8407 Kitchen and Bar

IW&FS Equinox Local Market Dinner 9/13/2011

The 2011-2012 Season of the IW&FS was kicked off at Todd Gray's Equinox Restaurant 818 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20006 (202-331-8118 equinoxrestaurant.com) on September 13, 2011. The Theme of the event was "Local Market". The incoming president acknowledged the outgoing president by presenting him with an IW&FS Medallion and a wine decanter.

“Local Market” Dinner Menu 9/13/2011
Passed Canapés
Confit of Heirloom Tomato with Albaquino Olive Oil

Crispy Squid and Artichoke Timbal
Quail Eggs in Brioche with Caviar
Saffron-Lemon Risotto Fritters
Demoiselle Tête de Cuvée Magnum
The Demoiselle Tete du Cuvee Brut Champagne is composed of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir and goes through primary fermentation in 100% stainless steel. It completes malolactic fermentation in stainless steel and is then bottled and aged for three years on the lees. The Champagne is quite golden in color, with a touch of green from the high Chardonnay content and has a decadent, generous nose that the Pinot dominates. Flavors of buttered toast, apples and even a bit of chanterelle mushroom unfold on the complex palate. This is very vinous, potent Champagne with quite a bit of length.
This champagne was refreshing and worked well with the Passed Canapés.

"Crudo" of Outer Banks Black Sea Bass
Yellow Tomato Vichyssoise, Golden Pineapple, Avocado Salad

Lucien Albrecht Riesling "Cuvee Henri" 2009
This Riesling is made from their best selection of this noble varietal. The wine is 100% Riesling and is distinguished by a piercing and beautiful aroma suggesting spring flowers. The wine is bone dry and delicious. The Riesling is considered the signature wine of the Albrecht family. Quick, floral and mineral smell, it reveals itself slightly spiced and elegant in the mouth.

Agnolotti of Late Summer Sweet Corn
Maine Lobster, Chanterelles, Sweet Corn Coulis

Bernard Morey Chassagne Montrachet Vide Bourse 2006
Light yellow clear color, the nose had a hint of wild flowers and citrus tree blossoms, on the palate, crisp, notes of minerals and medium body with a long finish.

Herb Roasted Breast of Sonoma Guinea Hen
Parsnip Mousseline, Warm Brioche, Shaved Foie Gras

Louis Jadot Corton Pouget 2002
"Revealing sweet oak scents, the 2002 Corton Pougets expands on the palate to display a powerful, structured character packed with mineral-laced dark fruits. Highly structured and firm, this is a medium to full bodied wine built for the long-haul. It is admirably concentrated, dense, and deep. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018.", RP. Clear red color, first nose, red fruits. Second nose, hint of oak, on the palate medium to full body with good finish.

Slow Cooked Loin of Grass Fed Potomac Veal
Crispy Sweet Bread, Mascarpone Grit Cake, Sour Mulberry Jus

Chateau Prieure Lichine 1995
Dark garnet color, first nose, red cherry & fruit, second nose, oak and tobacco. On the palate, sweet cherry flavor with long finish.


Blueberries and Summer Herbs
Goldhill Farm Blueberries, Vanilla "Genoise", Lemon Verbena Ice Cream

Domain des Bernardis Muscat de Beaunes de Venise 2009
Beautiful golden color, honeysuckle nose, on the palate medium body with good amount of sweetness and fruits.


Dinner Arranged By:
Bud Shuman, Chairman
Bill Wallert
Paul Shin
Steven Greenwald, Wine Committee
Andy Adelson, Ex Officio

Friends Reunion at Bistro Provence, Bethesda, Maryland

As we were heading back from San Fransisco, Alinda received a call from Julie informing her that Craig and Julie were in town for a short visit and that they wanted to get together with us and 2 other couples at the 8 month old Bistro Provence in Bethesda, Maryland. Julie informed us that Gino was the host at the restaurant. Gino used to run the dining rooms at the Historic Georgetown Club in DC for many many years where Craig and Julie were members.

The guests were Rebbecca & David, Mary & Michael, Alinda & Karim. Our hosts were Julie and Craig Fiede. We were provided a table at the far left of the patio corner.

First Course-
Tattinger Brut La Francaise Champagne-
This Champagne has a color of brilliant golden-straw yellow. The bubbles are fine, and the mousse is both discreet and persistent. The nose, very expressive and open, is both fruity and bready. It exudes aromas of peach, white flowers, and vanilla pod. On the palate this lively fresh wine is at once in harmony. This is a delicate wine with flavors of fresh fruit and honey.

First Course-
Puligny Montrachet, Louis Latour 2007-
Aromas of mineral, stone, almond and apple. Pear and mineral tones on the palate. Medium finish. Worked well with the salad and the soft cheeses.

Jeunes frisées en salade aux lardons, vinaigrette moutarde et fines herbes
Green Salads with Cheese and Heirloom tomatoes, Balsamic Vinaigrette and pickled olives.

Second Course-
2004 Les Brulieres de Beychevelle, Haut-Medoc, France
63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot. This 2004 vintage has prominent fruit aromas (blackcurrant and black cherry) therefore fully matured. The woody aromas from maturing are noticable (toastiness, grilled flavor) but remain discreet and elegant. The wine is neat, simple, fresh, and well-balanced, with a good length in the mouth. The best was the marriage with the rissotto's acidity. A great selection!


Rissotto au safran et tomates de jardin, petites crevettes du golf de Belize rôties
Rissotto with saffron, tomatoes and shrimp from Belize- The rissotto was creamy and was prepared to perfection.

Main Course-
2006 Château Labégorce Zédé, Margaux-
Château Labégorce Zédé has always been successful thanks to the richness of its soil. This wine is a deep wine with a beautiful dark color. It is a silky and well-balanced wine that complimented this meat course very well.

Paillarde de bœuf grille, pommes rissolées
Grilled beef” paillarde” with potatoes- Beautiful presentation. The meat was very tender and worked well with the Margaux.


Dessert Course-
A glass of Sauternes

Mousse au chocolat blanc aux pralines, Tuile au sucre White chocolaté mousse with praline


Coffee-


Chef owner Yannick Cam promotes and uses only organic produce

Bistro Provence
4933 Fairmont Ave.
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Reservations (301) 656-7373

We later joined Craig and Julie at their home for Cigars and Rum-


A fabulous Cohiba with notes of cedar and chocolate, to die for!

Some sing along with Craig's songs-

More Rum-

and Single Malt-


Many thanks to Julie and Craig for an unforgettable evening!