Let the Good Times Roll!



Lisa Silver, Cathi Hatch, Dan Gerrity



Master of Wine Monday Guests


Last night, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in the elegant Grand Hyatt Hotel hosted our ZINO Society Master of Wine Monday.  We were greeted with a glass of bubbly by Ruth's Chris Manager and Wine Director, Kris Owens who then gave us the opportunity to try our palates on a blind wine tasting "game" as the guests were gathering.  Our job was to determine whether the wine was Old or New World, what the predominant grape was or whether it was a blend, who was the vintner and what vintage.  Several people were able to determine that the wine was New World and that the predominant grape was Cabernet Sauvignon and that the vintage was likely 2007.  The wine turned out to be Greg Harrington's excellent 2007 Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.

Twenty-two ZINO Society members and guests enjoyed a beautiful evening of delicious "N'Awlins-style" food from the kitchen of Chef Ian Branning, paired with fine wines and excellent service.  I don't normally care for Chardonnay, but was pleasantly surprised at how well the Zanzibar Playa Sol Chardonnay paired with the slightly smoky and spicy bacon-wrapped scallop with root vegetables.

Wine Director Kris Owens, Cathi Hatch, Chef Ian Branning

Wine Director Kris provided information about the food and wine as we proceeded through the courses.  Though everyone was clearly having a great time, ZINO Society Elite Roundtable Members, Alex Camara and Lisa Silver, developed a plan to have guests rotate seating midway through dinner which raised the fun factor and noise level even several more decibels.

The food was beautifully presented with strong, flavorful components.  My favorite course was the Filet with Bleu Cheese Crust and just a drizzle of Bearnaise sauce on the plate.  It was also paired with my favorite wine of the evening which was the Napa Valley 2006 Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon.  The entire experience was really outstanding and I would highly recommend Ruth's Chris Steakhouse as an excellent option for future private parties.  See the full menu below.

WINE AND FOOD PAIRINGS

Shrimp Remoulade

Mango, Celery & Seared Lemon

2007 Zanzibar Gabi Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley

Bacon Wrapped Scallop

Roasted Root Vegetables & BBQ Butter

2007 Zanzibar Playa Sol Chardonnay Columbia Valley

Filet Mignon with Bleu Cheese Crust

Béarnaise & Julienne Potatoes

2006 Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Braised Short Ribs

Sweet Potato Casserole & New Orleans BBQ Sauce

2008 William Church Bishop's Blend Columbia Valley

Chocolate Sin Cake

N.V. Heitz Cellars Ink Grade Port