A perfect evening frames the LA Food & Wine event at the Walt Disney Concert Hall put on by Food & Wine Magazine. The air of excitement, effusive energy and anticipation are palpable. Many attendees are dressing to the nines as if this were an Oscar-worthy event. Red carpet everywhere. The admission line is a couple of blocks long which concerns me initially. The fear dissipates as I am distracted by the effervescent conversation and laughter of my line neighbors and other attendees. This group is not dull, time and space unimportant, and we progress quickly to the entrance.
At the door, welcoming glass greeters pass out essential accouterment and necessary elements for wine tasting. The wine glasses. The entrance, set up as if for paparazzi, and the attendees take selfies and group photos to seize the moment, many stepping in to help others capture the event. In LA? No attitude here. Only one of sharing in the experience of food & wine. How refreshing!
A unique smell permeates the venue. Distinct and attention grabbing, enter the almighty bacon. Do I smell bacon? Yes! It’s undeniable. There is some form of fabulous fatty pork cooking away. The journey for me was about to begin on a bacon hunt. Basing my satisfaction on the smell I knew this event would deliver like no other. The vibe was relaxed, the music was hip and the Chefs, all in their element, ensuring quality and speed simultaneously. Painstakingly precise they are, in the delivery of delectable and savory plates.
I dodge people and lines to the wine tables. Looking for wines I’ve not yet had the pleasure of tasting. Struck by the sheer number of wineries and distributors here it becomes a time vs. quantity venture. The pours are generous, the wine delectable, reluctantly I practice carefully spitting so I can accommodate the vast numbers of juicy palette gems. Surely one would not be able to taste all the wine in 3-4 hours, but I diligently work towards that goal. My first stop: Priest Wines of Napa. In my glass, a delicious 2014 Grenache Blanc. Well-balanced, bright and delicious with understated peach notes and a memorably smooth finish. This easy to drink wine pairs well with the lighter fare of the adoringly entitled “Interpretive street grub” specifically from Egg Slut’s Alvin Cailin. He delivers with ‘Arroz Caldo’ a traditional Filipino dish. This beautiful savory marriage of chicken, ginger & rice transforms the porridge with appealing compliments including tofu, chilis, cilantro and scallions, but leaves me wanting more. While speaking to Chef, you could sense his passion for getting back to his Filipino roots and serving traditional food with a high-quality kick. There is no alternative but to check out his brick and mortar when in LA. After moving from Hawaii and eating things that I’m often unable to pronounce I have this perspective of being game to try every dish served. Even if it’s something I’ve never seen before with exotic ingredients. Food adventurer here I am! Egg Slut’s savory version of porridge sweeps me off my feet.
Wine being my focus for this event I turn back to the land of grapes. I encounter an engaging and unpretentious woman representing a world class brand (always love down to earth people). She was pouring for Napa’s Silver Oak. In fact, the 2011 release of Silver Oak is happening in real time here. This vintage has a delightful deep purple hue with herbal notes and an exquisitely light tannin finish. Although the wine is young by Silver Oak standards, its forefathers have brilliantly made this an exquisite bottle to save or savor. I recommend the latter.
Out of all the opportunities, I experience from basic noodles to roast pork (the bacon impersonator and the culprit responsible for that incredible smell), one of my most memorable introductions, is to Chef Jason Fullilove, newly anointed Executive Chef of the recently refurbished and iconic Clifton’s Cafeteria. As his name states, he is a one of a kind whose love for what he does and talent shine. Watch for him in the nation of rising young tastemakers. He’s got the attention of LA food writers and lovers alike.
Just before departing, a young woman who has been to many of the LA Food & Wine events approaches and asks my thoughts. I give her my perspective on the quality of the food & wine, as well as the perfect size of attendees. Enthusiastically I share my thoughts on returning soon. Her advice to me is succinct, “While the LA Food & Wine event is one of the best, there is no better than the Pebble Beach Food & Wine .” You can be sure that is one I won’t miss.
