by Frank Mangio
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles, offers a commanding vista of one of the largest, most beautiful marinas in the world.
It is one of the 85 Ritz-Carlton properties in the world. When I viewed the boats docked in the blue Pacific on a picture-perfect day in L.A. from the Concierge Lounge, I couldn’t help but go back to my first experience with the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Different view, same awestruck feeling of the pinnacle in hotel living. “Putting on the Ritz” still sets the tone in song, as it did many years ago in a popular song composed for the original Ritz in Paris. Later, this hotel was merged with the Carlton in London with the first Ritz-Carlton opening in 1927 in Boston, a model for what was to come.
Ritz-Carlton has twice won the prestigious National Quality Award for hotels, and plans are to expand to 30 more hotels and residential projects, including the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage in the desert, most of which has already been completed and open for guests.
The Ritz-Carlton has conceived a maximum guest service on an upper floor appropriately named the Club Lounge. Club concierges attend to Club guests from 6:30am to 10pm with superior comfort and services. This includes breakfast, lunch, hors d’oeuvres and late night treats from tables and chairs with a commanding view of the marina and the ocean. Complimentary Business center and Wi-Fi are available, as well as premium beverages anytime during service hours. Kudos to management for requesting that no cell phone conversations be made in the lounge.
The center of my interest was the makeover of the waterside restaurant, Cast & Plow, with panoramic views of the marina. The menu underlined “Community Made” with fresh, organic, locally grown and raised ingredients….from seed to your table. Its 80 indoor/outdoor seats allow for dining and gathering at intimate locations within the restaurant, for full breakfast, lunch and dinner. I was impressed by the 32-day aged, smoked ribeye steak, shown in the photo with sides that included asiago cheese potato puree, oversize asparagus tops and an herb salsa verde spread over the steak. Superb!
I must congratulate the Sommelier/Wine Steward Mitchel Ober for his choice of wine for this choice of entrée. It could not have been better. It was the 2010 Figgins Estate Red from Walla Walla, Washington. This is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small portions of Merlot and Petit Verdot aged in French oak for 20 months. Chris Figgins also makes wine for the well known Leonetti Wines in the same Walla Walla area.
The Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey is paradise found! Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/marinadelrey for more.
Review: Night at the Mission San Luis Rey
The historic Mission San Luis Rey hosted their 3rd annual Night at the Mission to benefit
the Old Mission Montessori School. St. Francis of Assisi once said “for it is in giving that we receive.” Thanks went out to Charlie Plummer, Oceanside resident and newly appointed Regional Sales Manager for Jackson Family of Fine Wines for his organizational In all, 17 wine, beer and food companies contributed to the pristine venue.
Wine Bytes
Cougar Winery in Temecula is having a Blending Party Sun. June 8 from 6:30-8:30pm. Be a winemaker for a day and compete in this best blend contest as a 2013 Miscuglio Del Circolo is created. Appetizers served. $30. per person. Reduction for club members. Call 951-491-0825.
It’s Feel Good Friday with Blu Gruv music at Orfila Winery in Escondido, Fri. June 13 from 4 to 6pm. Admission free for the Jazz music, with wine and food an additional cost. More on this at 760-738-6500 x22.
Morada at the Rancho Santa Fe Inn presents Wine Tastings Thurs. June 19th from 5 to 6:30pm. Cost is $25. pp for 8+ tastings and includes light appetizers. RSVP at 858-381-8212.
The Women’s Museum is holding its 7th annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival, Fri. June 20 from 6 to 9pm at the museum at Liberty Station in Pt. Loma. Cost is $50. and includes the music of Sue Palmer, the Queen of Boogie Woogie. Learn more at 619-233-7963.
Showing posts with label Morada Rancho Santa Fe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Morada Rancho Santa Fe. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Monday, May 12, 2014
New Wines, a New Villa and All That Jazz at Thornton Winery in Temecula Wine Country
by Frank Mangio
A friend of mine recently passed me the official site map for Temecula that I speculate could have been printed in the 80’s. It showed 12 wineries, some 25 less than are counted today in the winegrowers brochure, an amazing growth record.
In the late 80’s, John and Sally Thornton, shortly after gaining ownership of Culbertson Winery, founded the Thornton Winery Champagne Jazz Series.
