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.