Showing posts with label boys girls clubs of san diego. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boys girls clubs of san diego. Show all posts
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Amaya Grand Del Mar is Garden-Fresh
by Frank Mangio
The Mediterranean splendor that is the Grand Del Mar has been documented in this column and publications world-wide. The decorative arts of Spain , Portugal Italy and Morocco are perfectly in harmony in this resort and this perfection is extended to the richly appointed restaurants.
We were treated the Addison dining room with its 2,500 bottle wine room under the brilliant leadership of Wine Director Jesse Rodriguz, so it was with great anticipation that the invitation came to review the other, more intimate and seductive Amaya with its delightful herb and vegetable garden just steps away.
Amaya was also unveiling its new summer menu, created by Chef Camron Woods and Food/Beverage director Ekrem Tercanoglu, which included: Grilled Swordfish, Roasted Halibut, Seared Seabass, Braised Short Rib and Whole Roasted Pork.
On the subject of his lovely garden of herbs, Camron said “I will use unusual flavors to mix with our marquee Mediterranean cuisine, like an Asian influence Terragon to accent the Sea Bass in Yellow Tomato Sauce. We cultivate freshness at Amaya.” As evidence, we walked into his expertly prepared garden. “Here you will find lots of Basil, Dill, Parsely Oregano, even tomatoes. It’s a feast for the senses with the emphasis on flavor.”Jesse Rodriguez was also in a celebratory mood as he uncorked his latest wines with an Italian theme. He introduced La Cappuccina, Soave 2007, a white from Veneto; and Morrano, Chianti 2007, a red from Tuscany , to pair with the chef’s creations.
Wine Director Jesse Rodriguez, and Chef Camron Woods, Amaya’s personable team at The Grand Del Mar
On Amaya’s terrace next to the herb garden, luscious pastries deserved the finale with such decadence as Carmelized Apricot with Vanilla Cream, Chocolate Royal Hazelnut, and Vanilla Strawberry Panna Cotta. To wash down dessert, a Banfi favorite was served, the Rosso Regale, a delicious strawberry flavored sparkling dessert wine. A perfect 24 hours would be to enjoy Amaya and taste as many of the fine wines as humanly possible; then stay over at one of the 249 rooms at this world-class resort. See more at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Again Wins Winery of the Year
They’re dancing in the tasting room at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula as the fashionable estate has again won the California State Fair “Golden Bear” Wine Competition. It remains at the top of the state’s “Best of the Best” for the second consecutive year. Jim Carter, owner/vintner for South Coast declared “we are proud to share this accomplishment and the attention it has given to the entire Temecula area.”
Winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores have assembled some 650 winning wines since the winery started in 2003. and according to Carter “the best wines are being bottled now.” Get more information at www.wineresort.com.
Wine Bytes
* Vino 100 in San Marcos has the mighty Napa favorite Caymus Wine Tasting Fri. July 24 from 5 to 9pm. Fee starts at $15. Call 760-591-9113.
* Carlsbad Wine Merchants in the Island Center features small Italian Family Vineyards Fri. July 24 from 5 to 8pm. Audio League plays. Fee is $20. Details at 760-804-9994.
* Vine to Glass in Oceanside brings in wines from Wiens in Temecula, Sat. July 25 from 6 to 9pm . Six varietals poured for $15. Call 760-757-1037.
* North County Wine Company has two events coming up, including Fri. July 24 with a Pinot Noir and BBQ tasting and July 31 Nothing but Cabernet and BBQ. Call for times and price at 760-744-2119.
* Bacchus Wine Market in San Diego ’s Gaslamp District pours Grenache wines on Fri. July 24 from 4 to 8:30pm . Get seven samples from the south of France for $15. Call them at 619-236-0005.
* Temecula’s best wines will be unveiled in a gala Awards Ceremony and Banquet open to the public on Wed. July 29, 6pm at Wiens Family Cellars. Competition wines will be served. Mix and mingle with the winemakers. For an RSVP, call 951-926-1160.
* The 5th annual “Chocolate & Vino Affair” happens Thurs. July 30 with a 6pm start at Stingaree, downtown San Diego . It benefits San Diego Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Wineries, downtown restaurants and chocolate shops all donate. Pre sale $40 and $50. at the door. Check it out at 619-339-4564 or events@ypcsd.com.
* Bistro West in Carlsbad has “A Night at the Bistro” Tues. July 28, 7-9pm . An exclusive menu plus Beringer wines will be featured. $55. pp. Contact 760-930-8008 for more.
