In an odd twist of fate that involved a friend moving to New York and the transfer of some hand-me-downs through her sister, I had the recent opportunity to sit down to lunch with EM, a Four Seasons Biltmore server extraordinaire of nine years and passionate food-lover.
We ate at Del Pueblo Cafe in the Magnolia Shopping Center. EM ordered a burrito, and I got the mole enchiladas, one chicken and one beef. All delicious. Over lunch, she provided me with some tidbits of goings-on at the Biltmore.
First up, there's a Wine Maker's Dinner planned this month. The first dinner has completely sold out, and they've added a second dinner on 28 November to the events calendar. For $95 per person, diners will be treated to an evening of food paired with wines from Caymus Vineyards in Napa. There will be a reception with hors d'œuvre, followed by a four course meal including amuse-bouche, first course, entree and dessert, each complemented by a different wine.
If you're seeking an alternative evening to a tryptophan-laden Thanksgiving dinner and have the money to spend, this could be a great option. You can phone 969-2261 and ask about the Wine Maker's Dinner for more info.
Understandably, the Wine Maker's Dinner might weigh too hard on the pocketbook, so there is a more affordable route for those pulling in the reins on their spending. The Biltmore includes the Featured Wine in their normal service each month. Think of it as an opportunity to enjoy a glass from a $150 bottle without that upfront cost, and it can be ordered alongside an appetizer.
There is also a wine special on Tuesdays - buy one, get one of equal or lesser value at half price. This is available between 6 pm - 8 pm.
EM let me in on one final morsel: after 10 pm, the bar snacks change from savory cheese wafers and pistachios to chocolate covered almonds. I would like to go at 9:55 PM, during the transition, so I can have it all.
Heading up the coast, I just found out that the Wine Country boutique in Los Olivos is having a special Port tasting this Friday, 16 November, between 5 pm - 7 pm. Here's the tasting lineup with details provided by Matt at Wine Country:
Graham's 6 Grapes: a very full-bodied, luscious wine drawn from the same vineyards as Graham's Vintage Ports. Blended from two or three years' harvests, the wine is an average of five to six years old when bottled. It follows the Graham's Vintage style very closely, although it has softened more quickly by being matured in oak casks rather than in bottle. Its extremely rich fruity style makes it a truly superb, rare and appealing Port.
Graham's 20 year: "20 Years" indicates an average age - this Aged Tawny Port is a blend of older wines - which offer complexity, and younger wines - which bring fresh fruit flavors and vibrancy. During their long maturing period in oak casks, Aged Tawnies undergo subtle color changes: the deep red hue which characterizes Port's youth gradually gives way to a paler golden amber color. Graham's is known for its rich, elegant house style. This 20 Year has an intense, nutty bouquet, the classic Graham's richness and a concentrated, lingering finish. Many consider the 20 Year to be the perfect blend of complexity and vibrant fruit when it comes to Aged Tawny.
Cossart Gordon 1995 Colheita Bual: a rich, powerful Madeira with a velvety mellowed texture. Its cask aging is reflected in the delicate nuttiness and soft nuances of fruit. It may be enjoyed with desserts or cheeses.
Dow's 1992 Colheita has a bright tawny color with an amber rim. On the nose sweet aromas of crystallized fruits combine with subtle vanilla notes from the cask aging. On the palate very fresh and lively with excellent nutty flavors and a long finish. Try serving lightly chilled in warm weather.
Smith Woodhouse Late Bottles Vintage Port 1994: sweet and vibrant with rich plum, spice and fruitcake aromas on the nose. The palate balances lush fruit, intense sweetness and good acidity. The finish is very long with good concentration.
Cost for the tasting is $12.
John, will you please add Wine Country to your database? kthnxbye!
