The Elegant Pleasure of Dinner & Wine

by Frank Mangio
The weight of the world can put a dent on the shoulders of the best of us. Every once in while, all of us need to pause and place pleasure first on our to-do list. Not just any every-day pleasure but one steeped in history, wine and food. Did I see a few agreeable nods from the column’s faithful? Of course now I have to come up with a place that can deliver the goods, and I can. It’s the Vintage Steak House in San Juan Capistrano.

At the Capistrano Train Depot, built in 1894 in the busiest part of downtown, a fully restored 1927 Pullman train car sits in regal elegance, transforming the diner back in time.
All aboard for this restored Pullman train car now means reserve an elegant table at The Vintage Steak House in the train depot at San Juan Capistrano.

The owners, Byron Gemmell who is the Executive Chef, and Mathew Timmes who handles administration and bookings, put together this authentic, historic landmark that serves 240 inside. A caboose will extend the length of the restaurant and will be a private enclave of up to 15 diners. There is patio dining and live smooth Jazz Thursday through Saturday nights.
The real test of pleasure is the specialty steaks and carefully selected wines. From Filet Mignon to Rib Eye, the beef is open fire mesquite grilled, dry aged to perfection and hand-cut, enhanced with locally grown vegetables. A wide variety of chops and fish complete the entrees.

The wine list is superior. All the major world varietals are represented with names that will satisfy all palates. From champagnes to hillside Italian legends like Brunellos, Barbarescos and Amarones, they are all there…some 300 selections to fit all budgets. On this occasion we opened a 1995 Pendroncelli Cabernet from Sonoma. Its striking aged taste blended beautifully with the steak selections presented.

The romance of The Vintage Steak House takes the diner to another time and place, with an intimate ambience showcasing hand-crafted cuisine. The restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily from 8am. Sunday Brunch from 10am to 3pm. Call 949-661-3400. Learn more at www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

“Bling” Events on Tap from Fast Forward
Oh baby is the bar going to be raised for unparalleled events in San Diego by the fast-moving Fast Forward Event Productions. They are the people that have given us the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival for the past six years, easily the ultimate event experience for 10,000+ wine and food enthusiasts.
Over 170 wine and spirits producers will be pouring nearly 1,000 different wines at this year’s San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.

The announcement just came in that the new dates will be November 17 through 21 and tickets are on sale June 15. Superstars from the world of winemaking and foodie-favorite chefs will compile an unforgettable series of events, capped by a Grand Tasting Saturday November 20. It’s expected that 70 of San Diego’s top restaurants and just over 30 gourmet food companies will be there. The smart people will buy their tickets right after the 15th at www.worldofwineevents.com or by calling 619-342-7337.

Fast Forward also announced the launching of The Gourmet Experience, a food, luxury and lifestyle showcase that features the best in gourmet products and services according to Michelle Metter, partner in Fast Forward Event Productions. The date is set for October 9 and 10 of this year in San Diego. Guests will experience: tasting the newest gourmet foods, home entertainment products, kitchen equipment, plannng dinner parties, new trendy casual and fine dining products, culinary tips, new destinations, resorts and hotels, sipping luxury wines, spirits and craft beer and large appliance packages, to name a few.

For the latest news on The Gourmet Experience, go to www.thegourmetexpo.com.

Wine Bytes
§ A Day In Tuscany is the theme for the San Antonio Winery downtown Los Angeles Sat. June 12 from 1 to 4pm. The wines and cuisine, including a 4 course lunch will be served for $64. pp. Contact number is 323-221-7261.

§ The San Diego County Vintners will hold their annual Barrel Tasting Sat. June 12 from 12 Noon to 5pm at the Menghini Winery in Julian. Entertainment included for $45. Details at 760-765-2072.

§ Another Drink Yourself Blind competition is being staged at Bacchus Wine Market Sat. June 12 from 2 to 9pm. 8 wines will be “brown-bagged for your educated guess. $15. fee. More at 619-236-0005.

§ A Kiame Wine Dinner will be held at Baci Restaurant in San Diego Mon. June 14 from 6:45 to 9pm. 5 course dinner served with paired Kiame wines. RSVP at Baci’s 619-275-2094.