“We needed an attraction to sell more wine and I thought a concert series would do it, and it did,” said John. Like the rites of Spring, the Champagne Jazz Series has again arrived for its 26th year. A stellar lineup of nationally known artists perform at outdoor concerts each weekend from May 17th. to October 19th.
Champagne Jazz manager Tonya Wake was excited about her first act Saturday May 17th at 7pm. It’s Jazz Attack, a collaboration of great Jazz, with triple threats Peter White, Rick Braun and Euge Groove. A high point in the series will be Summer Horns on Sat. September 27th at 7pm, when Dave Koz, longest running act in the series, partners up with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot. For more information and tickets, call 951-699-3021. www.thorntonwine.com.
New Dynamic Wine Duo at Falkner
Amante and Meritage are the brands. Ray and Loretta Falkner, in Temecula Wine Country, have made a living off these two wines that have been a home run since they had their first corks popped. The 2010 vintages are out and about . Each is $39.95 on the Falkner site and at the winery.
One large difference about the two: Amante follows closely the Italian Super Tuscan model of a dominant Sangiovese, followed by the classic blending grapes of Merlot, Cabernet and Cab Franc. From the earthy aroma to the chewy fruit/tobacco flavors, it’s deep rooted Italian. This bottle made my “Great Eight” recently.
Meritage is an all-Bordeaux style with a healthy blend of Cabernet, supported by Cab Franc and Merlot. Duncan Williams came over from Fallbrook Winery to be winemaker at Falkner, and he’s on board with the new concept “Seductive Series” based on the success of “Luscious Lips.” This is a slightly sweet party wine that is the lead for a four-pack of similar semi-dry fun wines. They match up nicely with the new Summer Menu at the attractive hilltop Pinnacle Restaurant, the full service Falkner dining room with spectacular hilltop views. Check out the specialty burgers on the web site www.falknerwinery.com.
The Bell is Finally Tolling for Robert Renzoni Vineyards
After 6 years of grit and determination, the Renzoni Family now has its tasting room and Tuscan Villa, despite its primary bank going bust during the deepest recession in decades. “We stuck it out,” asserted family paternal leader Fred Renzoni. “We operated from our production warehouse, got some good business, built up the wine club and found another bank who believed in us. By the time we got permitting from the county, we started building in 2012. We’ll have a large number of outdoor features for dining, tasting, entertainment, even a bocce court. It’s all about Tuscan Italian living with the architecture that reflects our heritage east of Florence . Our original family crest will be prominently displayed as will our family history.”
The tasting room will be three times as big as the current one tucked into the original production room.
The bell will toll daily at the open and close of business, a symbol of the celebration of this deep rooted wine family and their biggest victory. www.robertrenzonivineyards.com.
Wine Bytes
Morada in the Rancho Santa Fe Inn will present a wine dinner Tues. May 13 from 6 to 8pm, featuring Mirror Wines. Cost is $190. each. Call 858-381-8190 for more.
Dolce Pane E Vino, also in Rancho Sante Fe, will join with B Cellars of Napa Valley for a wine dinner Wed. May 14 with dinner at 7pm. Make your reservation at 858-832-1518. $150 pp.
Wine, Brews & Blues are all featured Sat. May 17 from 5:30 to 10pm at the Escondido Center for the Arts by the Bonsall Rotary Club. Tasty bites will be prepared by leading restaurants in Escondido . Silent auction, art sales and dancing. Tickets are $75. available at BonsallRotary.com.
A friend of mine recently passed me the official site map for Temecula that I speculate could have been printed in the 80’s. It showed 12 wineries, some 25 less than are counted today in the winegrowers brochure, an amazing growth record.
In the late 80’s, John and Sally Thornton, shortly after gaining ownership of Culbertson Winery, founded the Thornton Winery Champagne Jazz Series.
“We needed an attraction to sell more wine and I thought a concert series would do it, and it did,” said John. Like the rites of Spring, the Champagne Jazz Series has again arrived for its 26th year. A stellar lineup of nationally known artists perform at outdoor concerts each weekend from May 17th. to October 19th.
Dave Koz is the longest running Jazz artist to appear at Thornton Winery’s
Champagne Jazz Series in Temecula.
Champagne Jazz Series in Temecula.
