We were fortunate to be invited to dinner with one of our favorite couples in the Bay Area, S and P. P said he arranged a wine tasting at Bistro Liaison a while back and the chef was so appreciative, he received a gift certificate at the restaurant. So here we were with S and P along with Bro and Sis-n-Law dining the way only true Frenchman (and women) dine in Berkeley
The chef first sent out a round of complimentary Champagne (a very nice pour too I must say) then we moved on to appetizers including a Tarte du Jour.
Les Moules or PEI mussels with wine, garlic, tarragon and Pastis.
And Escargot in the traditional garlic and parsley butter.
P uncorked a 2009 Grgich Hills Vineyard "Essence" Sauvignon Blanc
While Bro uncorked a 2005 Williams Selyem Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir.
We then moved on to our mains including the Bouillabaisse with rock cod, scallops, prawns, mussels and clams in a saffron, fennel and Pastis broth, .
Sole Farcie stuffed with Dungeness crab on a Cognac cream sauce.
Boeuf Bourguignon with carrots,onions and mushrooms braised in Burgundy.
Riz de Veau en Croute or veal sweetbreads with shiitake mushrooms, shallots and dry vermouth in a puff pastry crust.
And the Cuisse de Canard or confit duck leg with duck fat fried potatoes with frisee and lardons.
And with the mains, P uncorked a bottle of 1996 Williams Selyem Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir - like an aged Burgundy on the nose but still with subtle dried fruit on the palate.
I was stuffed after the mains though someone ordered a Tarte Tatin.
It was great to see S and P since it's almost been a year since our last dinner. And though they're looking forward to a litter of puppies from Princess Leilani, I hope they can still make their annual trip to the 50th...
Comments