Food « Terroir 55's – – Sagacious Palate

Posts Tagged ‘Food’

Monsieur Paul Bocuse

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

I must apologize for the delayed post but, I’ve been busy enjoying life – - mostly food and wine. As you can see from my cheeks in the picture below, this has been an ongoing affair. So, let’s pick up where I left off.

My gastronomic journey through Paris, rightfully labeled “Michelin Madness” was quite amazing but, getting there started in Lyon. I had two defining dining experiences in Lyon that forever changed the way I approached food and wine. The first was my encounter with the father of gastronomy, Monsieur Paul Bocuse. The second shall be revealed in the next posting. Receiving 3 Michelin Stars is one thing but, maintaining them for more than 46 years sets the standard.

For those of us who live for the next amazing meal, we all know the important role Monsieur Bocuse has and continue to play in the ever changing world of fine dining but, for those of you who are searching for meaning and understanding as to how we got here, you should start with: Monsieur Paul Bocuse

Monsieur Paul Bocuse

Tags: Chef, Food, France
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’07 Peay Syrah, Egg Parpadelle & Braised Rabbit

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Before the amazing lunch at Matisse, dinner was planned and almost complete. With a visit to Balducci’s on Saturday, I decided rabbit was on the menu for the weekend and Peay “La Bruma” Syrah, 2007 was the wine of choice. So, with several hours of braising, a combination of Mediterranean and North African spices, I’d created what turned out to be a stellar dish to accompany an outstanding Syrah. The more I challenge my palate, the more fun I have!!!! Go have some fun and enjoy a little Peay while you’re at it.

Peay "La Bruma" Syrah 2007

Peay '07 Syrah Parpadella with braised Rabbit

Peay "La Bruma" 2007 Syrah and Egg Parpadella with Braised Rabbit

Tags: Food, wine
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Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner / French 69

Sunday, November 27th, 2011

There’s Thanksgiving and then there’s pre-Thanksgiving. This year I wanted to make sure the traditional was balanced with the not so traditional by dining at Plume before the big “Turkey Day”. It’s no secret, this is my “go to” spot in DC when I’m in need of my Paris fix without crossing the pond and Wednesday night proved to be the right thing to do. Here’s the menu inspired by Chef Jakubiec’s brilliance and the wines paired by sommelier Michael Scaffidi, formerly of The French Laundry. Oh, and do not forget to see Ivan – - his skills in the bar are absolutely amazing!!!! Ask for the “French 69” – my must have drink of the evening.

The Jefferson

Chef Jakubiec

Sommelier, Michael Scaffidi

Amuse Bouche

Roasted Eggplant Tian

House-made Fettuccine with Braised Rabbit, Seasonal Mushrooms & Mushroom Emulsion

Poached Sole Pinwheel with Sole Mousse, Saffron Consomme, Fennel Confit, Peanut Potatoes

Venison Loin with Red Cippolini, Butternut Squash, Parsnip, Venison Reduction

Roasted Lamb Medallion with Ratatouille, Baby Eggplant, Licorice Jus

Artisanal Cheese Cart

Merinque Mosaic - Sicilian Pistachio Parfait, Cherry Griottes, Crunchy Muesli

Prager, Gruner Veltliner, Smaragd, Durnsteiner Zweithaler, Wachau, Austria 2007

'94 Guigal Hermitage

'93 Zilliken Riesling

Ivan & My French 69

Tags: Food, wine
Posted in Chefs / Restaurants / Sommeliers, Food, Wine | No Comments »

REDD, Napa Valley

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

After driving through wine country and meeting some of the locals, I wanted and needed to find a great restaurant where the admiration for the food was equal to that of the wine. Well, it was Sunday, July 17th when I discovered that place – - REDD. Chef Richard Reddington’s attention to detail and intuition makes dining here a must and a one on one experience. Here’s mine, the menu and the wines. The special of the evening was stonefruit panzanella with a citrus vinaigrette which was not part of the tasting menu. The tasting menu featured sweetbreads. Hmmmm……torn. Wanting both, Chef Reddington combined the two to create an amazing complex addition to our tasting menu. Paired with the Robert Sinskey 2010 Pinot Gris, this creation was absolutely divine. Do go, it’s worth the trip.

Stonefruit panzanella, crisp sweetbreads with citrus vinaigrette

Robert Sinskey Pinot Gris, Carneros 2010

Yellowfin tuna tartare, asian pear, chili oil, fried rice and cilantro

Stephen Ehlen Riesling, Kabinett, Mosel, Germany 2010

Halibut, coconut jasmine rice, clams, chorizo, and saffron curry nage

Domaine Pierre Matrot, Meursault, France 2007

Carnaroli risotto, maine lobster, meyer lemon confit with truffle oil

Vins De Vienne, ‘Tabernum’ Vin de Pays de Collins Rhodaniennes 2008

Liberty farms duck breast, onion fondue, mostarda with five spice

Whetstone Pinot Noir ‘Jon Boat’ Sonoma Coast, California 2008

Braised California lamb, eggplant caponata with lamb jus

Wind Gap ‘Griffin’s Lair’ Syrah, Sonoma Coast 2007

Chocolate peanut butter beignet with bitter caramel ice cream

Dow’s, Late Bottled Vintage, Portugal 2005

Peach shortcake, whipped yogurt and raspberry sorbet

Jorge Ordonez & Co. ‘No. 2 Victoria’ Moscatel, Malaga, Spain 2007

Tags: California, Food
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Wine & Tapas – Bocadillos, San Francisco

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Great spot to unwind and enjoy some amazing wine & tapas. After an evening of Martinis at Bix, I spotted this gem on the way back to the Ritz – - Bocadillos, wine & tapas. I’d found my lunch hangout for the following day and what a hangout. You don’t wanna miss this. The food was incredible and the Elyse L‘Ingénue 2008 paired extremely well with the dishes. Enjoy and make time to savory the flavors. This is not a hurried experience. “MyTouch4g” again not the Nikon – Sorry!!!!