Thornton Winery Brings Jazz Greats to Temecula

by Frank Mangio
The tradition began back in 1988, when owner John Thornton came up with a then novel idea, offer local music on weekends with his wine and food menu to attract new customers. “It started simple 22 years ago. We didn’t charge for admission to the concerts. We just wanted customers to try our wines,” said John as we drank a glass of his 2006 Nebbiolo wine. “Over time, the shows became more organized and took on new life as top Jazz musicians were booked in, the audiences grew and we offered dinner and wine packages in our outdoor fountain terrace setting. This year we have 21 performances”

This year’s concert lineup is the strongest statement yet of the superb musicians that Thornton Winery attracts. Their wine and supper packages provide a total music, food and wine experience with winemaker Don Reha presenting his new releases and chef Steve Pickell of the 5 star Café Champagne pairing perfect menu selections.

The concert schedule goes from April 25 to October 16. I asked Steve Thornton and Events Manager Tonya Wake who the one artist is that has played the most years and is a popular favorite with the 40 members of the concert staff. Without hesitation they both agreed it is premier sax man Dave Koz. “He has been a major part of our success with his warm, personal approach to performing,” commented Steve. “This year he is playing two days in a row, Saturday and Sunday August 28 and 29, with Jonathan Butler.”

Tonya, who is like an orchestra leader, conducting each concert to perfection for 16 years as Events Manager, agreed that Dave Koz is the easiest to work with. John added “his parents, when they were alive, used to come to the concerts and bring me chocolate chip cookies because they knew how much I liked them.” Under Tonya’s guiding hand, all Thornton concerts are a relaxed, intimate affair with a customer and artist-friendly environment. For the full schedule of performers in this 22nd year of the best names in Jazz, go to www.thorntonwine.com. Or call 951-699-0099 and talk to Tonya Wake, the “orchestra leader.”

Dave Koz leads this year’s 22nd Annual Thornton Concert Series.

For Steaks, Seafood and Spirits – Go West
It was a night to remember recently at West Steak, Seafood and Spirits in Carlsbad as the legendary Caymus Vineyards of Napa Valley showcased their premiere wines, paired with a 5 course dinner of unmatched quality by Executive Chef Eugenio Martignago. General Manager Tom Bertrand continues to position West as the quintessential restaurant for taste and dining trends.

This commitment to excellence has been rewarded by the popular Open Table award to West as the #1 Restaurant in San Diego County for 2009. The full house of diners that came to the wine event, led by Caymus Regional Manager Mike Gioia, savored the Caymus 2007 Special Selection Cabernet with Chef Eugenio’s main entrée of Seared Prime Certified Angus Filet Mignon on a bed of Braised Oxtail and celery root puree. The service sparkled as wine and food entrees were on the table on time and at peak taste.

The extensive wine list at West brims with wines of value and premium notoriety. From a delicious, budget style Castello Banfi Centine by the glass to a glorious Joseph Phelps Insignia Meritage, you will find one you will truly love. Check Happy Hour Specials for exceptional bargains. Call West at 760-930-9100.

Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp district downtown San Diego is presenting wines from Northern Italy Fri. Apr. 30 from 4 to 9pm. Taste Barbera, Dolcetto, Valpolicella and more. Cost is $15. Details at 619-236-0005.

Lorimar Winery in Temecula Wine Country kicks of their event schedule with Kansas City BBQ, Wine and Blues in the vineyards, Sat. May 1 from 3-8pm. Tickets are $55. pp. Kids under 12 get in free. Smokin’ good tri-tip, ribs and chicken. More info at 951-240-5177.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has a Saxon Brown wine tasting Thurs. May 6, 5:30-7:30pm. This is Sonoma style single vineyard wine like Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. $10. advance, $15. at the door. Learn more at 760-745-1200.

Mama’s Day, the 19th annual benefit for Mama’s Kitchen providing meals for the needy, is Fri. May 7 from 5:30 – 9:30pm at the Hyatt Regency in San Diego. More than 70 of San Diego’s top restaurant chefs will participate, with auctions, music and wine. Pre-sale is $125. pp. At the door it’s $150. RSVP at 619-233-6262.

Roll Out the Barrel returns again this year Sat. May 8 from 5 – 8pm at Humphries by the Bay in the Pt. Loma district of San Diego. Encinitas Meritage Wine Market is helping to coordinate the Make-A-Wish benefit that has 20 restaurants and 40 wineries participating. Tickets are $100. ea. VIP benefits for $175. Go to the website at www.makeawishgala.com.

Goldschmidt Premiers Wines at Bentley’s

by Frank Mangio
I love a quality steakhouse. Once through the front door, the décor, the courteous service, the white table cloths on the rich walnut tables, the worldly red wines and steaks on the menu all promise a memorable dining experience.

