Dry Creek Kitchen Chef's Tasting Menu

Once again, our meal at Dry Creek Kitchen was spectacular. The down side was that we felt like we were being rushed through our meal. Courses practically came out on top of each other barely giving us a chance to finish the wine from the previous course.Smoked Salmon and Caviar TartsPreserved Lemon, Dry Creek Olive Oil, Toasted Long PeppercornsJ Sparkling Wine, Russian River Valley, Cuvee 20, Brut NVFlash Seared HamachiPurslane-Radish Salad, Avocado Mousseline, Pickled Local Melons, Kaffir Lime VinaigretteMaurison Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, 2007Toasted Farro "Risotto"Arugula Pistou, Summer Squash, Pecorino Grand CruMahoney Vineyards Albarino, Carneros, Las Brisas 2007Crispy Skin Thai SnapperWhite Corn Fondue, Olive Oil Poached Sweet 100's, Basil Puree, Heirloom Tomato ConsummeInternational...

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Wine Tasting Sunday

We started the day at Mill Creek Winery. We first found Mill Creek thanks to a write up in the Wall Street Journal on Zinfandels. Last time we were here, we tasted all their wines and didn't find one that we didn't like....so we joined their Wine Club. This trip was no different. They are holding 6 bottles to send with your next wine club shipment.2004 Merlot Reserve, Alexander Valley (only 115 cases produced)2006 Zinfandel, Beacham-Downey, Dry Creek (the owners are serving this beauty at their son's wedding TODAY!)2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Alexander ValleyWe found Sapphire Hill because of a write up in the wine map. It said that if you liked Zinfandel and Pinot Noir that you should check out Sapphire Hill. And the wine map was right! Again, we joined their wine club....what can I...

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Wine Tasting Saturday

Who knew wine tasting could be sooooo much work! We started the day at A. Rafanelli. We were first introduced to Rafanelli Zinfandels in the late 80s. Yes, think big bold Zins. Rafanelli is a relatively small producer and requires an appointment to taste their wines. We were lucky enough to get one Saturday at 10:15 am. We added some great selections to our cellar:2006 Rafanelli Merlot2007 Rafanelli Zinfandel2006 Rafanelli Cabernet SauvignonNext stop...Lambert Bridge. While we've driven past this winery many times we had never stopped. Our friends Randy and Debby told us it was their favorite winery and we now know why. We tasted some great wines:2007 Viognier, Sonoma County2007 Viognier, Knights Valley2007 Zinfandel Maple Vineyards2006 Petite Sirah2006 Cabernet FrancI don't remember what...

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Bistro Ralph, Healdsburg, CA

First Friday in Healdsburg! We visited several galleries featuring a variety of interesting artists. It is a surprisingly early event...4 to 7pm...so we went to the Healdsburg Hotel for wine and jazz to kill time before our dinner reservations. I had a glass of the 2006 A. Rafanelli Merlot and I don't remember what John had. A Syrah I think. We then shared a 1/2 bottle of the 2007 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel. Yummy!! A great precursor to our first winery trip on Saturday morning.Dinner at Bistro Ralph was as good as we remember.Beef Carpaccio with lemon, capers, and olive oilDuck breast with polentaCheese course for dessertWith dinner we had an Unti Grenache.Fabulo...

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Cafe Claude, San Francisco

Had a great dinner with our friends Randy and Debbie at this great little cafe, Cafe Claude. Made friends with the restaurant's wine buyer...always a good thing to do.Tartare de Thon Rouge ahi tuna, goat cheese, quail egg,garlic croutonsAgneau roasted lamb sirloin with garlic,bread crumbs and emergo beansTarte Tatin upside-down apple tart with caramel sauce and whipped creamPlus a couple of bottles of Chinon “Les Tireaux,” Domaine Olek-Mery, Val de Loire 2001 and a taste of the Chinon “Cuvée Terroir,” Charles Joguet , Val de Loire 2006. Both were excelle...

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