Tag: pinot noir

Jackson Family Wines dinner at Ling’s Wok Shop

The north Scottsdale flex casual restaurant Ling’s Wok Shop rings in the Chinese New Year with an Asian inspired five course dinner paired with Jackson Family Wines. The wines are sourced from Jackson Family Wines properties in California, Oregon and Italy. Wednesday, January 25th at 6:30 guests will celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with this one of a kind dinner for $88++ per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 480-801-6524.

FIRST COURSE
Dim Sum Sampler with Steamed Dumpling, Pork & Shrimp Dumpling, and Spicy Chicken Wonton
paired with Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay

SECOND COURSE
Cantonese-Style Sea Bass with Ginger and Lop Cheong
paired with Diatom Santa Barbara Chardonnay

THIRD COURSE
Peking Duck with Hoisin and Green Onion
paired with WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir

FOURTH COURSE
Char Siu Pork Tenderloin with Asparagus
paired with Hartford Family Russian River ZInfandel

HAPPY ENDING
Cheesecake with Vanilla-Orange Sauce
paired with Benvolio Prosecco

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

California vs. Oregon: Pinot Battle at Hotel Valley Ho

The hotel’s monthly Versus Series dinner tries to answer the age old question, who makes better pinot noir, California or Oregon? Diners at the Thursday September 15th dinner will help decide. The four course dinner featuring seafood and duck will pair perfectly with the chosen wines. Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. and is $129 ++ per person. To make a reservation call 480-421-7997.

National Cheese Pizza Day at Streets of New York

All 16 Arizona locations will be celebrating one of the best foods ever made on Monday September 5th. Buy one pizza get another at 1/2 off whether you dine-in or take-out. If ordering online use promo code 50%OFFPIZZA.

Labor Day specials around Phoenix

Take Monday September 5th off and enjoy yourself and save some hard earned money on food & drinks around town.

Fired Pie is giving 20% off entrees when you order online or in person use or mention code LBR20.

Pedal Haus Brewery in Chandler and downtown Phoenix offer its new “World’s Best Happy Hour” starting at 11 a.m. Enjoy $4 select Haus beers, $5 well drinks, $6 Haus margs/Haus wine and $7 steins. Plus, $3 bacon popcorn, $4 Haus mac & cheese, $5 loaded fries, $6 Haus smoked wings, $7 happy burgers.

Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill celebrates the end of summer all weekend long.

    • Friday, 9/2/2022 – $5 Frozen Thai Mai’s and Ginger-Lime Margaritas all day long!
    • Saturday, 9/3/2022 – BOGO Half Price Sushi Rolls… buy one sushi roll, get another sushi roll for half price
    • Sunday, 9/4/2022 – 15% off Take Out Orders
    • Monday, 9/5/2022 – All Day Happy Hour… enjoy Happy Hour food and drink specials all day long!

Chef’s Table: A Night of Favorites at Hearth ’61

Wednesday September 14th’s special five course dinner will feature each culinary team member’s all-time favorite dish. Start with passed hors d’ oeuvres and sparkling wine before dinner that will be paired with award-winning wines. A complimentary room for the night is also included. The dinner starts at 6 p.m. and is $250 per person, or $500 per couple. To reserve your seat and room visit http://mountainshadows.com.

Everything Lobster all month at STK Steakhouse

The Scottsdale steakhouse is featuring the seafood delicacy until September 30th with a special lobster focused menu. Choose one or all for an appetizer or entree; Lobster Roll ($49), Lobster Caviar Salad ($45), Maine Lobster Ravioli ($42) and Spicy Lobster Rigatoni ($62).

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Wine pairings for your Thanksgiving meal

If a run to the local wine shop is on your “to do” list before Thanksgiving on Thursday these wine pairings may make the trip a little less stressful.

Sommelier Killian Buschetz of Chandler’s Cuisine & Wine Bistro suggests several wines depending on what your meal is.

Turkey- He suggests a Beaujolais (Gamay grape) from France for red. The easy to drink and fruit forward wine is good with the white meat and cranberry sauce. For white wine he suggests a Gruner Veltliner from Austria for its acidity and crisp flavor.

Ham- Whether you’re serving ham it on Thanksgiving or waiting until Christmas he recommends a Cabernet Franc for its robust tasting profile. Riesling from the Alsace region of France or Mosel region of Germany offers the acidity with a hint of sweetness for pairing with food.

