WineChief says, Here are my favorite restaurants!
Face it, luscious wine and succulent food...
paired perfectly in a luxurious setting is, well...
Sexy!
Chez Panisse Café
= 5Attababys!
1517 Shattuck Street Berkeley, CA.
(510) 548-5049
Go to the Cafe for lunch or dinner!
Click on the picture!
Baked Sonoma Goat Cheese with Garden Salad!
This tastes as good as it 20 years ago...I don't know how they do it...
Unbelievable! I'm on my knees!
Cattail Creek Lamb Leg with Shell Beans, Artichokes and Mint paired perfectly with
2002 Domaine Leroy Pommard Les Vignots = 5Attababys!
One of the best bottles of Pinot Noir I have ever tasted!
I have never tasted such fresh ingredients, so simply presented
with such deep flavors that make me go aaaaaagghh, yes!
It's great to be back! After over 30 years,
Alice Waters is a goddess! It is an honor to dine here!
Nepenthe's
Wine Maker's Dinner 2004 Vintage Preview = 5Attababys!
This event was a smash hit!
1st ever Blind Tasting of 2004 Pinot Noir from Siduri, ROAR, Lucia and Pisoni Vineyards
from Garys', Rosella's and Pisoni Vineyards at Nepenthe in Big Sur, California!
All wines served are not available from the wineries for at least 10 months...
This was an incredible tasting!
Rosella Franscioni, ROAR WINES!
2004 Rosella's Vineyard from Siduri and ROAR wineries served blind! Incredible!
My favorite was Siduri 2004 Rosella's Vineyard = 4Attababys! The one on the right.
First Course
Proscuitto wrapped, Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese Stuffed, roasted Black
Mission Figs with Micro Greens! Wow!
Second Course
Lucia, Siduri & ROAR 2004 Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir paired with
Couscous crusted Salmon over melted Leeks and sauce Buerre Rouge! Hello!
My favorite was the 2004 ROAR Garys' Vineyard = 4Attababys! Again, the one on the right.
Third Course
Pisoni, ROAR & Siduri 2004 Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir paired with Pan-seared Muscovy Duck
breast with a Parsnip puree, braised greens, and dried Cherry Pinot Noir reduction! Oh, yeah!
My favorite was the 2004 ROAR Pisoni Vineyard = 5Attababys! Again, the one on the right.
Jason Jones, Executive Chef
After Dinner, Rosella and Gary Franscioni sign Santa Lucia vineyard maps!
Gary Pisoni signing Santa Lucia vineyard map...nice!
This was a magical event!
Bravo to Kirk Gafill, General Manager Nepenthe
and everyone involved with this historic, beautiful
event of it's kind at Nepenthe!
Nepenthe 1-831-667-2345 Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920
Check out the view!
Click here to see the Live WebCam!
Nepenthe is a magical place! For over 50 years Nepenthe has been the place to stop
and enjoy the view of Big Sur! The Deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean is legendary!
Enjoy the warm friendly faces and relaxed attitude of Angus,
or one of the other servers at Nepenthe! Great Wine List and Great Food!
You won't want to leave!
Cyrus Restaurant = 6Attababys!
29 North Street Healdsburg, California 95448
707-433-3311
in the new Le Mars Hotel!
Ooh! la! la!
Tasting Menu
Douglas Kane, Executive Chef / Owner created masterpieces,
one after the other, building in intensity and depth of flavor, and with
Nick Peyton, Maître d'Hôtel / Owner as your host
this is the best new restaurant in California!
Bravo to Cyrus for employing Riedel Stemware!
Amuse Bouche
from theTasting Menu
Can you say the best Risotto I've ever tasted?
Paired perfectly with a German Reisling from Dr. F. Weins-Prum 2002
Uzinger Wurzgarten (translation: Spice Garden) Kabinett = 4Attababys!
Oh, my God!
Snapper Ceviche with Hearts of Palms, Lemon Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes
Paired perfectly with Dr. F. Weins-Prum 2002
Uzinger Wurzgarten (translation: Spice Garden) Kabinett = 4Attababys!
Speechless! Building to a Climax!
