Weekend wine tasting at Wicked Cellars and a new restaurant, Papa’s and Beer, a California Style Mexican Grill & Cantina in Lake Stevens

Wine tasting at Wicked Cellars with Lars Sorensen of cascade trade

2011 a New Year of wine tastings can't wait to get started. We are lucky enough to start the wine tasting year with Lars Sorensen of Cascade Trade. Lars was the host at Wicked Cellars Friday. We tasted wines from Italy, California, Washington and Oregon.


Carra Treviso "Pulcinello" Prosecco**+ dry, crisp, fruit flavors

Anne Amie Amrita Cuvee 2009 Willamette Valley Oregon*** dry, crisp, fruit forward, peach, and brisk acidity

Lenne' Estate "Le Nez" Pinot Noir 2008 Willamette Valley Oregon*** dark cherry, mocha, plum

Chandler Reach "Corella" 2007 Yakima Valley Washington*** juicy, fruity

Enotria Barbera 2007 Mendocino County California**+ ripe fruit

Chandler Reach "Monte Regalo" 2007 Yakima Valley Washington*** ripe berry, blueberry

Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 Russian River Valley California**** what a nose, jam, wet Cedar, the star of the tasting

Wine tasting at Wicked Cellars staff pick

Saturday's tasting was Wicked Cellars staff pick, focusing on maximizing the pleasure to value ratio.

Bisol's Desiderio Jeio NV Prosecco Brut** citrus, apples

Moulin de Ferrand 2009 Entre-Deux Mers, Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon**+ flowers, pears, bright and fresh

Cottonwood Winery Marina Piper 2007 Pinot Noir*** barbecue sauce

Gran Feudo Crianza 2002, Navarra*** burnt toast, Lead pencil, BlackBerry

Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red, Lot Number 53**+ plum, dusty earth

~~~

We had the pleasure this weekend of trying a new restaurant in Lake Stevens, Washington. The new restaurant is located in the old Alfie's Pizza building. It's called Papa’s and Beer, a California Style Mexican Grill & Cantina.

Papa’s and Beer, a California Style Mexican Grill & Cantina

Papa’s and Beer**+
9302 N Davies Rd
Lake Stevens, WA 98258
425.903.4069

The Restaurant:

Papa’s and Beer is a bright, friendly restaurant. The staff was both friendly and helpful. This would be an ideal place to take the family, the restaurant was full of both family and couples. The bar is still a work in progress waiting for the proper licenses. We would like to see less lighting (it’s very bright) and at some point find a way to reduce the noise level.

Papas and Beer Bar

The Food:

The menu is full of value and chooses, you will not leave hungry. We ordered the Fajita Quesadilla off the appetizer menu. The chicken was grilled perfectly, as were the vegetables and spiced just right. While the portion was plentiful, I found the Chile Relleno and Tamale Combination lacking flavor for my palate.

Papas and Beer sample menu

The Experience:

We enjoyed our experience and would recommend giving Papa’s and Beer a try. Will we eat there again? You bet… Can’t wait to try other food on the value pack menu.

Papas and Beer Fajita Quesadilla

Fajita Quesadilla*** grilled chicken and vegetables, cheese, pico de gallo, small spoon of sour cream and guacamole

Papas and Beer Chile Relleno and Tamale Combination

Chile Relleno and Tamale Combination**+ with beans and rice

~~~