Champagne Jazz manager Tonya Wake was excited about her first act Saturday May 17th at 7pm. It’s Jazz Attack, a collaboration of great Jazz, with triple threats Peter White, Rick Braun and Euge Groove. A high point in the series will be Summer Horns on Sat. September 27th at 7pm, when Dave Koz, longest running act in the series, partners up with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot. For more information and tickets, call 951-699-3021. www.thorntonwine.com.
New Dynamic Wine Duo at Falkner
Amante and Meritage are the brands. Ray and Loretta Falkner, in Temecula Wine Country, have made a living off these two wines that have been a home run since they had their first corks popped. The 2010 vintages are out and about . Each is $39.95 on the Falkner site and at the winery.
One large difference about the two: Amante follows closely the Italian Super Tuscan model of a dominant Sangiovese, followed by the classic blending grapes of Merlot, Cabernet and Cab Franc. From the earthy aroma to the chewy fruit/tobacco flavors, it’s deep rooted Italian. This bottle made my “Great Eight” recently.
Meritage is an all-Bordeaux style with a healthy blend of Cabernet, supported by Cab Franc and Merlot. Duncan Williams came over from Fallbrook Winery to be winemaker at Falkner, and he’s on board with the new concept “Seductive Series” based on the success of “Luscious Lips.” This is a slightly sweet party wine that is the lead for a four-pack of similar semi-dry fun wines. They match up nicely with the new Summer Menu at the attractive hilltop Pinnacle Restaurant, the full service Falkner dining room with spectacular hilltop views. Check out the specialty burgers on the web site www.falknerwinery.com.
The Bell is Finally Tolling for Robert Renzoni Vineyards
The bell tower is shown, part of the new tasting room and villa at
Robert Renzoni Vineyards in Temecula.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards in Temecula.
After 6 years of grit and determination, the Renzoni Family now has its tasting room and Tuscan Villa, despite its primary bank going bust during the deepest recession in decades. “We stuck it out,” asserted family paternal leader Fred Renzoni. “We operated from our production warehouse, got some good business, built up the wine club and found another bank who believed in us. By the time we got permitting from the county, we started building in 2012. We’ll have a large number of outdoor features for dining, tasting, entertainment, even a bocce court. It’s all about Tuscan Italian living with the architecture that reflects our heritage east of Florence . Our original family crest will be prominently displayed as will our family history.”
The tasting room will be three times as big as the current one tucked into the original production room.
The bell will toll daily at the open and close of business, a symbol of the celebration of this deep rooted wine family and their biggest victory. www.robertrenzonivineyards.com.
Wine Bytes
Morada in the Rancho Santa Fe Inn will present a wine dinner Tues. May 13 from 6 to 8pm, featuring Mirror Wines. Cost is $190. each. Call 858-381-8190 for more.
Dolce Pane E Vino, also in Rancho Sante Fe, will join with B Cellars of Napa Valley for a wine dinner Wed. May 14 with dinner at 7pm. Make your reservation at 858-832-1518. $150 pp.
Wine, Brews & Blues are all featured Sat. May 17 from 5:30 to 10pm at the Escondido Center for the Arts by the Bonsall Rotary Club. Tasty bites will be prepared by leading restaurants in Escondido . Silent auction, art sales and dancing. Tickets are $75. available at BonsallRotary.com.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Rancho Santa Fe Inn Unveils the New Morada
by Frank Mangio
How do you take a historic landmark that, since 1923 has been pleasing guests with ranch-style accommodations, and dining in one of the most upscale districts in San Diego County , and clean it up with a major remodel? The answer is, very carefully. Careful to maintain consistent comfort and the highest example of the rare ranch feel of the property. Morada is the signature restaurant that is the epicenter of the inn, with its clean, laid-back southwest style.
A farm to table format is essential. The food menu is in the hands of Executive Chef Todd Allison who has created a carefree elegance to his menu while diners settle back in the open-arms atmosphere. A concise 8 entrees cover bases like Maine Lobster Carbonara, Grilled Colorado Lamb loin Chops and local Honey Glazed Chilean Sea Bass which I chose, along with a side of Duck Confit Mac and Cheese.
I was delighted to see an old friend that I have enjoyed for these TASTE OF WINE years and recently named Food & Beverage Supervisor and Sommelier at Morada. Kurt Kirschenman and I go back to his days at Loews Resort in Coronado .