Seared Foie Gras with Fresh Lychees, Macadamias and Gewurztraminer Reducution
Paired perfectly with Dr. F. Weins-Prum 2002
Uzinger Wurzgarten (translation: Spice Garden) Kabinett = 4Attababys!
Wow! Orgasmic!
Here we go again, Soft Shell Crab with Tomato and Spiced Peekytoe Crab Fondue
Paired perfectly with Dr. F. Weins-Prum 2002
Uzinger Wurzgarten (translation: Spice Garden) Kabinett = 4Attababys!
Succulent! The best Soft Shell Crab I have ever tasted!
Tomato-Maple Glazed Pork Belly, Braised Lettuce and Fried Green Tomato A.K.A. "Cyrus B.L.T." paired perfectly with Domaine Leroy 2002 Nuits St. George = 5Attababys! The wine is oozing with cherries and soil!
I'm speechless! The best pork I have ever tasted!
Squab with Potato Puree, Haricot Verts and Chanterelles paired perfectly
paired perfectly with Domaine Leroy 2002 Nuits St. George = 5Attababys!
Arti"sin"al and Farm House Cheeses with Complimenting Breads and Fruits paired perfectly with Domaine Leroy 2002 Nuits St. George = 5Attababys!
Oozing! Perfect!
Late Summer Berries and Ricotta Tasting!
Oh yeah! Heaven!
Baked Chocolate Mousse, Santa Rosa Plums with Two Meringues!
Wow! We fought over it! The best part was the candied sage leaf...
Mirepoix Restaurant = 4Attababys!
275 Windsor Road Windsor California 95492 707-838-0162
Matthew Bousquet, Chef
Bryan Dempsey, General Manager & Wine Buyer
Wow! I'm speechless!
Oak Roasted Portabello Mushroom Risotto with a
Truffle Emulsion paired perfectly with the
Cloud View 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon = 4Attababys!
Grilled Hangar Steak with a Red Wine Sauce, Truffle Butter,
Romano Beans, Leeks, Shallots and French Green Lentils paired perfectly with the
Cloud View 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon = 4Attababys!
What can I say?
The next time you are in Sonoma County do not miss this place!
This is some of the very best food in Sonoma County!
David Kinch, chef creates Masterpieces
320 Village Lane Los Gatos, California 95030 408-354-4330
Shrimp with Watermelon and Avacado paired with the
Newton 2002 Unfiltered Chardonnay! Wow!
Bass with Fresh Fava Beans paired with the Newton 2002 Unfiltered Chardonnay!
Amazing!
Sirloin Beef with the Harlan 2001 Cabernet! Hang on!
on another night...
Wow! Signature Watermelon Soup paired with
2001 Aubert Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay!
Oh yeah! and again with the Tuna and Crab!
Want more? Roast Duck with the 2000 Chateau Margaux Pavillon Rouge!
Oh, yeah!
on another night...
Kinch's signature Amouse Bouche Maple egg!
Three courses from the winter menu...
This was a rare evening when the wine and food pairing was near perfect!
Kistler 2000 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir paired with Poached Foie Gras in Cabbage Leaf!
Kinch's tribute to Alain Senderens of Restaurant Lucas-Carton in Paris, France
Hello!
Kistler 2000 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir paired with Squab Two Ways!
Rudd 2000 Red Wine with Roasted Venison! Wow!
L'Auberge Carmel =
6Attababys!
Monte Verde at Seventh Carmel-by the-Sea
California 93921 831-624-8578
November 12, 2004
Finally! A 6Attababys! restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea!
Bravo!
The best meal anywhere in California!
Unexpected surprise...
...a seven couse Amouse Bouche?
Monterey Bay Red Abalone
Nantucket Bay Scallops, Italian Butter Bean Puree and Black Perigord Truffle Sauce
Wow! Paired perfectly with Martinelli 2002 Charles Ranch Chardonnay = 5Attababys!
Acroos the table, my guest enjoys...
Thai Curry Soup with Maine Lobster, Hawaiin King Prawn and Dungeness Crab
also incredible...
California Farm Squab
Roasted Pumpkin Risotto, Squab Ragout and Leonardi Balsamico Condimento
Notice the drip of Balsamic Vinegar about to find it's home...