Beef- The red meat desires a bold red wine from Bordeaux is his first choice. Specifically from Saint-Emilion known for its Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blends. If need be a Napa Valley red can do the trick but watch out for high alcohol and big fruit wines.

Lobster- A Chardonnay with a hint of oak & butter is the way to go for this delicate seafood. A Pouilly- Fuisse from Burgundy makes for a nice wine pairing.

Salmon- A red Burgundy from Beaune known for its light body and fruit is always good. If you prefer a California or Oregon Pinot ask for a more earthy wine over a bold and jammie wine.

Pecan or Pumpkin pie- A sweet and nutty Pedro Ximinez sherry from Spain hits the spot for the end of the meal.

Wine pairings with a different perspective

Wine is very subjective therefore choices for wine pairing may differ from person to person. LDV Winery winemaker and co-owner Kurt Dunham offers his suggestions for dinner pairings.

He suggests American wines for this American holiday or even an Arizona wine. His go-to red wine is Grenache or an Oregon Pinot Noir. Chardonnay & sparkling wines from California or a Pinot Noir, Riesling or Gewurztraminer from Washington or Oregon are safe bets for your turkey. Check out his video he prepared for the occasion.

Paul Hobbs Crossbarn wines poured at Mowry & Cotton dinner

The Phoenician’s newest restaurant Mowry & Cotton pairs California wines from acclaimed winemaker Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Winery this Friday March 23rd.

The dinner comes on the heels of Mowry & Cotton’s first “Meet at Mowry” social dining series. The community dining styled dinner will feature a reception and 3-course dinner paired with 5 wines from Napa &  Sonoma counties. Director of Winemaking Greg Urmini is the evening’s special invitee and will make his way to each table to speak about the wines and winery.

Mowry & Cotton menu with Paul Hobbs wines

The dinner will feature locally sourced vegetables, fresh game and a variety of seasonal ingredients paired with wines that will compliment the meal. The reception is called for 6:30 p.m. with dinner to start at 7.

TABLE                                                                                                                                           “GAME” BOARD

bruleed foie, confit rabbit, quail egg country paté, fennel mostarda, cherry compote, miso mustard, house pickles, crispy flatbread

FIRST                                                                                                                    CHARRED VEGETABLE SALAD

artichoke, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts,

pickled chick peas, herbs, smoked tomato vinaigrette

SEAFOOD DIP

uni, crab, charred pomelo, thai basil, cracked wheat sourdough

MAIN                                                                                                                      SMOKED LAMB SHOULDER

spring vegetable kraut, pea yogurt, salsa matcha, naan

HALF GRILLED PHEASANT

cipollini onion, broccolini, almond, citrus, cherry

GRILLED ASPARAGUS

rye crispies, hazelnut, lemon, smoked cherry

ROASTED SPRING ONION

almond, fermented rhubarb honey, mulato chile yogurt

DESSERT                                                                                                                                    BLACKBERRY GOAT CHEESE SUNBURST CAKE

whipped white pepper brulee

WINES                                                                                                                                         SAUVIGNON BLANC Sonoma County, 2015

CHARDONNAY Sonoma Coast, 2016

PINOT NOIR Sonoma Coast, 2014

CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley, 2014

CABERNET FRANC Moon Mountain District, Sonoma County, 2014

Save Your Seat

With limited seating reservations are needed and can be made by calling 480-423-2530 or email 00103RestaurantReservations@luxurycollection.com The cost for the evening is $60 per person plus including tax & tip.

Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician is at 6000 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale 85251.

Hall Wines to be paired at The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s

After a short holiday hangover the first week of January, 2018 starts quickly on the Phoenix food and wine scene. The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s is hosting its first wine dinner of 2018 Wednesday January 10th as it pairs with Hall Wines from Napa and Sonoma Counties at the Arcadia Lite neighborhood restaurant.

Hall Wines & pairings

The 6-course family style meal will be paired with 5 wines from Hall Wines and its Sonoma partner Walt Wines.

The first 3 courses paired will be paired with Walt Wines chardonnay & pinot noirs from Sonoma with the bigger reds saved for the last 2 courses from Hall Wines in St. Helena.