The Mediterranean splendor that is the Grand Del Mar has been documented in this column and publications world-wide. The decorative arts of Spain , Portugal Italy and Morocco are perfectly in harmony in this resort and this perfection is extended to the richly appointed restaurants.
We were treated the Addison dining room with its 2,500 bottle wine room under the brilliant leadership of Wine Director Jesse Rodriguz, so it was with great anticipation that the invitation came to review the other, more intimate and seductive Amaya with its delightful herb and vegetable garden just steps away.
Amaya was also unveiling its new summer menu, created by Chef Camron Woods and Food/Beverage director Ekrem Tercanoglu, which included: Grilled Swordfish, Roasted Halibut, Seared Seabass, Braised Short Rib and Whole Roasted Pork.
On the subject of his lovely garden of herbs, Camron said “I will use unusual flavors to mix with our marquee Mediterranean cuisine, like an Asian influence Terragon to accent the Sea Bass in Yellow Tomato Sauce. We cultivate freshness at Amaya.” As evidence, we walked into his expertly prepared garden. “Here you will find lots of Basil, Dill, Parsely Oregano, even tomatoes. It’s a feast for the senses with the emphasis on flavor.”Jesse Rodriguez was also in a celebratory mood as he uncorked his latest wines with an Italian theme. He introduced La Cappuccina, Soave 2007, a white from Veneto; and Morrano, Chianti 2007, a red from Tuscany , to pair with the chef’s creations.
Wine Director Jesse Rodriguez, and Chef Camron Woods, Amaya’s personable team at The Grand Del MarOn Amaya’s terrace next to the herb garden, luscious pastries deserved the finale with such decadence as Carmelized Apricot with Vanilla Cream, Chocolate Royal Hazelnut, and Vanilla Strawberry Panna Cotta. To wash down dessert, a Banfi favorite was served, the Rosso Regale, a delicious strawberry flavored sparkling dessert wine. A perfect 24 hours would be to enjoy Amaya and taste as many of the fine wines as humanly possible; then stay over at one of the 249 rooms at this world-class resort. See more at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Again Wins Winery of the Year
They’re dancing in the tasting room at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula as the fashionable estate has again won the California State Fair “Golden Bear” Wine Competition. It remains at the top of the state’s “Best of the Best” for the second consecutive year. Jim Carter, owner/vintner for South Coast declared “we are proud to share this accomplishment and the attention it has given to the entire Temecula area.”
Winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores have assembled some 650 winning wines since the winery started in 2003. and according to Carter “the best wines are being bottled now.” Get more information at www.wineresort.com.
Wine Bytes
* Vino 100 in San Marcos has the mighty Napa favorite Caymus Wine Tasting Fri. July 24 from 5 to 9pm. Fee starts at $15. Call 760-591-9113.
* Carlsbad Wine Merchants in the Island Center features small Italian Family Vineyards Fri. July 24 from 5 to 8pm. Audio League plays. Fee is $20. Details at 760-804-9994.
* Vine to Glass in Oceanside brings in wines from Wiens in Temecula, Sat. July 25 from 6 to 9pm . Six varietals poured for $15. Call 760-757-1037.
* North County Wine Company has two events coming up, including Fri. July 24 with a Pinot Noir and BBQ tasting and July 31 Nothing but Cabernet and BBQ. Call for times and price at 760-744-2119.
* Bacchus Wine Market in San Diego ’s Gaslamp District pours Grenache wines on Fri. July 24 from 4 to 8:30pm . Get seven samples from the south of France for $15. Call them at 619-236-0005.
* Temecula’s best wines will be unveiled in a gala Awards Ceremony and Banquet open to the public on Wed. July 29, 6pm at Wiens Family Cellars. Competition wines will be served. Mix and mingle with the winemakers. For an RSVP, call 951-926-1160.
* The 5th annual “Chocolate & Vino Affair” happens Thurs. July 30 with a 6pm start at Stingaree, downtown San Diego . It benefits San Diego Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Wineries, downtown restaurants and chocolate shops all donate. Pre sale $40 and $50. at the door. Check it out at 619-339-4564 or events@ypcsd.com.
* Bistro West in Carlsbad has “A Night at the Bistro” Tues. July 28, 7-9pm . An exclusive menu plus Beringer wines will be featured. $55. pp. Contact 760-930-8008 for more.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
FESTA Fun Happens in Carlsbad July 11
Photo: Herman Salerno, of Salerno Winery in RamonaThe sights of Italian people and products, the smells of home-style Italian food, the tastes of Italian wines, the sounds of Italian music. It’s the 5th annual FESTA Italiana at the Island Center, Faraday and College in Carlsbad, Saturday July 11 from 10am to 5pm.