Wow! Paired perfectly with Martinelli 2002 Seven Mules Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
Snake River Ranch Kobe Beef Strip Sirloin
Braised Short Rib, Local Porcini Mushrooms and Red Wine Sauce
Notice the Bone Marrow on top of the Short Rib...
and...the best piece of Romaine Lettuce I have ever tasted!
Wow! Paired perfectly with Martinelli 2002 Seven Mules Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
Next, a Stunning Cheese course...
Finally, Red Wine-Poached Seckle Pear Pear Sorbet
Wow! Paired perfectly with 2001 Lafaurie Peyraguey Sauternes = 5Attababys!
David Fink has done it again!
Walter Manzke, Executive Chef is a genius!
Maragrita Manzke, Pastry Chef is brilliant!
Thomas Perez, Sommelier Execellence in service!
Giuliano Costagliola, Maitre d' The Best in service!
L'Auberge Carmel Rocks!
L’AUBERGE CARMEL,
LUXURY INN & RESTAURANT OPENS IN CARMEL
August 4, 2004–David Fink, proprietor of Carmel’s highly
praised and successful Bouchée restaurant has opened Carmel’s
newest luxury inn and restaurant, L’Auberge Carmel, after completing
a year long renovation of the classic inn formerly known as the Sundial
Lodge.
It is ideally located in the heart of Carmel, one block from Ocean Avenue
on Monte Verde Street at Seventh and a pleasant four block walk to famous
Carmel Beach.
The inn was originally built in 1929, commissioned by one of early Carmel’s most colorful figures, Allen Knight. His ideas were realized by noted San Francisco architect Albert Farr. Farr was also the architect for “Glen Allyn” in Sonoma County, the first home of Jack London. The construction work was done by Carmel’s master-builder Michael J. Murphy. The collaboration resulted in a three story wood frame and stucco building that captured the aesthetic sense of Carmel as a village in the forest. The inn’s European style architecture focuses around a classic brick courtyard and upper floor rooms offer a peek of Carmel Bay.
Kathleen Fink, David Fink’s wife and business partner was responsible for the interior design of the inn, as well as design of Bouchée. The restoration at L’Auberge Carmel reconfigured all of the 20 guest rooms, the entrance, and landscaping. The restaurant was completely rebuilt as well, including a full redesign and reconstruction of the kitchen and construction of a 4-5,000 bottle wine cellar under the Inn’s brick courtyard. Throughout, the ambiance of the inn and restaurant is luxurious and romantic. Colors are comprised of warm, rich jewel tones. The new decor accents the quaint charm of the original old-world style architecture of coved plaster walls, French windows and antique doorknobs. Individually designed enlarged bath areas have radiant floor heating, some with soaking tubs, hand-hammered copper sinks and fine toiletries. Guest room walls feature original black and white photography by Helmut Horn, and offer comfortably furnished seating areas. Luxurious designer beds are topped with romantic linens and cozy down bedding. L’Auberge Carmel is one of the village by the sea’s few full service inns offering guests valet parking, room service and highly personalized guest services.
The Restaurant at L’Auberge Carmel is the newest endeavor for executive chef Walter Manzke of Bouchée. “With the success of Bouchée, I’m well aware that people will have high expectations from the new restaurant,” states Manzke. “Because it is so small - only 12 tables - we plan on taking the dining experience to a high level. We would hope that guests would come to stay at L’Auberge Carmel specifically for the cuisine.”
L’Auberge Carmel is a labor of love for long time hospitality industry veteran Fink. Formerly general manager of Highlands Inn, Fink was cofounder of the Masters of Food & Wine, and general manager of the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Manzke, formerly executive chef of Patina in Los Angeles, worked for six years with Joachim Splichal and developed his career in some of the world’s best kitchens including those of chefs Alain Ducasse in Monte Carlo and Ferran Adria at El Bulli in Spain. Chris Bradford, wine director of Bouchée, oversees the restaurant’s expansive wine list. The collection feature wines from Monterey County, California, France and great wines from the rest of the wine world, all stored in the specially built underground wine cellar under the inn’s brick courtyard. Thomas Perez, former assistant sommelier at Bernardus Lodge, is the restaurant’s sommelier.