Walt Chardonnay                                                                                                       Seared Diver scallop with a citrus beurre blanc, blood orange, crispy shallots and chive oil with corn nut dust

Walt Pinot Noir Blue Jay                                                                                            Pan-seared breast of canard duck with sweet potato fondant drizzled with a balsamic cherry reduction topped with kale crisp      

Walt Pinot Noir la Brisa                                                                                                         Pappardelle pasta  with porcini mushroom crème and dehydrated prosciutto, Cherve and oregano leaves

Hall Merlot                                                                                                                         Coq au vin prepared with  pearl onions, baby root vegetables and lardon in classic presentation

Hall Cabernet                                                                                                                     Tri-colored peppercorns and flakey salt crusted rib eye with wilted greens and potato crème and Chef’s red wine reduction

Sweet                                                                                                                                            Chocolate shortbread cookie with macerated berries and dark

This classic pairing dinner starts at 6:30 the evening of the 10th. $85 per person.

RSVP to 602-626-5050. The Market is at 3603 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018. http://themarketphx.com/

 

Voila French Bistro to host authentic French wine dinner

If you’re a fan of white table cloth draped tables and authentic French cooking paired with wine then circle Sunday November 5th on your calendar and make a reservation for a 3-course dinner at Voila French Bistro in Scottsdale.

Your hosts Chef Jean-Christophe Gros and his wife Segolene re-located to Scottsdale from France in 2015 where Chef Gros as a Master French Chef spent 30 years working in restaurants  with Michelin star ratings.

Voila French Bistro menu

Once you walk in the doors you’ll feel as if you’re in Paris and this 3-course menu will make you wish you were there.

LE CABILLAUD :                                                                                                     Chilled Cod and Spinach Papillotte Over Tomato Tartare and Niçoise Olive Tapenade
Chardonnay
***
LE CHAUSSON DE VOLAILLE:                                                                   Chicken Wellington With Porcini Mushrooms and Napa Cabbage Stuffing
Pinot Noir
***
LE SAINT-HONORE A LA POIRE:                                                                      Puff Pastry with Poached Pear and a Praline Butter Cream and a Dark Chocolate Sauce
Crément

The early dinner will start at 5 p.m. and conclude by 8 p.m. Price is $65 per person with reservations required that and can be made by calling 480-614-5600. More information about the restaurant can be found on their website.

Voila French Bistro is at 10135 Via Linda. Scottsdale 85258

B.R. Cohn Winery pairs with Zuzu menu for Monday Night Chef’s Table dinner

Once a month Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho’s Zuzu host’s a “Monday Night Chef’s Table” dinner and for October’s dinner they have invited B.R. Cohn Winery to pair their wines with executive chef’s Chuck Wiley’s 4-course dinner. The dinner will be on Monday October 17th starting at 6:30 p.m. The dinner will also include conversation with the chef along with a representative from the winery.

 

zuzu dinner menu

The seasonal menu was created specifically to pair with the each of the wines and their nuances and is as follows….

Pan-Seared Sea Scallop
cracked black pepper risotto, preserved lemon butter
Chardonnay 2015

Warm Kale Salad
toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, crumbled blue cheese,
hard egg & a warm pancetta vinaigrette
Pinot Noir 2014

Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin
roasted garlic mashed potatoes & creamed parsley
Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Chocolate Mousse
coconut crème & toasted almonds

who is b.r.cohn winery

B.R. Cohn winery was founded in 1984 by Bruce Cohn in Glen Ellen, California as an escape from the intensity of the San Francisco music scene. Bruce was involved in running a music studio and later becoming manager for The Doobie Brothers during their rise to stardom in the 1970s. Bruce started making wines at his Sonoma County winery after 10 years of selling grapes to other wineries. While Bruce handle much of cultivating of the vineyards and more early on, he had several up and coming winemakers such as Helen Turley, Merry Edwards and Steve Macrostie make the early vintages. In 1990 Bruce started making olive oil from the olive trees on the estate that is named “Olive Hill Estate Vineyards” and many of his wines have come from that vineyard.

reservations needed and up-coming dinners

As this dinner series has become very popular with diners, reservations are needed as seating is limited. The cost for the dinner is $68 per person plus tax and gratuity and reservations can be made by calling 480-376-2600 https://www.hotelvalleyho.com/hotel/hotel-events/monday-night-chefs-table

Monday Night Chef’s Table for November will include Arrowood Winery and Champagne is on the menu for December.

