“You serve beer with wings! Everybody knows that!” Not so fast, Buffalo Bill. Champagne can be a great option . . . depending on the hot sauce. Check it out.
The Dock – Fine Dining in Newport Beach, CA
Adrift in the sea of casual restaurants of Newport Beach, Trish and I were rescued when we discovered The Dock. Situated on the Newport Peninsula waterfront, The Dock is an intimate, safe-harbor for those looking for a fine dining experience. It’s all there: a diverse and innovative menu, a comprehensive wine list of French and…
Coq Au Vin Wine Pairing
Elevate the humble chicken and serve Coq Au Vin. Julia Childs will show you the way. And pairing this with a beautiful Pinot Noir from California will illustrate why this is a classic combination.
Swordfish with Roasted Red Pepper Aioli – Wine Pairing
Summer evenings scream for fresh fish on the grill, served with a creamy, spiced sauce and a fruity, refreshing white wine. Check out this beautiful pairing.
Chateauneuf du Pape with Beef Tenderloin & Green Peppercorn Sauce
Chateauneuf du Pape: Clos des Papes 2005 – Pairing Rating: 9.5 out of 10.0 Secure in our winter retreat in Newport Beach, CA., Trish and I have evaded the snow, ice and cold of Connecticut . . . at least for a while. This is our second winter here and we love it: the sunshine,…
Steak Salad Wine Pairing
Tagliata – thinly sliced beefsteak drizzled with an herb-infused oil, served over a bed of arugula – is our favorite interpretation of steak salad. Try this with a Cabernet Franc from Chinon.
Chicken Scarpariello and Wine Pairing
Vinegared peppers and the hot Italian sausage amp up the flavor profile of this excellent chicken dish. Chenin Blanc crushed Verdicchio and Riesling Spätlese in this throw-down.
Rioja and Valencian Paella
Valencian-style Paella, where meat is used instead of seafood, presents itself as a colorful blanket of yellow-golden rice redolent of savory saffron and spicy chorizo. . . the perfect pairing for Rioja!
Vacqueyras and Mongolian Lamb Barbecue
Lamb has an affinity for spiced marinades. This dish is an excellent example of how good this can be, especially when grilled and paired with a Southern Rhone wine like Vacqueyras!
Duck Breast and a Cult Pinot Smack-Down
A cult, California Pinot Noir gets smacked down by a Rioja Crianza? Yes, you read that correctly. How? It’s all about the sauce!