He chose a wine that brought back recent memories of a happy journey to Sonoma last year. Among the other memorable wineries visited was Stonestreet, a premium wine, up in the hills in the Alexander Valley . He poured their 2007 Cabernet Franc. Normally a supporting varietal to Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux Blends, Cab Franc is an insiders wine with a deeply velvety, smooth texture that is unmistakably left bank Bordeaux. “We have a new wine list with a larger number of wines offered. I have walked all over Europe, tasting as I went, and now I have the go-ahead to not only create a broader based California collection, but dig deep into the great wineries of France and Italy,” he said.
“My Chardonnay now include Burgundy , my Cabs are partly from Bordeaux. I want wines from less traveled roads. We serve a 6 ounce wine by the glass, which is more than most and we’ll be rolling out some high-end name brand cabs from Napa Valley on a test basis.”
He emphasized that training the wait staff is important to convey to the diner what they are paying for.
Sauces play an important role in wine selection, as well as entrée selection, so there may be 5 or 6 wine selections that will go with a dish. Kirschenman hopes to bring in wine dinners, especially from the nearby wineries, long a hope of mine.Live music at the inn is now scheduled in the lobby area on the weekends from 6 to 10pm. Morada serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with brunch on weekends from 11 to 3pm. Learn more at www.theinnatrsf.com
Operacaffe is the Soprano Sound
Cheryl Larson, a trained soprano performing Italian Opera, serves up the joy of Italian music while diners savor delicious Mediterranean food at the San Diego Gaslamp’s Operacaffe.
Food, wine and music are the basis for the Italian lifestyle and the Operacaffe is the only one I know of that completes the trifecta with opera music. At times she is joined by celebrated tenor Rosario Monetti and pianist Bryan Verhoye.
Musical performances begin at 6:30pm and are scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday monthly with the dining room as a stage. It’s up close and personal and somehow the minestrone, ravioli and wine tastes much better to the cream of Italian opera.
The menu is decidedly Florentine with several ravioli and risotto dishes. I chose the Ravioli Porcini e Crema di Tartuffi,in a creamy wild mushroom and truffle sauce. Beef and fish dinners also abound.
The wine choice is easy, an Italian Antinori from Tuscany , the 2007 Chianti Classico “Peppoli.” It’s made with mostly Sangiovese and a touch of Merlot and Syrah. Information and reservations for these musical evenings can be made at 619-234-6538.
Wine Bytes
An Emerson Brown Wine Dinner is planned at Amaya La Jolla Sat. Jan 25 at 5:30pm. Join winemaker Keith Emerson for select pours accompanying a 3 course dinner. $75. pp. Reservations at 858-750-3695.
Paradigm Winery of Napa Valley comes to Encinitas for a wine dinner at Solace, Tues. Jan. 28 starting at 6:30pm. Sean Crowley of Paradigm presides over 4 pours at the 4 course meal. $80. ea. RSVP at events@eatatsolace.com.
WineSellar & Brasserie in Sorrento Valley San Diego pours Sangiovese at a wine event on Wed. Jan. 29 from 5 to 9pm. Cost is $20. Details at 858-450-9557.
Wine Steals in Cardiff is hosting a Paso Robles vs.Napa Valley wine comparison, Wed. Jan. 29 from 5:30-7:30pm. $5.00 ea.
Vittorios’, Camino Del Sur in Carmel Valley , is presenting a Frescobaldi Wine Dinner Thurs. Jan. 30 at 6pm. Italian wine specialist Marcos Mizzau will introduce the 4 great varietals including a 2011 Tenuta Castiglione Super Tuscan. $49.50 pp. For more information contact 858-538-5884.
How do you take a historic landmark that, since 1923 has been pleasing guests with ranch-style accommodations, and dining in one of the most upscale districts in San Diego County , and clean it up with a major remodel? The answer is, very carefully. Careful to maintain consistent comfort and the highest example of the rare ranch feel of the property. Morada is the signature restaurant that is the epicenter of the inn, with its clean, laid-back southwest style.
A farm to table format is essential. The food menu is in the hands of Executive Chef Todd Allison who has created a carefree elegance to his menu while diners settle back in the open-arms atmosphere. A concise 8 entrees cover bases like Maine Lobster Carbonara, Grilled Colorado Lamb loin Chops and local Honey Glazed Chilean Sea Bass which I chose, along with a side of Duck Confit Mac and Cheese.
