4/28/2010 a day of food and wine

The day started with a light lunch at Pave’ on our way to the Everett waterfront, where we stayed the night at The Inn at Port Gardner and spent the evening at Antinori winemaker’s dinner at Lombardi’s.

Pave’ ***
Everett Washington
425.252.0250
http://www.pavebakery.com/
This is a wonderful place to stop by and have a sandwich.

Ham sandwich*** with a slice of American cheese, and tomato.

Inn at Port Gardner***
Everett Washington
888.252.6779
http://www.innatportgardner.com/
You are greeted by views of Puget Sound, Port Gardner Bay, and the marina. Entering the lobby a warm and enchanting fireplace welcomes you. The Inn's staff is helpful, and friendly.

Anthony's HomePort Everett***
Everett Washington
425.252.3333
http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/everett.html
We had a few hours to go before the wine tasting dinner so off to Anthony’s we went. We enjoyed a few appetizers over a couple of glasses of house Merlot**. Red wine with sea food, who would have thought?

Oysters sampler (8)*** This is a sample of what ever fresh oysters the have in that day. For us we had three different type on the half shell. You could taste the sea!

Manila Clams from Discovery Bay*** don’t forget to ask for a spoon to drink the broth.

Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian – Everett***
Everett Washington
425-252-1886
http://www.lombardiscucina.com/MainPages/Locations/Everett.html

Antinori Wine tasting Dinner*** Started out a little rocky, they ran out of the second pore of the Montenisa before the last two tables. Yes we were sitting at one of the last tables.

Oil & Breadsticks***
Peppoli Estate Olive Oil*** and Tormaresca Estate Olive Oil*** with focaccia bread sticks

Brut, Montenisa, Francacorta DOCG**

Poached Prawn***
Tormaresco Estate Olive Oil poached Wild American Prawns with balsamic vinegar** caramelized onions, polenta cakes and romesco sauce. I don’t think the caramelized onions went will with the prawns.

2007 Chardonnay, Castella della Sala, Bramito***

Wild Boar Ravioli***
Wild Boar Ravioli*** Cacciatore style braised wild boar inside handmade ravioli with aromatic vegetables.

2003 Torcicoda, Primitivo, Tomaresca*** this Zin was wonderful and peppery.

Beff Tenderloin****
Beff Tenderloin**** Tuscan herb roasted beef tenderloin with a wild mushroom ragu, semolina gnocchi and Peppoli Estate Olive Oil. The tenderloin almost melted in your mouth.

2006 Chianti Classico, Peppoli DOCG*** Top wine of the night.

Spring Salad***
Spring salad*** Roasted beets, baby carrots, fava beans, arugula and radish with red wine vinaigrette and shaved parmesan.

2007 Il Bruciato, Tenutoa Guardo Al Tasso, Bolgheri DOC*** Cab, merlot and Syrah blend.

Torta Caprese**
Torta Caprese*** Rich, flourless chocolate cake with candied walnuts and salted caramel gelato.

Muffato, Castello della Sala*** Nice desert wine. We felt this wine did not pair will with the Torta Caprese.

Saturday 4/24/2010 Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting at Wicked Cellars**** with Karen Varner with Pacific Rim Distributors***

2008 Vinum Cellars Chenin Blanc Blend** Light in color.

2006 Cass Winery Rockin' One*** A Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache blend with a hint of Petite Sirah. My favorite of the tasting.

2005 Vinum Red Dirt Red*** Chateauneuf-style wine.

2005 Ecluse Ensemble Red*** A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 18% Merlot.

2005 Stratton Lummis*** blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 18% Merlot

NV Tobin James Dream Weaver Sparkling Wine** Slightly sweet, all we need now is a sunny day.

Friday 4/23/2010 Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting at Wicked Cellars**** with Travis Scarborough of O’Shea Scarborough*** This was a enjoyable afternoon of wine tasting, with pizza from Savory Table’s Catering***

Riesling "Cease & Desist" ** to be released in May.

2006 Desolation Chardonnay*** Champoux Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills. Toast on the nose, creamy on the palate.

2007 Rebel Cabernet Sauvignon**

2007 Black Cask Syrah*** I could get lost in the Syrah.

2007 Revelation Merlot**** A truly elegant wine.

The Main Event 2007 Yakima Valley Cabernet Sauvignon*** This is a young wine.

Stand Alone Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Wallula Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills*** 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the famed "Wallula Vineyard." Young now but should age well.

April 2010 Trip to Leavenworth Washington

This was an over night stay, short but sweet.

South***
Leavenworth Washington
509.888.4328
http://www.southleavenworth.com/SOUTH/Welcome.html

Prawn Soup*** seasoned prawns, garnished with cilantro, onion & crumbled cheese. Nice flavors.

Black Bean Enchiladas*** creamy Oaxacan style black bean sauce, topped with sliced onion, crema & mild cheese. Was expecting something different.

April 12th thru the 16th – Vegas Baby!

Hofbrahaus Las Vegas***
Las Vegas Nevada
702.853.2337
http://www.hofbrauhauslasvegas.com/
Sure this is not “The” Hofbrahaus, it’s the only faithful reproduction of the original Hofbräuhaus München. It’s a good place to stop and refresh with a 1L stein of HB***

Hofbräuhaus Brotzeitteller*** - Cold Cut Platter with Pork Roast, Black Forest Smoked ham, sliced Sausage, cheese, Pickled Gherkin, Onion Mustard, Rye Bread and butter. I have this every time we stop by.

Allgauer Kasespatzle*** - Spatzle with melted Swiss cheese and toped with crisp onions. Almost like a macaroni and cheese.