This FREE-to-the -public benefit event is presented by the Encinitas Sons of Italy Lodge. Leading the entertainment will be classically trained opera tenor Herman Salerno and his team of singers and players. Authentically costumed Sicilian Dancers will perform the “Tarantella” dance and others. They are a favorite in San Diego’s Balboa Park program.
Salerno is also a leading maker of Italian wines from Ramona and he will team up with Carlsbad Wine Merchants in their shop at the center, for an Italian Wine Tasting event from 11 to 5pm.
The winery is most known for its Petite Sirah which recently won a medal at the San Diego International Wine Competition. His Barbera has recently deserved attention. It’s a “drink now” wine whose grape is from Northen Italy and is easy on the palate. Other Salerno wines to taste in the event will be Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and the proprietary Elegante, blended with Cabernet and Syrah. All wines will be poured inside Carlsbad Wine Merchants. Cost is $10.
In a recent interview Salerno commented, “with Ramona’s special terroir, this area has been recognized with its own official appellation, the Ramona Valley. I get extraordinary depth and character.” He has been making wine some 18 years, uses traditional hand-crafted methods to produce premium wines. For more information, call the winery at 760-788-7160. For details on the FESTA, call 858-537-9878.
Discover Granache
My Top Ten Tastings for the first half of 2009 will be unveiled with the July 5th column and I am picking up my tasting schedule to widen my candidates for this occasion. For a few years now I have admired the French and what they have accomplished in the southern Rhone Valley with Chateau-neuf-du-Pape.
At the same time, a Spanish wine has caught my attention, made in nearby Temecula at La Cereza. It turns out both wines are the product of the Granache grape. (The Spanish call it Garnacha).
Most of the time, it is used as a blending grape and takes a back seat to its big brother in the Rhone, Syrah. But some California winemakers are maximizing this grape into a soulful, splendid solo performer.
That leads me to a special winery in Monterey that makes a 2006 Granache from the Wild Horse Vineyard in Monterey’s back country, Marilyn Remark. Joel and Marilyn Remark tasted many small vineyard French Granache wines before they embarked on their own vibrant style. Theirs is a classic Rhone style varietal, pure and rich. The cost is $45. produced in limited quantity. Access the web for more at www.remarkwine.com
Wine Bytes
WineSellar and Brasserie in the Sorrento Valley of San Diego presents a “Sparklng Affair” on Sat. July 4 from 11:30 to 2pm for $29. pp. 6 sparkling wines with tasting notes offered. Lunch for an added $12.50 ea. RSVP at 858-450-9557.
Wine Street in Carlsbad has famed surfer turned winemaker Robert August appearing with his wines Sat. July 11. On Thurs. July 16, it’s an Italian wine seminar and tasting featuring Gabriella Orlando, specialist on these wines. RSVP and more info by calling 760-431-8455.
The Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy San Diego and the Off The Vine Club offers two wineries and their new release party Sun. July 12 from 5-8pm. Rooftop views and a 5 course dinner for $45. Details at 760-579-2800.
Santa Barbara has it’s 6th annual California Wine Festival July 16,17 and 18. Events are downtown and at the pier and include top restaurants and wineries, capped by an all-day Sat. event from 11 to 4pm. For more information call 805-637-4411.
In Temecula, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is hosting a winemakers dinner Sat. July 18 at 6pm. A five course meal paired with perfect wines. Each couple gets a bottle of wine signed by winemaker John McPherson. Cost is $125. pp. Find out more by calling 866-9-WINE.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Crab is King at Truluck’s
article and photo by Frank Mangio
When a restaurant owns its own fishery and can guarantee freshness for its seafood, focusing on an array of succulent crab, it gets my attention. On top of that accolade, add a wine list that favors the flavor of crab meat and is awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence each year of its existence, and you have the new and exciting Truluck’s at the Aventine at I-5 and La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla.
The menu showcases the always fresh 100% Stone Crab off the Florida coast. Claws are offered as tiered appetizers, with medium, large and jumbo sizes.
The Crab House menu has a Stone Crab Claw Platter, Dutch Harbor Red King Crab, which was my personal favorite, and fresh steamed Oregon Dungeness Crab. For foodies with the hungries, I would urge them to catch the All-You-Can-Eat Fresh Florida Stone Crab Claws every Monday night.
The congenial General Manager Matt Hunstman describes the essence of Truluck’s as “a high quality crab house that tantalizes the senses with a wine list of over 100 wines by the glass as well as an international array of reds and whites by the bottle.
