pepper and green pepper on the nose and a very silky texture.
We indulged in the Filet Mignon
The Rack of Lamb with green peppercorn veloute
The Pork Tenderloin with prune and herb gastrique
And the Salmon Filet with dill aioli on rice pilaf
Along with a 2008 Catherine de Goeuil Cairanne Cote du Rhone
And a 2004 Kapcsandy State Lane Vineyard Cabernet/Merlot blend
After the entrees, I sampled the last serving of Chocolate Mousse
Along with the Flourless Chocolate cake with pomegranate ice cream
And the Olive Oil Cake with Bleu cheese ice cream
We then finished the evening as usual with more bubbly that we shared with Chef Ala, a 2007 J. Lassalle Cuvee Angeline Millesime.
Yet another stellar meal at Le Guignol though sadly, the last time we'll sample it. I fondly remember when Auntie Leilani still held court as the unofficial greeter for her sons. We'd always offer wine for the family and servers once service started to slow down. Good location, lots of parking, friendly staff and great food. Can't beat that combo! And though I'll always remember the meal I had at The French Laundry, I'll also always remember my many meals at Le Guignol. Au revoir my good friend!
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