Alice Tetienne of Champagne Henriot Organic is important, but not necessarily the best. It is but one part of the equation. We have to be
Barodlino has a rich history in both wine and culture. There is no better Rosé that takes the beauty of the region and expresses it than Chiaretto Rosé.
Could it be that this region, today known as the Fastest Growing Wine Region in the United States is the world’s next Napa Valley? This is Idaho Wine Country.
All I want to do... is have some fun @tressabores #NapaValley check them out. Absolutely outstanding down to earth vibe and wine that`s better for you and planet earth. Sustainable, organic & truly killer wine! #certifiedsustainable #certifiedorganic
I know no joy as great as a moment of rushing into a new love, no ecstasy like that of a new love.
~ Anais Nin
The words say it all. Magnificent drink. If you can get it. @turleywine 2015 Napa Valley Library Block Petite Syrah
Dark, brooding with a side of magnificent freshness.
And now back to Paris for a formidably fabulous Friday! Michelin-star restaurant- check! Fabulous dark and exquisite library for enjoying cocktails, a breathtaking entrance of a French hideaway from years ago...
Stunning Michelin star restaurant and beautiful bibliothèque with Parisian friends.
Bookmark this spot! I don’t often share where I dine unless I am out of the country, but because so many people ask 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren I am going to change that. Take my favorite brunch and Fried Chicken spot! @southsidenapa offers not only some of the freshest most inviting dishes in Napa, they also have a wide array of coffee, tea, wine and bubbles to pair your dishes with.
Its one of the few #petfriendly places with great food and an inviting team. Lots of talent here in the food arena and the outdoor seating area is equipped with swinging chairs, a fire pit and comfortable seating inside and out.
Fried Chicken you ask? Yes! Pairs perfectly with your Napa Valley Sparkling and #Champagne.The best in Napa Valley. Make sure and call ahead, they often sell out.
Hours are 8am-2pm
Breakfast served all day and an expanded lunch menu.
With over 30 years of sustainability under their belt, Domaine Carneros has a big headstart in the way of sustainability. They built the first significant solar installation, recognized as the largest in the world at the time. Far beyond complacent, Domaine Carneros continues to push the limits and try new techniques and strategies to improve their abilities.
Domaine Carneros
An incredible indulgence and the ultimate experience.
It’s in my neighborhood. Two miles away door to door. Why do I find myself returning again and again? Because this is one of the most stunning destinations in Carneros and Napa Valley. Stunning in both taste and views.
The skies, the ultimate blue, the vineyard hills throughout the landscape. It’s a breathtaking pinch yourself situation no matter how often you visit.
The team is so welcoming and the sparkling wine is world class and made sustainably. If you’re ready to step up your sparkling wine game this is where you need to be.
The wines tasted:
2016 Estate Brut Cuvée (late disgorge) ripe pear, white flowers, creamy, beautiful structure.
2019 Brut Rosé Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, incredible well poised, citrus, red berries, almonds and floral notes
2015 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs Tête de Cuvée The dream. A signature must taste from the most prized blocks of Chardonnay. Evocative of citrus curd, pie crust, a nuance of ginger and tart lemon. I could drink this all day every day!
2017 Ultra Brut Tropical fruit, lime, lemon zest, crisp, lovely palate and exquisite finish.
The ultimate indulgence, featuring three of Tsar Nicoulai’s finest caviars:
Classic, Select, and Golden Reserve
Served with potato chips, toast points, and Cowgirl Creamery crème fraîche.
Make your reservation today!
Domainecarneros.com and ask for the caviar experience!
#TheWineSiren #DomaineCarneros #CertifiedSustainable #NapaValley #WinePairing #SparklingWine
Incredible experience and it keeps on getting better every time I visit. Have you been to @goosecrosscellars ?
Fantastic red white and Rosé wine. There is absolutely something for everyone. Including clothes for the shoppers amongst us.
#rosé #roséallday #napavalley #winetasting #winelife #summervibes #bestday #goosecrosscellars #visitnapavalley
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