I was delighted to see an old friend that I have enjoyed for these TASTE OF WINE years and recently named Food & Beverage Supervisor and Sommelier at Morada. Kurt Kirschenman and I go back to his days at Loews Resort in Coronado .
Veteran wine director Kurt Kirschenman is now in charge of wines at Morada in Rancho Santa Fe .
He chose a wine that brought back recent memories of a happy journey to Sonoma last year. Among the other memorable wineries visited was Stonestreet, a premium wine, up in the hills in the Alexander Valley . He poured their 2007 Cabernet Franc. Normally a supporting varietal to Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux Blends, Cab Franc is an insiders wine with a deeply velvety, smooth texture that is unmistakably left bank Bordeaux. “We have a new wine list with a larger number of wines offered. I have walked all over Europe, tasting as I went, and now I have the go-ahead to not only create a broader based California collection, but dig deep into the great wineries of France and Italy,” he said.
“My Chardonnay now include Burgundy , my Cabs are partly from Bordeaux. I want wines from less traveled roads. We serve a 6 ounce wine by the glass, which is more than most and we’ll be rolling out some high-end name brand cabs from Napa Valley on a test basis.”
He emphasized that training the wait staff is important to convey to the diner what they are paying for.
Sauces play an important role in wine selection, as well as entrée selection, so there may be 5 or 6 wine selections that will go with a dish. Kirschenman hopes to bring in wine dinners, especially from the nearby wineries, long a hope of mine.Live music at the inn is now scheduled in the lobby area on the weekends from 6 to 10pm. Morada serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with brunch on weekends from 11 to 3pm. Learn more at www.theinnatrsf.com
Operacaffe is the Soprano Sound
Cheryl Larson, a trained soprano performing Italian Opera, serves up the joy of Italian music while diners savor delicious Mediterranean food at the San Diego Gaslamp’s Operacaffe.
Food, wine and music are the basis for the Italian lifestyle and the Operacaffe is the only one I know of that completes the trifecta with opera music. At times she is joined by celebrated tenor Rosario Monetti and pianist Bryan Verhoye.
Musical performances begin at 6:30pm and are scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday monthly with the dining room as a stage. It’s up close and personal and somehow the minestrone, ravioli and wine tastes much better to the cream of Italian opera.
Italian opera music is occasionally presented at San Diego ’s Operacaffe.
The menu is decidedly Florentine with several ravioli and risotto dishes. I chose the Ravioli Porcini e Crema di Tartuffi,in a creamy wild mushroom and truffle sauce. Beef and fish dinners also abound.
The wine choice is easy, an Italian Antinori from Tuscany , the 2007 Chianti Classico “Peppoli.” It’s made with mostly Sangiovese and a touch of Merlot and Syrah. Information and reservations for these musical evenings can be made at 619-234-6538.
Wine Bytes
An Emerson Brown Wine Dinner is planned at Amaya La Jolla Sat. Jan 25 at 5:30pm. Join winemaker Keith Emerson for select pours accompanying a 3 course dinner. $75. pp. Reservations at 858-750-3695.
Paradigm Winery of Napa Valley comes to Encinitas for a wine dinner at Solace, Tues. Jan. 28 starting at 6:30pm. Sean Crowley of Paradigm presides over 4 pours at the 4 course meal. $80. ea. RSVP at events@eatatsolace.com.
WineSellar & Brasserie in Sorrento Valley San Diego pours Sangiovese at a wine event on Wed. Jan. 29 from 5 to 9pm. Cost is $20. Details at 858-450-9557.
Wine Steals in Cardiff is hosting a Paso Robles vs.Napa Valley wine comparison, Wed. Jan. 29 from 5:30-7:30pm. $5.00 ea.
Vittorios’, Camino Del Sur in Carmel Valley , is presenting a Frescobaldi Wine Dinner Thurs. Jan. 30 at 6pm. Italian wine specialist Marcos Mizzau will introduce the 4 great varietals including a 2011 Tenuta Castiglione Super Tuscan. $49.50 pp. For more information contact 858-538-5884.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Fine Wine & Dine Choices for Thanksgiving
by Frank Mangio
Home for the holiday is a choice many Americans make. The biggest travel date of the year is Thanksgiving Day as relatives and friends assemble with great food, wine and conversation, the centerpiece of this day to count your blessings.
