Saturday, September 13, 2014

All Aboard the Good Ship Poseidon

by Frank Mangio
Before I even thought about the relevance of wine and food, Poseidon on the beach in Del Mar was my hangout.  My radio buddies and I got all fired up around the big pit by the bar and the conversation about sports, music, radio and bikinis ramped up in the golden 80’s. The communal fire pit is still by the bar, the outdoor dining patio is more attractive than ever, the ocean still spectacular and the Ranglas Family still owns Poseidon and the next-door Del Mar Motel, purchased in 1968. The setting has been perfected over the years, to where it is now a true “beach vibe.”


The perfect setting for relaxing beach dining is Poseidon in Del Mar where
the waves are up-close and personal.

Some coastal dining sites are located to observe the beach scene but are walled out from the essence of what the shoreline offers.  Poseidon flows out there with the sand and surf.  Large retractable windows guarantee and open-air experience. You could be in Santorini Greece, Portofino Italy or Nice France with a setting like this.

I could go on and on about the ambiance of Poseidon, but we all know this restaurant could not live on the view.  It’s the food and wine that  make it happen.

I like an Executive Chef who wants his photo taken with a great glass of wine.  He understands its relationship to his food creations.  Chef Jamal of Poseidon is my man of the hour.  Raised with Moroccan cooking, he has flavored his Mediterranean creations with a classic French style and a series of high profile accomplishments.


Executive Chef Jamal is in charge of an adventurous showcase menu of Mediterranean
specialties at Poseidon in Del Mar.

 “We are offering a blend of food that can come together for some unique flavors, combining a strong seafood and farm bond,” he said.  It shows in Poseidon’s Morrocan Lamb meatballs and my personal favorite, the Japanese Vegetable Crusted Chilean Sea Bass, which was pan seared and served with white truffle celery silk, heirloom cherry tomatoes edamame and lemongrass beurre blanc sauce.  The perfect wine with this beautiful summer dinner entrée was the 2012 Ferrari Carano Chardonnay from Sonoma.

Stephane Turonbarrere is the General Manager and wine buyer  for Poseidon.  He has just upgraded the extensive list with more California favorites, and has launched a Half Price Wine selection every Tuesday and Wednesday with the purchase of a dinner entrée.  He has also added some Temecula wines, the neighbor wine country in nearby Riverside County .

San Diego’s Mediterranean waterfront dining comes together at Poseidon featuring fresh seafood and a fresh-air experience.  Visit theposeidonrestaurant.com.  Reservations at 858-755-9345.

THE HOME WINEMAKER'S INNER CIRCLE - CLICK HERE!

Grammy Award Winner Paul Brown Plays at Keyways Winery Temecula Sat. Sept 20.
Grammy winning Jazz guitarist Paul Brown headlines a Wine & Jazz concert at Keyways Winery in Temecula Sat. Sept. 20th at 6 pm.  Doors open at 5:30 pm with  General Admission  $45, with a special seating at 5 pm to meet the artists. VIP ticket is $75. with wine & appetizers. Ticket information @ tix.com or call Keyways at 951-302-7888.

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More Wine Bytes
Vintana & Lexus Escondido has a Corks & Canvas Wine/Art Event Sat. Sept. 13 from Noon to 3pm. 10 artists will be paired with fine wine and a lesson on how to pair the two.  Cost is $35.  Call 760-745-7777.

Firefly in Encinitas presents a Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley wine dinner Tues. Sept. 16 at 6:30pm. Four course dinner with award winning wines $125. pp.  RSVP at 760-635-1066.

California Wine Month is celebrated at the Marriott Marina Kitchen next to San Diego Convention Center Wed. Sept. 17 and 24 from 6 to 7 pm.  Winning Sommelier Joshua Orr will do a wine education series with wine tastings and other benefits only $10. ea.  Find out more at 619-699-8222.

The Masters of Food & Wine event is coming to the Park Hyatt Aviara Carlsbad Sun. Sept. 21 from 5:30 to 9pm at Vivace Restaurant. It’s a celebration of Italian craftsmen with burrata, mozzarella, prosciutto, balsamic and olive oil, fine Italian wines and art followed by a reception and 4 course dinner at Vivace.  $125. ea.  RSVP at 760-603-6907 or email: BethCooney1@hyatt.com.



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