We originally didn’t plan on attending the September BYOB
but the food menu looked intriguing, especially the Wagyu carpaccio and the
braised pork cheeks so E decided to set up a table at the last minute. That
morning C let us know that there would be a “mystery” couple added to our table
of nine. I guess a couple requested seating but Vino was already sold out so E
told Chuck to add them to our table. Well low and behold, they weren’t a
mystery couple at all but a couple we met at a previous wine tasting at Vino.
The evening started with a bottle of bubbly – a Pommery Brut – as we ALWAYS
START and END with Champagne.
The Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with grape tomatoes, fried
capers and avocado
While it was a good dish, it wasn’t exactly carpaccio but
more like bresaola or aired cured beef and it’s on the regular menu right now.
It also didn’t look like Wagyu as Wagyu has loads more marbling. We sampled
this first course with a 1997 Argiano Brunello Di Montalcino.
A 2011 L’Aventure Syrah, Cab, Petit Verdot blend
A 2007 Edmeades Piffero Vineyard Zinfandel – this actually was Van Williamson’s
last Zinfandel complete with autographed bottle for Ms K.
And a 2010 Alta Moncayo Veraton
The next course was a Proscuitto Wrapped Mahimahi with
preserved lemon, Hauula tomatoes and orzo.
Again, another good course though as you can see, it’s
not wrapped in prosciutto (we were told the prosciutto was in the sauce).
Served with a 1995 Verget Chablis Montee de Tonnerre (pseudo Grand Cru)
A 2010 Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux
A 2009 Jadot Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot
And a 2012 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay
The last savory course was a Smoked Chioggia Beet Ravioli
with braised pork cheeks, kale and a Port wine reduction.
Okay, this dish was as advertised and the pork was as
good as expected. Tender and succulent!
Served with a 2005 Marcel Juge Cornas
A 2009 K Northridge Vineyard "The Hidden" Syrah
A 2010 Epoch Estates Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Tempranillo blend
A 2009 Favia Rompecabezas Red Blend
And a 2007 Herrera "Esmerelda" Pinot Noir
For dessert, we sampled the Compressed Thai Watermelon
with toasted coconut curd, raspberry coulis and basil and lemongrass gelato.
And in customary fashion, we finished with a bottle of
Egly Ouriet Grand Cru Brut
Along with a 2009 Rocca di Principe Fiano de Avellino
A 2003 Seavey Merlot
And a 2007 Realm Ritual
Once again, another great meal with good wines and great
friends! We also made some new friends who we expect to see regularly at our
second home away from home…
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