But the reality is many more people are counting their blessings and making wine toasts in smaller gatherings in fine restaurants, and leaving the cooking and the dishes to chefs and the wait help. TASTE OF WINE has selected a number of fine restaurants with superior menus and wine lists for this special occasion for your consideration. They’ll raise your holiday spirits and cast a glow to make it a day to remember.
Amaya la Jolla. A breathtaking renaissance revival with a regal atmosphere. Amaya is serving a 3 course menu from 12 to 8pm. Entrée selections range from roasted turkey breast & leg with cherry stuffing, to Filet of whole roasted beef tenderloin or seared Chilean Sea Bass. $65. per adult. Camron Woods is the Executive Chef. For reservations call 858-750-3695.
Morada at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Recently renovated and set in the heart of the “Village,” with hours from 11:30 to 8pm. Choose from a 3 course menu created by Executive Chef Todd Allison. $69.50 per adult. RSVP at 800-843-4661.
Marina Kitchen at the Marriott Marquis, San Diego Marina. Modern comfort cuisine. Executive Chef Aron Schwartz has created a contemporary buffet menu, capturing the nostalgia that diners feel when eating a home-cooked meal. Hours from 1:30 to 7pm. Highlights include: herb roasted turkey at the carving station or roast Brandt Beef New York. $48. per adult. RSVP at 619-699-822. Includes panoramic views of the bay.
Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery & Resort. Temecula Wine Country is perfect for a wine/food adventure. Entrees include roasted turkey breast & braised dark meat $39., cabernet braised beef short rib $43., or oven poached Alaskan cod $42. All are 4 course meals included in the price. Call 951-491-8077 for an RSVP.
Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steak House, Carlsbad. Served from 12 to 8pm. Choose your entrée from 3: hand carved turkey breast, pasta with butternut squash, walnuts and ricotta or risotto with butternut squash, mussels, clams, rock shrimp and bay scallops. 3 courses for $39. per person. RSVP at 760-434-2580.
Wines to Enjoy at Thanksgiving
Here are five wines, all reasonably priced for what their value is at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Each food course will come alive and taste so much better with these delicious choices:
J Cuvee 20 Brut, Sonoma ($28.) Grown in the Russian River Valley. Non vintage sparkling wine, for toasting and reception.
Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc, Sonoma, 2012. $14. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Flavors of grapefruit, lemon, mango and guava. Aged in stainless steel. Crisp freshness. Serve with fish appetizers, salads.
Goldeneye Pinot Noir Anderson Valley, 2010. $50. Cool climate north of Napa Valley. 4 vineyards and 19 clones of Pinot make this a celebrated wine. Lovely with turkey.
Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma 2009. $28. Only the best vineyards in Sonoma are selected from mountains and hillsides. Intense concentrated grapes. Beef dishes will be the selected cuisine for this powerful wine. 17 month barrel aged.
Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel Sonoma, 2009. $30. Considered the master Zin maker in California, with four generations of wine making mastery. Try this one with a rich chocolate based dessert. It will cap a truly memorable Thanksgiving wine-based feast.
Wine Bytes
Wines to be Thankful For is the theme of the tasting event Fri. Nov. 22 at 6 pm at Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas. Check out the list and pricing at 760-479-2500.
San Diego Wine Company has a Champagne and Sparkling Wine event Sat. Nov. 23 starting at 11am. Cost is $25. with RSVP only, at 858-586-WINE.
Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Wine Country presents a wine and food pairing Sun. Nov. 24 from 2 to 4pm in the Garden View Terrace Room. The secrets of wine and food pairing will be revealed. $49. for 5 wines and five food samples. RSVP at 951-699-9463.
Black Friday at Orfila in Escondido is Fri. Nov. 29 from 9am to 6pm. No charge for admission, with live music from 12 to 2pm and 3 to 5pm. Big discounts on wines and accessories. Details at 760-738-6500 x 22.
VINZ Wine Bar in Escondido is pushing music and dancing on the weekends. Classic rock on Sat. Nov. 30. Check times at 760-743-8466.