Hard Rock Café*** Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas Nevada
702.733.7625
http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=507&MIBEnumID=3
Located next to the MGM, it’s what rock and roll is all about.

Mushroom & Swiss Burger*** Smothered with sweet caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. Topped with two slices of Swiss cheese. Good to have late at night, like we did.

Legendary Burger*** Topped with seasoned bacon, two slices of Cheddar cheese, a crisp fried onion ring, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Good any time.

IL Fornaio***
Las Vegas Nevada
702.650.6500
http://www.ilfornaio.com/?page=138&restaurant_id=3163page=138&restaurant_id=3163
Located in New York-New York Hotel and Casino it’s a fun place to people watch.

Carpaccio*** Thinly sliced raw beef, shaved parmesan cheese, capers and wild arugula drizzled with lemon-olive oil. This is the first time I have has this dish. I wanted to go back every day for this surprisingly light lunch.

Pizza Vegetariana*** Fresh asparagus, grilled zucchini, fresh tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers, button mushrooms, smoked mozzarella and basil. Enjoyed the asparagus.

Smith & Wollensky***
Las Vegas Nevada
702.862.4100
http://www.smithandwollensky.com/locations/las_vegas_steakhouse.htm
We ate at the "Sidewalk Cafe" right on the strip. Talking about people watching!

Wollensky's Famous Split pea Soup*** Yum

Sirloin Steak*** Dry-aged and hand cut on premises with whipped Potatoes*** and mushrooms***

2005 Milbrant “Legacy”***

Gallager’s***
Las Vegas Nevada
702.740.6450
http://www.nynyhotelcasino.com/restaurants/restaurants_gallagherssteakhouse.aspxhouse.aspx
Located in New York-New York Hotel and Casino> We were planning to have dinner there, but because of time we had a late light lunch instead. We sat at the out side (in side) area. This made eating somewhat difficult, but it was our chose.

Beefsteak Tomato & Maui Onion***

Grilled Globe Artichoke*** Never had this before. Not the easiest food to eat at a restaurant.

Saturday 4/10/2010 Wine Tasting at Wicked Cellar and Alexandria Nicole

Wines of Patterson Cellars*** at Wicked Cellars****
Woodinville Washington
425.483.8600
http://washingtonwinecompany.com/

Patterson Cellars 2009 Chardonnay** Aroma of pineapple on the nose.

Patterson Cellars 2009 Rosi*** Off dry and crisp.

Patterson Cellars 2006 Malbec*** 32 months of aging in French oak tells it all.

NV WoodsLake NV Due Anni** Something is missing and not sure about the price.

Patterson Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon*** This is a well balanced Washington Cab.

Tasting at Alexandria Nicole new location.
HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE
Woodinville Washington
425.483.2968
http://www.alexandrianicolecellars.com/

Cheese and meat platter*** Nice tasting with a great presentation.

Fries*** Thinly slice potatoes with kosher salt

2007 Block 17 Syrah*** Great with the Fries

Friday 4/9/2010 Wine Tasting

Tasting the April Club Wines*** from Wicked Cellars**** This was a treat, we were able to taste the April selections from the three Wicked Cellars wine clubs.

From the Red and White Club:
Batterieberg 2007 Detonation Riesling*** Off dry and very nice.

Adamant Cellars 2006 Red Blend, Columbia Valley*** 60% cab and 40% merlot.

Next from the Northwest Club:
Gorman 2007 Zachary's Ladder, Columbia Valley*** Nice and polish.

Gorman 2007 "The Bully," Red Mountain*** Aged for 20 months, should last a long time.

The final wines from the Two Red Club:
Chbteau Garraud 2003, Lalande De Pomerol, Bordeaux*** Can age many more years. This wine should be open up to two hours before drinking.
Chbteau La Sergue 2003, Lalande De Pomerol, Bordeaux*** This wine should also be open for hours before drinking.

Thursday 4/8/2010 Dinning out

Daruma Japanese Restaurant***
Everett Washington
425.339.2307

This is a wonderful little restaurant on the Everett water front. It’s a little confusing with part of the restaurant in front and in back. We spend are time in the back with the view of the Sound.

Nine assorted sushi with California rolls*** I always say “No Taco” please. There is never a problem with substations.
Assorted fish and noodle dish*** Yes we are bad for we did not write down the name of the dish.
Asahi beer*** Crisp and refreshing, however a little over price.

Saturday 4/3/2010 Wine Tasting

Aussie wine tasting at Wicked Cellars****
All wines were rated 90 and above.

2006 Kaesler Barossa Valley Viognier*** Wonderful paired with cheese.

2006 Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz*** nice nose

2008 Glaetzer Wallace Barossa Valley Shiraz-Grenache*** for many this was the star of the tasting.

2006 Kaesler Avignon GSM*** This is a young wine, needs age. Wine Enthusiast and Wine Advocate each rated it at 92 points.

2007 Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon**

Friday 4/2/2010 Wine Tasting

Elliott Bay Spanish Wines Tasting** at Wicked Cellars****
Much of the pours this afternoon were on the light side.

Marques de Gelida Cava Rose** a nice light, clean sparkling wine. Great for a hot summer day.

2008 Botani Moscatel Seco** was rated 90 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

2008 BORSAO** nice nose

Bodegas Ateca Atteca Old Vine Garnacha 2008*** light on the palate, but with a long finish.

2007 Can Blau Montsant**

2008 Bodegas Ateca Atteca Old Vine Garnacha**

2005 El Puntido Rioja*** plenty of tannins.