Rates at L’Auberge Carmel will range from $225-450 per night and include breakfast for two. Travelers interested in booking future reservations or for further information may telephone 831-624-8578. The inn’s web site is currently under construction.www.laubergecarmel.com
Introducing Mateo Granados!
Executive Chef
Dry Creek Kitchen = 5Attababys!
317 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-431-0330 in the Hotel Healdsburg
August 14, 2004
Chef's Tasting Menu
Green Zebra Tomato Foam with Sterling Caviar
paired perfectly with Iron Horse Aureole Cuvee!
Sea of Cortez Scallop with Squash Blossom Foam
perfectly with Martinelli 2002 Zio Tony Ranch Pinot Noir!
Santa Barbara Spot Prawn with Heirloom Tomato Risotto paired
perfectly with Martinelli 2002 Zio Tony Ranch Pinot Noir!
Crispy Sonoma Foie Gras paired perfectly with Martinelli 2001 Gewurztraminer!
Roasted Berkshire Pork with Lobster Mushrooms and Spanish Sherry Sauce!
Mateo Granados, Executive Chef Dry Creek Kitchen and team!
on another night in 2002...
Aubert 2000 Sonoma Coast RitchieVineyard Chardonnay = 5Attababys!
paired with Executive Chef, Mark Purdy's
Yellow Tail Jack Sashimi with Dungeness Crab
Timbale-Tempura Asparagus and Cucumber Consomme = 5Attababys! Wow!
Also, Black Truffle and Hobbs Bacon Crusted Ahi Tuna -
caramelized salsify and cinnamon cap mushrooms paired with the
Seven Lions 2000 Russian River Valley Buena Tierra Vineyards Chardonnay = 5Attababys! Wow!
Leg of Lamb with caramelized Cippolini Onions and Root Vegetables paired with the
Seven Lions 2000 Russian River Valley
Buena Tierra Vineyards Helio Doro Block Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
Restaurant "O" Catering
& Tasting Room =
4Attababys!
2081 S. Winchester Blvd. Campbell, CA 95008 408-871-3135
Justin Perez, chef,
Tasting Room closed!
Catering only for now...
New Restaurant to open in 2005?
Scallops paired perfectly with Dagueneau 2002 Pur Sang Sauvignon Blanc!
Whole Cripy Fish paired perfectly with
Dagueneau 2002 Pur Sang and 2002 Peter Michael Sauvignon Blanc!
On anothe night...
Wild Boar paired perfectly with Leonetti 2001 Reserve and Peter Michael 1996 Les Pavots!
Osso Buco paired perfectly with Leonetti 2001 Reserve and Peter Michael 1996 Les Pavots!
Lavanda Restaurant!
= 4Attababys!
Lavanda Restaurant and Wine Bar
185 University Avenue Palo Alto, Ca. 650-321-3514
Start with the grilled Tuscan Pecorino wrapped in chard with roasted peppers,
then the Braised Beef Ravioli with the 1997 Capanna Brunello de Montalcino
Riedel Crystal Stemware and finish with the Lavender Creme Brulee for lunch!
Wow! Clyde Griesbach, chef along with
Howard Graham, Bruce Schmidt and Luka Dvornik
have created a wonderful new experience!
on another night...
Talley Dinner June
7th, 2004 at The Village
Pub!
Brian Talley introducing the 2002 Rincon Vineyard Chardonnay!
Talley 2002 Rincon Vineyard Chardonnay
Scallop Mousseline / Sweet Corn Broth / Caviar
Talley Rosemary's Vineyard 2000 Pinot Noir
Butter-Poached Pheasant / Oxtail Jus / Morels
Brian presenting Andrew Greene with a Mag of Rosemary's!
Brian and Johnine Talley!
Pisoni Dinner!
Seared John Dory / Spring Vegetables / Oxtail Jus paired with
Lucia 2002 Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir! Off the hook!
Roasted Duck Breast / Fingerling Potatoes and Maitake Mushrooms /
Foie Gras Emulsion paired with Pisoni 2001 Estate Pinot Noir rocked!!!