Home for the holiday is a choice many Americans make. The biggest travel date of the year is Thanksgiving Day as relatives and friends assemble with great food, wine and conversation, the centerpiece of this day to count your blessings.
But the reality is many more people are counting their blessings and making wine toasts in smaller gatherings in fine restaurants, and leaving the cooking and the dishes to chefs and the wait help. TASTE OF WINE has selected a number of fine restaurants with superior menus and wine lists for this special occasion for your consideration. They’ll raise your holiday spirits and cast a glow to make it a day to remember.
Amaya La Jolla, with its regal atmosphere and rich textures leads our choice for
luxury dining this Thanksgiving.
luxury dining this Thanksgiving.
Amaya la Jolla. A breathtaking renaissance revival with a regal atmosphere. Amaya is serving a 3 course menu from 12 to 8pm. Entrée selections range from roasted turkey breast & leg with cherry stuffing, to Filet of whole roasted beef tenderloin or seared Chilean Sea Bass. $65. per adult. Camron Woods is the Executive Chef. For reservations call 858-750-3695.
Morada at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Recently renovated and set in the heart of the “Village,” with hours from 11:30 to 8pm. Choose from a 3 course menu created by Executive Chef Todd Allison. $69.50 per adult. RSVP at 800-843-4661.
Marina Kitchen at the Marriott Marquis, San Diego Marina. Modern comfort cuisine. Executive Chef Aron Schwartz has created a contemporary buffet menu, capturing the nostalgia that diners feel when eating a home-cooked meal. Hours from 1:30 to 7pm. Highlights include: herb roasted turkey at the carving station or roast Brandt Beef New York. $48. per adult. RSVP at 619-699-822. Includes panoramic views of the bay.
Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery & Resort. Temecula Wine Country is perfect for a wine/food adventure. Entrees include roasted turkey breast & braised dark meat $39., cabernet braised beef short rib $43., or oven poached Alaskan cod $42. All are 4 course meals included in the price. Call 951-491-8077 for an RSVP.
Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steak House, Carlsbad. Served from 12 to 8pm. Choose your entrée from 3: hand carved turkey breast, pasta with butternut squash, walnuts and ricotta or risotto with butternut squash, mussels, clams, rock shrimp and bay scallops. 3 courses for $39. per person. RSVP at 760-434-2580.
Wines to Enjoy at Thanksgiving
Here are five wines, all reasonably priced for what their value is at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Each food course will come alive and taste so much better with these delicious choices:
J Cuvee 20 Brut, Sonoma ($28.) Grown in the Russian River Valley. Non vintage sparkling wine, for toasting and reception.
Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc, Sonoma, 2012. $14. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Flavors of grapefruit, lemon, mango and guava. Aged in stainless steel. Crisp freshness. Serve with fish appetizers, salads.
Goldeneye Pinot Noir Anderson Valley, 2010. $50. Cool climate north of Napa Valley. 4 vineyards and 19 clones of Pinot make this a celebrated wine. Lovely with turkey.
Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma 2009. $28. Only the best vineyards in Sonoma are selected from mountains and hillsides. Intense concentrated grapes. Beef dishes will be the selected cuisine for this powerful wine. 17 month barrel aged.
Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel Sonoma, 2009. $30. Considered the master Zin maker in California, with four generations of wine making mastery. Try this one with a rich chocolate based dessert. It will cap a truly memorable Thanksgiving wine-based feast.
Wine Bytes
Wines to be Thankful For is the theme of the tasting event Fri. Nov. 22 at 6 pm at Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas. Check out the list and pricing at 760-479-2500.
San Diego Wine Company has a Champagne and Sparkling Wine event Sat. Nov. 23 starting at 11am. Cost is $25. with RSVP only, at 858-586-WINE.
Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Wine Country presents a wine and food pairing Sun. Nov. 24 from 2 to 4pm in the Garden View Terrace Room. The secrets of wine and food pairing will be revealed. $49. for 5 wines and five food samples. RSVP at 951-699-9463.
Black Friday at Orfila in Escondido is Fri. Nov. 29 from 9am to 6pm. No charge for admission, with live music from 12 to 2pm and 3 to 5pm. Big discounts on wines and accessories. Details at 760-738-6500 x 22.
VINZ Wine Bar in Escondido is pushing music and dancing on the weekends. Classic rock on Sat. Nov. 30. Check times at 760-743-8466.
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