Bentley’s Steak and Chop House in Encinitas adds one more savory essential for the success story that it is: unbeatable VALUE!
I first learned of this dining oasis when I attended a premium winemaker event to present Nick Goldschmidt and his Goldschmidt, Boulder Bank and Forefathers line of fine wines. Goldschmidt is a globe-trotting, non-stop wine impresario. He led wine production and marketing for world class producers in 8 countries over 20 years including New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile and now in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma in California. He has a PHD in Horticulture and sources his own grapes.

Nick Goldschmidt,left, world-class winemaker and wine new product developer shares a table at Bentley’s in Encinitas with Charlie Plummer of Hess Collection Wines.

Under his name brand, Goldschmidt offers a wide range of labels and varietals including: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz and several blend offerings. All wines are single vineyard, single appellation and single vintage. What stood out for me was his 2006 Vborny Vineyard Alexander Valley Cabernet. The vineyard sits on a knoll just East of Geyserville. This provides excellent exposure for the grapes and allows a long hang time. The cab possesses rich, concentrated flavors, a signature for the skills of Nick Goldschmidt and his most important accomplishment.

Bentley’s has been offering this kind of quality both in their wines and menu items. It’s a product of some 40 years of experience that the owners have in the steak restaurant business. Dave Reese, the General Manager since the day Bentley’s opened in June of 2008, grew up on a 2,000 acre cattle ranch and gets to the heart of Bentleys when he says “we all share the same vision that everything must be of the highest value. We hand cut our USDA prime center cut Filet Mignon. Our presentations must be a perfect fit for the diner and over-deliver on quality. When I select wines for the menu, I refuse to know the price. If I feel it’s a worthy wine then it must come under our price estimates, so we can pass it on to the customer.”
Passing value on to the customer has kept Bentley’s increasing its popularity, even as the restaurant business is hanging on nationwide decreasing numbers and even tougher spending numbers in restaurants and bars, down over 3% last year.

At Bentley’s you can enjoy a “Super Sunday” full dinner of your choice of center cut Filet Mignon, Salmon or Prime Rib including hot bread and a side dish for $15. “Surf and Turf” Mondays are equally generous with a choice of Whiskey Peppercorn Flatiron Steak, Filet Mignon or Prime Top Sirloin for $15. Add $10. more for a “Surf” choice of Lobster, Shrimp Scampi or King Crab Legs. Reservations are suggested for this super popular value combination by calling 760-632-9333.

This same team that owns Bentley’s has operated Carver’s Steak and Chops in Rancho Bernardo. Check for almost-daily wine specials in the bar and dining room, like ½ price wines and free corkage for your bottle. When I last checked, Bentley’s was running a premium bottle of wine with dinner for just $15.

Bentley’s is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday and dinner Monday through Sunday at 5pm. Cocktail hour is Monday through Friday 2 to 6:30pm. For the full menu and wine list go to www.bentleyssteak.com. For more on Nick Goldschmidt, access www.goldschmidtvineyards.com.


Wine Bytes

The Crossings Golf Course Country Club in Carlsbad is hosting a Monte Carlo Night Fri. March 6 from 6:30 to 9:30pm to benefit Friends of Aviara Schools. Enjoy wine and other libation tastings, appetizers, Vegas style gaming, and raffle drawings. Cost is $85. pp. RSVP at 760-602-9727.

Become a Certified Specialist of Wine with classes by Charrie Foglio, Wine Instructor for the San Diego Culinary Institute. First classes start Mon. March 8, 6:30 to 9:30pm at San Diego Wine Storage. For details contact 619-244-4224 or email sommelierguild@cs.com.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, Wed. March 10, 5:30 to 7:30pm, welcomes Rupert Symington of Symington Family Estates with great Portuguese wines including ports. Cost is $20. in advance. Call 760-745-1200.

La Costa Wine Company offers “The Truth About Wine & Cheese,” Sat. March 13 from 3 to 5pm. Learn about textures, aroma and flavors. Four artisan cheeses and 5 wines will be tasted. Public cost is $40. WC members $36. Couples $68. Call 760-431-8455.

The 2nd Annual Rhythm & Vine, a Music Food and Wine Festival in Escondido’s North County Fair Mall off I-15, will be held Sat. April 17 starting at 6pm, to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Diego County. Over 60 award-winning wineries and 35 top chefs from gourmet restaurants will be on hand, including 3 live concerts, all for the general admission price of $75. in advance, $100. at the door. A VIP package is available for $125. in advance, $150. at the door. Silent auction. Applications are still being accepted for wineries, breweries, spirits and restaurants. Space is free with a donation to the event’s silent auction. Ticket information at 858-578-9463, or go to www.rhythmandvine.org.