Server Robert Turner displays the fresh crab choices on the menu at Truluck’s
"We have nine locations and we have a central selection process, but we work hard to get the best of the local wineries represented,” Huntsman said. “We are also proud of our many selections of wine flights with decided themes where our guests can be adventurous. This list is ever-evolving.”
Steaks, chops, chicken and other seafood fill out the rest of the menu and there are wines to bring out the full flavor of each. I chose a cool, crisp white for starters, the Austrian Gruner Veltliner 2007. Next I tried the R. Lopez Rioja Alta 2006, and finally with my Filet Center-Cut, I enhanced it with the Napa Ladera Meritage Red 2005. Truluck’s serves dinner nightly. Its Stone Crab Lounge cocktail hour is from 5 to 7pm. Learn more by visiting www.trulucks.com.
Wine Rating System Needs Updating
I hope you are relying less on wine ratings, those ubiquitous numbers you see at wine shops attributed to a wine critic or magazine. I did a quick count of 90 to 92 ratings and found that they were about the only two or three numbers posted on the supposed 100 point scale of quality. It seems that is the range at which most wines are blessed.
Too often, critics and consumers forget that wine has a living history, carefully crafted for the most part, and subject to personal taste. For instance an Italian wine will taste very different than the same varietal that is made in California.
Wine, at its core, is farming and a single number is not the story of the wine.
I urge indulging in the background of the wine, its terroir( homeland) and the grower’s philosophy of wine making. Use your own rating system, say a simple 1 to 5, with 5 as an excellent! Weigh in the color, smell, taste and finish.
Log in your findings, recording the brand, grape varietal, vintage and price. Learn to extract other information from the label, like alcohol content and winemaking process. Be smart and don’t use a rating number as your only source of choice.
Wine Bytes
The lovely Gondola Wine Cruises at Loews Coronado resume with this year’s premier tastings on Sat. May 23 from 7 to 8:30pm. Guests glide through canals and waterways near the resort in an authentic Venetian gondola as sommelier Kurt Kirschenman presents a tasting flight of six wines and an attractive dessert plate. It is easily the most innovative wine tasting event in San Diego, and a romantic adventure. $45. each. RSVP at 619-429-6317. Access the site at www.gondolacompany.com
Wine Street in Carlsbad presents Robert August, world famous surfer and now wine maker on Wed. May 27 from 6 to 8:30pm. His role in the iconic Endless Summer movie, brought world wide attention to Southern California’s surfing industry. A signature surfing “What I Ride” longboard is being raffled off with the winner named on June 14 at Wine Street. Taste Merlot and Pinot Grigio. $5. pp. Call for details at 760-431-7286.
The 2nd annual San Diego Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival is Fri. May 29 from 6 to 9pm at Casa Del Prado Balboa Park, benefiting the Womens History Museum. Enjoy artisan cheese, breads, a chocolatier and swing music with Sue Palmer. Reserve your $30. tickets now at 619-955-8884.
The California Center for the Arts in Escondido is rocking Sat. May 30 from 4 to 10pm as the Bonsall Rotary Club brings you its annual Wine, Brews and Blues Festival. Two stages of dance music, a great international list of wines and beer to taste, 20 local restaurants to sample and a huge silent auction with gifts, trips, wines and much more. Tickets are $60. each. Call 800-249-2024 for advance tickets or pay at the door the night of the event.
When a restaurant owns its own fishery and can guarantee freshness for its seafood, focusing on an array of succulent crab, it gets my attention. On top of that accolade, add a wine list that favors the flavor of crab meat and is awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence each year of its existence, and you have the new and exciting Truluck’s at the Aventine at I-5 and La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla.
The menu showcases the always fresh 100% Stone Crab off the Florida coast. Claws are offered as tiered appetizers, with medium, large and jumbo sizes.
The Crab House menu has a Stone Crab Claw Platter, Dutch Harbor Red King Crab, which was my personal favorite, and fresh steamed Oregon Dungeness Crab. For foodies with the hungries, I would urge them to catch the All-You-Can-Eat Fresh Florida Stone Crab Claws every Monday night.
The congenial General Manager Matt Hunstman describes the essence of Truluck’s as “a high quality crab house that tantalizes the senses with a wine list of over 100 wines by the glass as well as an international array of reds and whites by the bottle.
Server Robert Turner displays the fresh crab choices on the menu at Truluck’s "We have nine locations and we have a central selection process, but we work hard to get the best of the local wineries represented,” Huntsman said. “We are also proud of our many selections of wine flights with decided themes where our guests can be adventurous. This list is ever-evolving.”