Artisan Cheese Selection paired with Lucia 2002 Garys' Vineyard Syrah! Wow!
Gary Pisoni talking about the wines and extending an invitation to visit the vineyards!
Mark Sullivan, chef enjoys a glass of Pisoni 2001 Estate Pinot Noir! Well done!
I would like to thank the everyone at The Village Pub for a wonderful tasting!
Mark Sullivan, surfer, chef at The Village Pub
2967 Woodside Road Woodside, Ca 94062 650-851-9888
featured on the cover of
Food and Wine Magazine as one of the
Best New Chef's 2002!
He was also one of the winners of the
Best New Chefs at the American Wine Awards!
Mark has been riding a wave...
he won the 2002 Boutari Moschofilero contest pairing his now famous
Braised Chicken recipe in Food and Wine Magazine
The Next Wave...
Greek Wine!
The 2002 Boutari Moschofilero is really good!
Why bother cooking?
It's on the Business Lunch Menu at the The Village Pub!
Excellent food and friendly service with a great wine list combine to make
The Village Pub the hottest place on the peninsula right now!
The duo of Chef, Mark Sullivan and Wine & Spirits Director, Andrew Green
make this place worth the trip from anywhere.
This is quite simply the some of the very best food in the Bay Area at the moment.
Great ambience with a cozy interior and a fireplace in the center of the dining room
that allows you to peek into the kitchen!
Where else can you get an 1870 Madiera by the glass?
The Pub Menu is great too, and you can sit at the bar!
Awesome Flank Steak Sandwich with Bleu Cheese (not on menu)
and the best Burger and Fries in the Bay Area!
Ask Harley, one of the great bartenders
what's available today on the Business Lunch!
The Interior of The Village Pub!
Mark Sullivan's, world famous Organic Red Pumpkin Soup! (seasonal)
Jobard 2000 Mersault paired with Bouillabaisse!
on another night...
The Village Pub
2967 Woodside Road Woodside, Ca 94062 650-851-9888 = 4Attababys!
November 5, 2002
Domaine Comte Georges de VOGUE vertical tasting
perfectly matched by Mark Sullivan, chef and Andrew Green, sommelier at Village Pub!
THE MENU
HOR D'OEUVRES
Domaine Comte Georges de VOGUE 1994 & 1995 Bourgogne Blanc!
SEARED SCALLOP / CARAMELIZED ENDIVE AND SALSIFY
matched with "very" rare vertical of
Domaine Comte Georges de VOGUE
1990 , 1991 & 1992 Musigny Blanc! Wow!
PUMPKIN SOUP / CHESTNUTS AND SAGE
ROASTED MONKFISH / BRAISED VEAL CHEEKS YOUNG VEGETABLES
paired with 1991 & 1995 Domaine Comte Georges de VOGUE Musigny!
Also poured, the 1990 & 1991 Domaine Comte Georges de VOGUE Musigny & Bonnes Marres!
Things are tough all over!
SEARED SQUAB AND FOIE GRAS / LENTILS AND QUINCE
The tasting peaked with the Domaine Comte Georges de VOGUE 1996 Musigny
and the absolutely incredible Domaine Comte Georges de VOGUE 1999 Musigny = 5Attababys!
Jean-Luc Pepin, Domaine Comte Georges de VOGUE in deep thought over the 1974 Musigny! Wow!
Andrew Green, sommelier at The Village Pub
Mark Sullivan, chef at The Village Pub!
Jean-Luc Pepin, Domaine Comte Georges de VOGUE and Carol Hastings,
Chambers & Chambers Wine Merchants listening to comments on the wine!
Two of the best wines of the evening were shared with the group by
Dade Thieriot DeeVine Wines, San Francisco!
Thank you very much!
The first, a 1974 Domaine Comte Georges de VOGUE Musigny that was beautiful!
Second, a"very" special treat a 1976 Mosel
another perfect match with the ARTISAN CHEESE COURSE!
Wow!
MIGNARDISES
FINE DE BOURGOGNE
Chez Papa Bistrot =
4Attababys!
1401 18th St. San Francisco, CA 415-255-0387
Outstanding food at this French Bistro!
Chef, Ola Fendert is on a roll...
