Above Photo: Jesse Rodriguez
Review by Frank Mangio
I kept seeing his name alongside many superlatives in a number of wine publications: Wine Spectator, Food & Wine Magazine, Wine & Spirits Magazine and Esquire. He was crossing my radar in a big way and I had to meet him.
Jesse Rodriguez could be a national politician in the best sense of the word.
He’s a non-stop advocate for his restaurants at the Grand Del Mar, San Diego’s newest luxury hotel, and for his wines, all 21,000 on the property.
Addison is the trophy restaurant of fine cuisine where Jesse can be seen and heard a good deal of the time, educating guests on his wines and the top-shelf menu. The cuisine is the creation of William Bradley, formerly of Loews in Coronado and the Phoenician in Scottsdale.
Addison’s décor is “Renaissance Mediterranean” and was designed by Addison Mizner, a brilliant architectural artist who made a name for himself in the luxury landmarks of South Florida. The decorative arts of Spain, Portugal, Venice and Morocco are all richly in evidence in all focal points of the Grand Del Mar.
The main 2,500 bottle wine room, adjacent to Addison’s dining room, is appointed with Jerusalem limestone, trimmed with carved Italian stone. Guests can view this room through triple arch windows. A fine wine experience for all palates is assured with a worldwide collection of top vintage varietals.
Jesse personally selected the following wines to compliment my four course dinner: first course of Forest Mushroom Velloute was washed down with La Scarpetta, Vino de Tavola Bianco, 2006 from Friuli, Italy. The second course, the Foie Gras De Canard ( lentil, port wine sauce, with bacon mousse) called for Elk Cove Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley Oregon, 2006. Course number three, Wild Scottish Salmon, with roasted eggplant and toasted pine nuts was presented with Cos D’Estrournel, Deuxiemes Cru, France 1996. Final main course was a Filet of Natural Beef with smoked potato puree. The wine was a Marchesi Antinori “Ornellaia” from Bolgheri, 1998. To all this magnificence, Jesse adds a friendly smile with heartfelt passion. Who could ask for anything more from this world-class sommelier at the lovely Addison, Grand Resort, Del Mar. Find out more at www.addisondelmar.com.
Paso Robles Comes Calling in San Diego
There is plenty to like about Paso Robles, California’s fastest growing wine region. Located on both sides of Highway 101, North of San Luis Obispo, “Paso’s” 170 plus wineries are driven to the high quality results that are in most every bottle. On Wednesday the 27th of this month, be prepared to become a disciple when over 40 of the best-of- the- best, offer tastings from some 150 different wines, at the popular San Diego Wine and Culinary Center on Harbor Drive in San Diego, across from the convention Center.
After the trade and media meet and greet, the public is invited to taste the wines from 6pm to 8pm for a $35. advance purchase ticket price. Check out www.pasowine.com. Heavy appetizers will be served with the wines.
You can also call 800-549-WINE.
Congratulations go out to Robert Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard. He was honored as the 2007 Wine Person of the Year in Paso Robles for his leadership and dedication to the region.
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