Steaks, chops, chicken and other seafood fill out the rest of the menu and there are wines to bring out the full flavor of each. I chose a cool, crisp white for starters, the Austrian Gruner Veltliner 2007. Next I tried the R. Lopez Rioja Alta 2006, and finally with my Filet Center-Cut, I enhanced it with the Napa Ladera Meritage Red 2005. Truluck’s serves dinner nightly. Its Stone Crab Lounge cocktail hour is from 5 to 7pm. Learn more by visiting www.trulucks.com.
Wine Rating System Needs Updating
I hope you are relying less on wine ratings, those ubiquitous numbers you see at wine shops attributed to a wine critic or magazine. I did a quick count of 90 to 92 ratings and found that they were about the only two or three numbers posted on the supposed 100 point scale of quality. It seems that is the range at which most wines are blessed.
Too often, critics and consumers forget that wine has a living history, carefully crafted for the most part, and subject to personal taste. For instance an Italian wine will taste very different than the same varietal that is made in California.
Wine, at its core, is farming and a single number is not the story of the wine.
I urge indulging in the background of the wine, its terroir( homeland) and the grower’s philosophy of wine making. Use your own rating system, say a simple 1 to 5, with 5 as an excellent! Weigh in the color, smell, taste and finish.
Log in your findings, recording the brand, grape varietal, vintage and price. Learn to extract other information from the label, like alcohol content and winemaking process. Be smart and don’t use a rating number as your only source of choice.
Wine Bytes
The lovely Gondola Wine Cruises at Loews Coronado resume with this year’s premier tastings on Sat. May 23 from 7 to 8:30pm. Guests glide through canals and waterways near the resort in an authentic Venetian gondola as sommelier Kurt Kirschenman presents a tasting flight of six wines and an attractive dessert plate. It is easily the most innovative wine tasting event in San Diego, and a romantic adventure. $45. each. RSVP at 619-429-6317. Access the site at www.gondolacompany.com
Wine Street in Carlsbad presents Robert August, world famous surfer and now wine maker on Wed. May 27 from 6 to 8:30pm. His role in the iconic Endless Summer movie, brought world wide attention to Southern California’s surfing industry. A signature surfing “What I Ride” longboard is being raffled off with the winner named on June 14 at Wine Street. Taste Merlot and Pinot Grigio. $5. pp. Call for details at 760-431-7286.
The 2nd annual San Diego Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival is Fri. May 29 from 6 to 9pm at Casa Del Prado Balboa Park, benefiting the Womens History Museum. Enjoy artisan cheese, breads, a chocolatier and swing music with Sue Palmer. Reserve your $30. tickets now at 619-955-8884.
The California Center for the Arts in Escondido is rocking Sat. May 30 from 4 to 10pm as the Bonsall Rotary Club brings you its annual Wine, Brews and Blues Festival. Two stages of dance music, a great international list of wines and beer to taste, 20 local restaurants to sample and a huge silent auction with gifts, trips, wines and much more. Tickets are $60. each. Call 800-249-2024 for advance tickets or pay at the door the night of the event.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wine and Food Event for Boys & Girls Club Rawks Saturday Night!
Fotos by Mojo
Saturday night's wine and food event at Westfields North County Mall was a huge success, if great wine and tasty food had anything to do with it. Check back for complete TV segment coverage.
ABOVE: Even the vendors took some time out to demonstrate their best "grape grins".
ABOVE: San Diego winelovers and foodies catch up to compare vintages and help a great cause.
ABOVE: Taste of Wine TV's own J.T. Meadows took time out from wine interviews to do his own research of a most excellent line-up of Aguirre Tequilla.
ABOVE: Taking time out from a busy evening of wine sampling to spoon up some of the great pasta offered by the friendly folks at Macaroni Grill.
ABOVE: Taste of Wine TV cameraman Ed Stockton calls in a rental truck to haul away some of the top-notch wine finds that he came across at Saturday night's event.
Saturday night's wine and food event at Westfields North County Mall was a huge success, if great wine and tasty food had anything to do with it. Check back for complete TV segment coverage.
ABOVE: Even the vendors took some time out to demonstrate their best "grape grins".
ABOVE: San Diego winelovers and foodies catch up to compare vintages and help a great cause.
ABOVE: Taste of Wine TV's own J.T. Meadows took time out from wine interviews to do his own research of a most excellent line-up of Aguirre Tequilla.
ABOVE: Taking time out from a busy evening of wine sampling to spoon up some of the great pasta offered by the friendly folks at Macaroni Grill.
ABOVE: Taste of Wine TV cameraman Ed Stockton calls in a rental truck to haul away some of the top-notch wine finds that he came across at Saturday night's event.
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