Kanreki Dinner @ Le Bistro



We just celebrated the 60th B-Day for the youngest of the three wine brothers at Le Bistro last night. Other than another milestone birthday, a kanreki is an actual celebration unlike the traditional yakudoshi which is a must-have party to ward off bad luck. You see, in the Asian zodiac, there are 12 animals and each is associated with five different elements. So after 60 (12 animals times 5 elements) years, you're back to square one like being a child again. So on this auspicious occasion, we had dinner at Le Bistro. We started with bubbly, I believe it was a J. Lassalle then started samplin' what the group uncorked.


The Mrs wanted to sample her recent acquisition of a 2010 The Vineyardist, a Napa Cabernet made by Mark Herold. Since it was so young, I decanted it about 6 hours before dinner then rebottled it for the trip to Aina Haina. Ripe fruit and a lush palate but a relatively short finish.


I also uncorked a 1998 Chapoutier "La Sizeranne" Hermitage which had both funk and bacon fat on the nose and a seamless palate flow and moderate finish with dried fruit, grilled meat and earth on the palate.


We also sampled a Paul Lato Pinot as well as an Anthill Pinot which had a funkier nose than any Old World red Burgundy.

And since this was the core of the Palaka Wine Co, many a Cabernet was also uncorked starting with an Etude Cabernet


Followed by a 2008 Cameron Fisher Napa red


And a 2005 Hourglass Cabernet


Of course, we did also sample the food starting with the Salade of Caramelized Tangerine and Stilton Cheese. I plan on "stealing" Chef Takasaki's idea to grill quartered tangerines to magnify the sweetness but also provide enough acid to balance the creamy cheese.



As well as the Pan Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras


And with this, we sampled the creme de la creme, a 1971 Chateau D'Yquem with candied apricot and marmalade framed by poached stone fruit and honey... Mahalo to the K's!


We also sampled the Pan Roasted Venison - as tender as meat comes!


Along with the Rack of Australian Lamb


And the Prime Grande Rib-eye Steak - one of the better steaks I've sampled this year!


V also uncorked a couple of Burgs including a 1996 Champy Charmes-Chambertin


And a 1995 Jobard Mersault-Poruzot


We ended the meal with an assortment of desserts including an Ice Cream Cake


And a Berry Meringue


I simply had the Valrhona chocolate and Kahlua espresso


So happy kanreki V! May you experience many more! And as always, the food and wine were great but it was best spending time with those you love!

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