Wonderful French wine list!
2000 Chateau Gloria St. Julien paired perfectly with
Lamb Daube with Rosemary-Red Wine Sauce,
Roasted Celery Root and Baby Carrots = 4Attababys!
Don't miss the Frite and Aioli, French bread and butter!
Chez Papa partners, Marc-Henri Sempere and Jocelyn Bulow also own...
288 Connecticut St. San Francisco, CA 415-255-0370
Chef, Ola Fendert is also the Chef at Baraka only 1 block away!
Baraka is also one of the Best Restaurants in San Francisco!
want more?
Marc-Henri Sempere told me they are opening a 3rd Restaurant soon...
Also, do not miss...
Boulevard
Restaurant = 5Attababys!
Domaine Leroy 1999 Vosne Romanee Les Beaux Monts
paired perfectly with
Hudson Valley Foie Gras with Cherries
Located in the Marriott Hotel 100 West San Carlos
San Jose California 95113 408-278-4555
Michael Mina, Brainchild Chef
Andrew Budnyj, Executive Chef
Rajat Parr, Brainchild Sommelier
Dragisa Milivojevic, Wine & Beverage Manager
Outstanding Wine List!
It's the little things at ARCADIA that make the difference here!
Dinner is Theater here!
Liver & Onions paired with Brogan 2000 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir!
Sheppard's Pie paired with Brogan 2000 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir!
Chicken Fried Steak paired with 2000 Chateau Margaux Pavillon Rouge!
On another night...
That's a bread warmer on the left with a trio of fresh Breads and a trio of soft Butters!
So many restaurants miss the little details, not here.
Lobster with Pinot Noir?
Actually, Yes!
Lobster Pot Pie served Tableside by David!
Delicate touch is essential for this entree! David lays the top of the Pot Pie on my plate and the carefully arranges the Lobster on top!
Voila! Lobster Pot Pie perfectly paired with the 2001 Testarossa Pisoni Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
"The
Best Food in the World!" Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 2003
I agree!
Sierra Mar Restaurant Post
Ranch Inn =
5Attababys!
1-831-667-2800 Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920
Quite simply, one of the best meals I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing!
Craig Von Foerster, Chef
Dominique Da Cruz, Wine Director
Quite simply, one of the best meals I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing!
Craig Von Foerster, Chef
The wine list isn't too bad, either!
Dominique Da Cruz, Wine Director
Seemless, effortless service from my server, Robert
Gracious reservations and seating from hostess, Toni
The Menu changes daily...
Four Course Prix Fixe
September 13th, 2003
Amuse-Bouche
xxx
Course One
Barbeque Quail with Chorizo-Cornbread Stuffing
Avacado Salsa Fresca paired perfectly with
2001 Testarossa Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
xxx
Course Two
Foie Gras Terrine with Caramelized Quince
Vanilla Gastrique paired perfectly with
2001 Testarossa Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
xxx
Course Three
Fennel Crusted Ahi Tuna with Fig, Proscuitto, Panzanella Salad and
Balsamic Brown Butter paired perfectly with
2001 Testarossa Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
xxx
Course Four
Selection of Artisan Cheeses paired perfectly with
2001 Brewer-Clifton Sweeney Canyon Chardonnay = 5Attababys!
Wow!
After dinner check out the stars via the telescope on the deck
or maybe dip in the soaking pool over looking the Pacific Ocean
before walking back to your room!
As featured in WineChief's Carmel Valley Wine Roads!
The Menu at Sierra Mar changes daily,
another night...
Four Course Prix Fixe
February 21st, 2003
1988 Williams Selyem Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir = 5Attababys! paired with
xxx
Grilled Squab Breast with Porcini Mushroom Risotto and Red Wine Syrup
xxx
Curried Carrot Soup
xxx
Milk Braised Niman Ranch Pork Loin with
Parsnip Puree and Smoked Bacon-Chantrelle Mushroom Salad
xxx
Rose Secented Glace with Pistachio Ice Cream and Strawberries
Sublime...
On another night...
February 19th, 2004
Four Course Prix Fixe
The wine list isn't too bad, either!
Seemless, effortless service from my server, Robert
Gracious reservations and seating from hostess, Toni
The Menu changes daily...
