Chef’s Table Dinner at La Villa (in San Diego!)

Sally and I enjoyed an unforgettable chef’s table dinner in late 2011 that may have been one of our best meals ever. So it was no wonder that we were excited when we heard about a chef’s table at La Villa San Diego.

La Villa is an Italian farm to table restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. It’s part of the Buon Appetito Restaurant Group, whose Buon Appetito restaurant is no stranger to this blog. Don’t bother searching for the chef’s table on their website. Just know that it’s there and call to make your reservation.

Our five course dinner was paired with wine and was simply outstanding. 

First Course
Beef carpaccio with parmesan, capers, and chianti mustard served over a bed of lettuce. Paired with NV Gruet Demi-sec (sparkling wine).

Sally and Jeff's Mom, Kathy

Second Course
Burrata with oven roasted tomatoes, artichoke, frisée, wild arugula, balsamic, olive oil, and pesto. Paired with a 2010 Stolpman L’Avion Roussanne.

Jeff and Jeff's Dad, Bob (Jeff is on the right)

Third Course
Ravioli with poached egg and mushroom. Paired with a 2010 Windy Oaks Estate Pinot Noir.

We're all enjoying course #3

Fourth Course
Prime rib-eye paired with potatoes, carrots, and sweet peas. Paired with a 2010 Storybook Mountain Zinfandel.

Mmmm!

Fifth Course
Dessert two ways (a polenta cake and ice cream). Paired with a Canadian ice wine (apple) and a South African late harvest Chenin Blanc.

Dessert two ways paired with dessert wine two ways

“Drink Yourself Blind” and Discover New Wine

One of my favorite ways to discover new wines is with unique tasting experiences.  It’s a fun way to share wine with friends and try something you may not otherwise.  This week, co-workers were in town and our friends at Bacchus Wine Market & Tasting Room set up a very fun tasting experience for us, “Drink Yourself Blind”. 

For the tasting, we were served 8 mystery wines ~ 4 white, 4 red.  We were provided a list of possible wines.  Of course, they didn’t make it easy, as each list had an extra wine that was not part of the tasting.  We were also provided grape descriptions to help us along.  Here’s the list of our potential wines with actual selections marked with (x):

WHITE:

(x) Le Capitaine Vouvray Chenin Blanc, France

(x) Cavallotto Chardonnay, Italy

(x) J. Rickards Sauvignon Blanc, California

(x) Trefethen Riesling, California

Lagar de Cervera Albarino, Spain

RED:

(x) Medlock Ames Merlot, California

(x) White Hawk Syrah, California

(x) In Situ Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile

J. Rickards Zinfandel, California

(x) Aster Ribera del Duero Tempranillo, Spain

The wines were served one at a time, starting with the whites.  After every taste, we each made a guess and then took the most common answer as our ‘team pick’.  After tasting all the whites, I learned, well… I really suck at this ~ it was hard!  I only got 2 correct.  Our collective team pick scored the same, and we gave mad props to our co-worker who successfully picked three.  I was confident I’d do better with the reds.  Not so much.  I didn’t get any correct (ouch!), and I once again matched our team score.  The best among our group was a total of 4 correct picks. 

I have convinced myself I would do better if the wines were tasted all together and I could compare side by side.  Then again, maybe I just need the practice, and should take it as a sign to share more wine!

Bacchus is holding the "Drink Yourself Blind" event on Friday, Oct 12, 4-8:30pm and Saturday, Oct 13, 2-8:30pm.  Tickets are only $20. If you are in San Diego during this time, I highly recommend it ~ tons of fun!

Sharing a fun wine tasting experience with co-workers at Bacchus Wine Market, downtown San Diego

Fun White Wines to Beat the Heat

There is no question Chardonnay is at the top of the popularity list for white wines. As the summer heats up, here are a couple of different white varietals to cool off with while hanging by the pool, sitting on the patio, or grilling with family and friends. We discovered these great white wines while exploring California wine regions over the years. The price points are all $15 or less and are fairly distributed. Grab a bottle (or two) and enjoy the summer!

You can find these wines at BevMo and Specs

Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc ($13)

100% Sauvignon Blanc, 64% stainless steel tanks, 36% older French oak

Cool, stainless steel tank fermentation gives this wine a crisp freshness while the subtle oak character from barrel aging adds great complexity and depth.  This wine has a medium-light yellow color, and has tastes of melon and kiwi, finishing with a splash of citrus. Enjoy with a light salad, herb chicken and vegetables, lightly grilled fish, or even oysters. 

Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc ($15)

99% Pinot Blanc, 1% Chardonnay, Five months in stainless steel tanks, 12% aged in new and used French oak, 4% aged in French Acacia wood barrels

Rich complex flavors of pear, apple and nectarine.  The finish is lengthy with zesty acidity.  This wine is refreshing, crisp, and very drinkable.  It's light flavor makes it enjoyable with a variety of foods.  Enjoy with a nice chicken salad, or scallops.  It is also a great wine for Sunday brunch. 

Simi Sauvignon Blanc ($12)

95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon, 100% stainless steel tanks

Very clear in color and full of crisp, clean fruit flavors. It starts with a burst of bright citrus, and finishes with a lemon-lime zest. Enjoy with a light salad, some grilled shrimp, or simply while enjoying sunshine out on the patio or by the pool. 

You can find these wines at BevMo

Seghesio Pinot Grigio ($15)

100% Pinot Grigio, 100% stainless steel tank fermented

Bright nose with flavors of sweet melon, pear and peaches.  The rich and creamy mouthful adds complexity and the firm acidity provides a clean finish.  Enjoy this wine with Asian food, grilled pork chops, or before dinner with gruyere-style cheese. 

Husch Chenin Blanc ($10)

100% Chenin Blanc,100% stainless steel tank fermented

Chenin Blanc is one the most versatile grapes used in the wine industry.  This ‘off-dry’ wine has tastes of tropical fruits, and the acidity gives it a hint of zest.  Even ‘non-wine drinkers’ have been known to enjoy this wine.  It is ideal for picnics, or with a fruit and cheese course.   It would also pair well with seafood or spicy Asian cuisine.