Wine 'N Dine: 2013

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Uncle's 90th Birthday at MP Taverna, Roslyn, NY

We celebrated my Uncle's 90th Birthday on December 21, 2013 (actual birthday was November 26, 2013) at Roslyn's MP Taverna Greek Restaurant. MP, are the initial's of the Chef and the proprietor of the restaurant, Michael Psilakis.

MP Taverna is a modern interpretation of a traditional Greek tavern by Chef Michael Psilakis currently open for lunch and dinner in Roslyn, Irvington, and Astoria.The dinner menu at MP Taverna is divided into sections, allowing diners to order from selections of meze and salads, entrees, and plat du jours. Meze options include Meatballs, Fried Calamari and Trio of Greek Dips, while a highlight from the salad selection includes the Bulghar date, almond, pomegranate, olive and pistachio. Signature dishes like Lamb Burger with smashed potato and pickle, Roasted Lemon Chicken with dill and garlic roasted fingerling potato are offered together with simply grilled options such as Swordfish, Salmon and Steak & Sausage. Alluding to his Greek roots, Psilakis’s daily rotating specials include the Pikilia Skaras grilled lamb chop along with loukaniko beef and pork, along with Braised Lamb Shank with orzo and root vegetable.

MP Taverna, Roslyn, NY

1990 POL ROGER CUVEE 2000 MAGNUM- This was the birthday present to my uncle that we opened for the evening's toast. This champagne had a beautifully gold straw yellow hue, fine bubbles, a bouquet of floral and fruity aromas, ripe and thirst-quenching on the palate, with a superb taste of brioche.

FRIED CALAMARI cauliflower, chickpea, spicy tomato & yogurt sauce

GREEK PAELLA
shellfish, spicy lamb sausage & orzo

GRILLED BRANZINO
fingerling potato, cherry tomato, garlic, olive

This savory Zinfandel displays vibrant aromas of rich, spicy clove and big, generous fruit with hints of vanilla that entice the nose. An abundance of plums and flavors of dense, juicy blackberries excites the senses with a round mouthfeel of well-integrated tannins on the finish. This wine is rich and powerful, and incredibly well-balanced. This Zinfandel was enjoyable on its own, and especially complemented the roasted dishes tonight.

It has a slight bitter taste that is nicely balanced by the flavor of the grapes. It’s a very fragrant wine, well balanced, and full of flavor.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

IW&FS Game Dinner at Grapeseed, Bethesda 11/12/13

Game Dinner

Chateau Thieuley 2012, Bordeaux Sec

The Menu

November 12, 2013
Grapeseed Chef Jeff Heineman

Passed Hors d’oeuvres
Grey Shrimp Croquettes
Venison Meatball Hunter’s Style
Hot Smoked Mackerel Rillettes, Salmon Roe
Chateau Thieuley 2012, Bordeaux Sec

Menu
Amuse Bouche
Turtle Soup, Madiera, Braised Turtle Crepe, Foie Gras
Lustau Amontillado Sherry *
Nutty nose, cedar and cigar notes.

Roast Rabbit Loin Porchetta, Potato Confit
Montebruna Barbera d’Asti 2010

Roasted Pheasant, Chanterelles, Lingonberries, Spoonbread
Bergstrom 2009, Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard *

Duo of Elk Loins, Rutabaga, Elk Timbale
Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 1997, Alexander Valley (Magnum) *

Cheeses presented by Carlos
Chateau Climens 2005, Barsac
Saffron nose, elegant sweetness and finish.
*From our cellar
Committee Chairman:
Brian Cullen
Member: Robert Morrison
Member: Tom Clinch
Trial Dinner Attendee: Thomas Lenz
Wine Committee : Marvin Stirman
President: Andy Adelson

Hot Smoked Mackerel Rillettes, Salmon Roe

Grey Shrimp Croquettes

Venison Meatball Hunter’s Style

Cheeses presented by Carlos

Lustau Amontillado Sherry *

Turtle Soup, Madiera, Braised Turtle Crepe, Foie Gras

Montebruna Barbera d’Asti 2010

Roast Rabbit Loin Porchetta, Potato Confit

Wine Auction

Bergstrom 2009, Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard *

Grapeseed Chef Jeff Heineman hard at work

Roasted Pheasant, Chanterelles, Lingonberries, Spoonbread

Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 1997, Alexander Valley (Magnum) *

Duo of Elk Loins, Rutabaga, Elk Timbale

Elk

Chateau Climens 2005, Barsac

Cheeses presented by Carlos

Chateau Climens 2005, Barsac

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Dominus Dinner 08042003

Fabulous Dominus Vertical Tasting a decade ago at Marcel's!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

IW&FS Welcome Back at Brabo 9/10/2013

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Spring Celebration IW&FS Event at Ris 06/11/2013

Ris' chef/ owner, Ris Lacoste, is a celebrated and respected chef, who has been part of the Washington, DC culinary scene for over two decades. Prior to Ris , she served as the executive chef of the famed 1789 restaurant for some 10 years. Ris Lacoste has participated in a number of IW&FS’s Washington Chapter events, and has a loyal following among quite a number of our members. Chef Lacoste has developed a delectable menu and a memorable evening for us.

PASSED HORS D’OEUVRES

Spicy Shrimp Tempura
Salmon Tartare
Valdo Prosecco Oro Puro N.V.

Salmon Tartare

Spicy Shrimp Tempura

First Course

Chorizo and Almond Crusted Sea Scallop white raisin and red pepper romesco sauces, Israeli couscous with orange, green olives and chick peas Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris 2011

Chorizo and Almond Crusted Sea Scallop

white raisin and red pepper romesco

sauces, Israeli couscous with orange

green olives and chick peas

Second Course
Meyer Lemon Ricotta Agnolotti fava beans, mushrooms, piquillo peppers, toasted almonds and citrus butter Billaud-Simon Chablis Vaillons 2010