Four Course Prix Fixe
February 19th, 2004
1999 Kistler Kistler Vineyard Pinot Noir paired perfectly with
Hoison Grilled Quail with Peanuts, Plum sauce and Asian Pear Relish = 5Attababys!
xxx
Big Sur Chanterelle Mushroom Tasting
Out of this world...with the last glass of Kistler Pinot!
xxx
2000 Chateau Margaux Pavillon Rouge paired perfectly with
Roast Lamb Loin with Braised Lamb Shank Risotto, Treviso Radicchio and Porcini Jus = 5Attababys!
xxx
Chateau Malle Sauterne paired perfectly with
Maple Walnut Baklava with Poached Pear
Craig, chef and Dominique , sommelier Sierra Mar! The Best!
Highlands Inn Park Hyatt, Carmel Highlands, CA
Home of the 18th Annual Masters of Food & Wine!
Wine Spectator Wine of the Year Retrospective +
the Top 10 wines over the last 10 years!
Bernabe De Luna, sommelier
Krug anyone?
then, the Chardonnay!
Amusee Bouche paired perfectly with Chardonnay!
Chardonnay paired perfectly with Seared Day Boat Scallops!
next, Pinot Noir!
Pinot Noir paired perfectly with Grilled Breast of Quail!
then, Cabernet Sauvignon blends!
1985, 1988, 1989, 1995 Chateau Margaux vertical!
Chateaux Margaux paired perfectly with Boneless Rack of Lamb Chop!
Bernabe De Luna, sommelier pouring the next round of Cabernet Sauvignon blends!
The hits just keep coming! More Wine of the Year Cabernet Sauvignon blends!
Seared Beef Tenderloin paired perfectly with Cabernet Sauvignon!
and finally, the dessert wines!
Raspberry Gratin paired perfectly with both dessert wines!
Mark Ayers, Executive Chef Pacific's Edge Restaurant
Highlands Inn, Carmel Highlands, California
want more...
... the next day!
Marinus Restaurant
= 5Attababys!
Cal Stamenov, Chef
Mark Jensen, Sommelier
Wine
Spectator Wine of the Year Retrospective +
Top 10 wines over the last 10 years!
Lunch at Marinus, Bernardus Lodge Carmel Valley, CA
Champagne Reception
1994 Roederer Estate - L'Hermitage, Anderson Valley
First, Beringer Chardonnay, 1999 Sbragia -Limited Reserve and two 1994 & 1996 Private Reserve Chardonnay!
Chardonnay paired perfectly with Butter-Braised Maine Lobster!
next, a vertical of 1986, 1992, 1994 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon!
Cabernet Sauvignon paired perfectly with Chicken "Farci" Surprise
then, more California Cabernet Sauvignon blends!
1994 Joseph Phelps Insignia, 1996 Opus One, 1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages, 1997 Viader
Cabernet Sauvignon paired perfectly with Prime Beef "Three Ways"
followed by a vertical of 1984 1985, 1990, 1991 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon!
Cabernet Sauvignon paired perfectly with Artisan Cheese
Manuel Klausner speaking about the Caymus vertical!
Ken Parker's smile says it all!
and finally the Ports...
1994 Fonseca, 1994 Taylor, 1977 Fonseca, 1977 Taylor
Oh, the Ports!
Port paired perfectly with a Chocolate Cashew Tart
Michael Berry, Host, Dennis O'Boyle, Cal Stamenov Chef, Marinus, Michael Simons!
want more?
Erna's
Elderberry House Restaurant =
5Attababys!
Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant is in Oakhurst, California, just 20 minutes from the South Gate of Yosemite Park. For reservations, please call (559) 683-6800. Do not miss the Chateau du Sereau!
Executive Chef James Overbaugh
Restaurant Director Roland Venturini
Sommelier Chris Shackelford
Capitel Croce paired beautifully with the best Red Pepper soup I've ever had the pleasure of tasting! A Masterpiece! Click on picture for recipe!
Domaine de la Terre Rouge Tete-a Tete
Ficklin Port paired with Chocolate and Pears! Perfect on a cold winter night!
on another night...