Zuzu is in the Hotel Valley Ho at 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251

 

 

upcoming dinners

LOLA wine dinner at The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s with winemaker Seth Cripe to host

As the cool weather gets closer and closer it’s not only the snowbirds that will be returning to Phoenix but winery owners, winemakers and others returning to our sunny state. It is for that reason The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s will be hosting a LOLA wine dinner with founder & winemaker Seth Cripe flying in from his California winery to host the event.

Photo courtesy of LOLA
Photo courtesy of LOLA

About lola

LOLA was founded in 2008 after Florida native Cripe traveled the world at the age of 17 to work harvest and learn how to make wine before settling in Napa Valley. Currently this boutique winery make about 8,000 cases of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Dry Riesling. The winery works with sustainable and natural methods in an effort to protect the environment for years to come.

Photo courtesy of The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer's
Photo courtesy of The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s

the menu pairings

The dinner will be on Thursday, Sept. 22nd at 6pm with dinner being served at 6:30 and costs $95 per person. The 6-course menu is as follows.

Amuse Bouche
Raviolo al Uobo + brown butter + fried sage + black opal platinum caviar
1st course LOLA Dried Riesling * TBD
Corn soup + curry + citrus beurre poached crab + apple slaw
2nd course LOLA Chardonnay * TBD
Little neck clam + housemade linguini +  sauce au vin blanc + Hawaiian Black go lb salt  + Italian parsley + focaccia crumbs + Anna Maria Cortez Battarga
3rd course LOLA Pinot Noir * Russian River
Plank Patagonia salmon  + vanilla + Swiss chard + chanterelle mushroom + extra virgin olive oil
4th course LOLA Pinot Noir North Coast
Blackberry glazed lamb chops + white beans + kale + extra virgin olive oil + cracked pepper + Go lb. salt + demi glace
Dessert- Ice + Earth + Decadence
Wild raspberry sorbet + stilton + strawberry + valrhona chocolate chunk cookie
The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s is at 3603 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018 (602)626-5050 http://www.themarketphx.com/

 

Left Coast Cellars wines perfect for spring & summer food pairing

left coast logo
Focusing on single vineyard estate grown wines is the game plan for Left Coast Cellars winemaker Luke McCollum and his team. With the release of the 2015 Truffle Hill Chardonnay & White Pinot Noir they’ve made wine wines that are lighter & refreshing and pair well with easy to make foods for the spring and summer.

The Truffle Hill Chardonnay is age sur lie for 9 months has bit of creaminess and Flinty minerals and nuances of golden apples, pears, spices and figs. Good with salads and shell fish this is what Chardonnay tastes like with it’s hair down.
Left Coast TruffleHillChardonnay-2013-trans
The White Pinot Noir is a rare find and is a deep wine despite its lack of skin color. On the nose there is cardamom, peach, pithy citrus and honey with the palate being similar but also with a hint of orange blossom and slate and mineral finish. The White Pinot Noir pairs well with salads, fish and grilled vegetables.

Both wines are from sustainable vineyards in the Willamette Valley and retail for about $24.

For more information about Left Coast Cellars and where to find there wines check out www.leftcoastcellars.com

Binkley’s in Cave Creek to host Dukes Family wine dinner on Wed. Oct 30th

Binkley’s Restaurant in Cave Creek will be hosting a 6 course dinner paired with the wines of Dukes Family Vineyards, a Pinot Noir producer in Oregon on Wednesday, October 30th. The seasonally planned menu and wine pairing cost is $116 plus tax and gratuity per person and will include meat and seafood representative of the Fall season prepared by James Beard nominee Kevin Binkley including Elk, Sturgeon and duck breast. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and reservations are needed and can be made at binkleysrestaurant.com or 602-437-1072. Binkley’s Restaurant is at 6290 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. Below is the menu and wine pairing.

House Cured Ham

Arugula, butternut squash jam, quince, confit cippolini onion, sumac lavosh

2011 Blushing Kate Rose

Smoked Sturgeon

Sunchoke salad, bacon, frisee, horseradish crème fraiche

2007 Nipple Hill Pinot Noir

Seared Duck Breast

Cottage cheese pancake, spiced pecans, pomegranate, red sorrel, foie gras coulis

2008 Alyssa Pinot Noir

Truffle & Porcini Pierogi

Shaved truffles, charred baby leeks, parmesan

2006 Thomas Pinot Noir

Braised Elk Shank

Blackberries, sweet potato, rapini

2005 Alyssa Pinot Noir

Epoisses Pot au Crème

Black pepper bread stick, apple, watercress

2009 Nipple Hill Pinot Noir