by Frank Mangio
The nationally known Successful Meetings organization has just awarded Addison at the Grand Del Mar Resort the best Hotel Restaurant in the nation this year. Those of us who have been pleasured by this signature restaurant and its Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef William Bradley are not surprised by this latest accolade.
Bradley’s simple, refined style of cooking, taking local ingredients and masterfully engaging French influences, has inspired diners since the dining room opened with the resort in 2006. “I am driven not by trends but by the history of food,” he declared. “My emphasis is on mastering simplicity with a keen focus on taste and technique.”
Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef William Bradley
Addison Wine Director Jesse Rodriguez is in step with Bradley, building a 36,000 bottle wine inventory that is impressive by any standard, and includes fine wines from France, Italy and Spain. Famous California top vintage wines can be discovered along with newly respected selections from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America.
Events in honor of the holidays include: an Artisan Carte Blanche 7 course Thanksgiving Day Menu from 3 to 8pm on November 24; a Lewis Cellars Wine Dinner on Thursday December 8 at 6:30pm with Dennis Bell of Lewis collaborating with Rodriguez and Bradley for a 3 course wine dinner; a Christmas eve dinner at Addison is Saturday December 24 from 5:30 to 9pm; and a 7 course dinner at Addison is planned for New Years Eve Saturday December 31 from 5:30 to 10:30pm. Dinner guests will have complimentary access to the Grand New Years Eve Party with dancing to Wayne Foster’s 6 piece band and DJ.
For all events, RSVP at 858-314-1900. Visit www.TheGrandDelMar.com.
Wines for the Holidays
Here are 9 that will serve you well as you pour the wine for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other parties coming up:
* Alec’s Blend, Lewis Cellars, Napa Valley, 2009. $60. Newest creation from Lewis is 80% Syrah, 17% Merlot & 3% Cab. Lively on the palate!
* Acacia Chardonnay, Carneros, 2009. $12. Ginger-honeycomb flavors put this over the top.
* Banfi Belnero Blend, Tuscany, 2008. $28. Sangiovese, with tastes of Cabernet and Merlot. Violet and cherry flavors.
* Chateau Rollan Le By, Bordeaux, 2008. $23. 70% Merlot, 10% Cab, 10% Cab Franc, 10% Petit Verdot. Fine French wine at a value price.
Peter Ackley of Alternative Wines in San Diego introduced the new 2010 “The Prisoner” from Orin Swift, a sought-after Napa Valley blend.
* Conundrum blended white wine, 2010, Napa. $17. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Muscat. A honey of a white wine.
* Montes Alpha Cabernet, Chile, 2006. $16. This power cab was laid down for 2 years. Incredible flavor enhancement.
* Orfila Estate Montepulciano, San Pasqual Valley, 2009. $29. First Orfila release of this Italian grape favorite. Spicy characteristics.
* Orin Swift The Prisoner blend, Napa Valley, 2010. $37. 44% Zinfandel swings the flavor up. Legendary winemaker Dave Phinney’s signature blend.
* V. Sattui Zinfandel, Russian River Sonoma, 2008. $36. Slow growth vines and moderate vigor provide perfect maturity at harvest.
Wine Bytes
North County Wine Company in San Marcos has 7 Thanksgiving Wines for tasting Fri. Nov. 18 from 4 til 10pm. $10. ea. includes appetizers. Call 760-744-2119.
PAON Restaurant and Wine Bar in Carlsbad Nov. 17 thru 23 has Thanksgiving wines, with 6 one ounce tastings for $16. Check in for details at 760-729-7377.
Taste Champagne and Sparkling Wines Sat. Nov. 19 from 11 to 3:30pm. Reserve time slot by calling 858-586-WINE. $10.
Thornton Winery in Temecula has a Thanksgiving Day Dinner Thurs. Nov. 24 from Noon to 5pm. Includes one glass of non- vintage Brut. $49.95. RSVP at 951-699-0099.
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