Highlights from August 13th, 2003 Menu Carte
GRILLED ONO FILLET
Avacado-Mango Compote, Bronzed Polenta, Caramelized Citrus and Basil Broth paired perfectly with a WestBrook Viognier-Valdeguie from Madera County! Wow!
ROASTED RACK OF LAMB
Saffron Emulsion, Pepper Jam, Tomato Gnocchi with White Truffle Oil paired perfectly with Merry Edwards 1999 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir! Wow!
CHOCOLATE DOME CAKE
filled with White Chocolate-Rasberry Mousse and Lemon Meringue Tart paired perfectly with a Moscato d'Asti! Wow!
want more?
The Restaurant
at The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas =
5Attababys!
One of the best meals in recent memory!
Dean Fearing, chef
Click here for Dean's recipes!
Kent Rice, sommelier Your presence made the evening unforgettable!
The wine list is outstanding!
The night I was there I tried two courses recommended by our excellent server...
April 10th, 2003
Amouse Bouche
xxx
2001 Brewer - Clifton Melville Pinot Noir = 5Attababys! paired perfectly with
Scallop and Foie Gras
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1999 Rudd Jericho Canyon Vineyard Napa Valley Red = 5Attababys! beautifully matched with
Venison and Southwestern Lasagne introduced that night not to be missed!
The Southwestern Lasagne is worth the trip alone!
The Restaurant at the The Mansion at Turtle Creek, Dallas is simply outstanding service in every way!
A.P. Stump's 163 W. Santa Clara, San Jose, CA
408-292-9928
This place is beautiful and the food is just as beautiful as the decor.
Jim Stump the chef, formerly of Le Mouton Noir and The Los Gatos Brewery
has done a beautiful job with this restaurant!
Try the Foie gras, sweetbread mushroom appetizer with the
Dehlinger Pinot Noir for an appetizer!
on another night....
WineChief and A. P. Stump's celebrate a Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir Tasting
APRIL 1, 2000
***
THE PEOPLE
***
THE WINE
***
THE MENU
SEARED SONOMA FOIE GRAS TERRINE WITH BLACK TRUFFLES, SPINACH AND AGED BALSAMIC VINEGAR
ROASTED CALIFORNIA QUAIL WITH TURKISH FIG AND HUCKLEBERRY COMPOTE AND PINOT NOIR SAUCE GRILLED HUDSON VALLEY FOIE GRAS WITH DRIED CHERRY GASTRIQUE PEPPER
CRUSTED CERVENA VENISON LOIN WITH BLACK TRUFFLE AND POTATO GRATIN
CHEESE SELECTION OLD CHATHAM TOMME - NEW YORK ROARING FORTIES BLUE - AUSTRALIA CHEVRE D'OR - FRANCE
COCONUT POT AU CRÈME WITH CHOCOLATE WAFER AND GINGER ICE CREAM
CHEERS!
want more?
415-693-0941
615 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca 94111
The Best Coq au Vin in San Francisco is at Jeanty at Jack's
paired with a 1999 DRC Richebourg = 5Attababys!
want more?
Seared Day Boat Scallops with Sugar Pie Pumpkins
baby Spinach and Sage Vin Blanc paired beautifully
with 1999 Kistler Vine Hill Chardonnay and
2001 Peter Michael Mon Plasir Chardonnay!
Pan Seared Foie Gras with Apricot and
Ginger Chutney on Toast Points with
Endive Chutes paired with a 1997 Da Vinci!
Braised Veal Cheeks with Crispy Ricotta Gnocchi, Wilted Spinach and Baby Artichokes paired with 1997 Chappellet Pritchard Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as 20 other great Napa Cabs.
Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb with a Provencal Ratatouille Vou Au Vent, Pichiline Olives and Rosemary Jus paired with a Venge 1996 Reserve along with many, many other great Napa Cab! One of my favorites was the 1999 Shafer Hillside Select!
want more?
Kenwood Restaurant!
= 4Attababys!
Beef à la Bourguignonne and DRC in Sonoma?
Introducing I4U Credit Card Size Reading Glasses!
Perfect for reading the Wine List in a dimly lit Restaurant!
Click on picture to see more!
