Ahhhh….Palm Beach / South Beach where the weather was perfect and those with the perfect body had no problems showing off what being committed really means – - Spring has Sprung. Being from the old school where nothing comes easy and if it did, you’d think twice before doing “it”, the same applies when it comes to great wine and food. When you experience wine crafted from experience and reverence for terroir, and food prepared with thought and understanding, your palate will not accept anything less.I’m very appreciative of winemakers and chefs who understand the importance of enlighten taste. Who craft their gifts to a “once in a life time experience.” This was how my time in Palm Beach and South Beach started and ended.
Highlights:
First up, The Betts & Scholl wine dinner in Palm Beach. Chef Zach Bell of Café Boulud once again satisfied and enlightened my palate by creating an amazing menu to pair with wines from Master Sommelier Richard Betts and contemporary art collector Dennis Scholl. The wines of Betts & Scholl are simply divine and work incredibly well with food. Dinning with Richard and having access to his insights on wine and living made for an even more special time. Do take the time to enjoy their wines, you will not be disappointed.
With South Beach being so close, not taking advantage of the sights is just tragic. Some pics must remain off-line. You must go and see it for yourself. With all the excitement on Ocean Drive, I prefer to stay at The Tides. This is the ideal spot to watch, be watched and stay removed. I’d heard about and wanted to visit this cool restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental, Azul . What a pleasant surprise. I must say the Moroccan Duck, sorry no photo – - lost in pure bliss, was outstanding, I highly recommend it. Firm and fully of character, the ’02 Giovanni Rosso Barolo was an ideal pairing with the duck. To end this mini feast I was introduced to Inniskillian’s Cabernet Franc – - ideal for those of us who go light on the sweet stuff. Sorry for the camera phone shots, I sometimes travel light.
Back home I did my usual – -Phillips Point. My dear friend and Sommelier, Roxane Shafaee-Moghadam, suggested two amazing wines, both of which I’d never tried and was thrilled they were on the list. The 2002 La Romanée-Conti and 2004 Ch Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Both wines were outstanding with true representation of their unique terroirs and classic old world styling.
