Fine Food and Wine In the Shadow of the Fremont Bridge

Rick Fisher, Cathi Hatch, Cindy Hales,
Lisa Mikesell, Damien Wilson

Last evening, ZINO Society produced a lovely Master of Wine Monday at Ponti Seafood Grill in Seattle.  See my earlier blog posting here describing the setting and ambiance of Ponti.   Ponti's Rich Malia, owner, Alvin Binuya, Chef, and Brian Siry, Manager partnered with ZINO Society Wine Professional Member, John Bell, owner of Willis Hall Winery to offer a splendid evening of elegant wines made in the European tradition, camaraderie, and fine food.


 


Jamee Nunnelee, Michael Zachary



The ZINO Society members and guests were greeted with a Willis Hall 2009 Pinot Gris and a Treasure Cove oyster served with Tobiko and by the time we sat down for dinner had had the opportunity to meet and talk with one another.  The first course served at the table was a beautiful and delicious Shaved Fennel and Mango Salad which paired perfectly with the 2009 Willis Hall Roussanne.



Bernie Dochnahl commented on how much the Roussane reminded her of a fine French wine.  Denny & Bernie Dochnahl and Philip & Andrea Mann dicussed Antarctica travel experiences, both past and future and many joined in the discussion about dogs and how much we love our dogs, so we began planning the Dog Days of Summer Party for this coming August on the spot. 

Corned Pork Tenderloin with Lentils

Mary Holmes, Rich Malia

Ann Morford, Cindy Hales

Midway through the meal after the Corned Pork Tenderloin course, we did ask ten of the attendees to switch tables with one another to give everyone a chance to get to know one another.  It was shortly after the switch that Mary Holmes, ZINO Society Chief Marketing Officer, insisted that she saw a raccoon crawl down the wall just outside the window.  We of course tried to take her wine away saying that she was just seeing things, but she finally convinced us all that there really had been a raccoon.

Seven small plate courses were served paired with six different wines including a 2008 Late Harvest Pinot Gris served with dessert.  The entire group appeared to thoroughly enjoy the evening.  I heard lots of positive comments about how delicious and beautiful the food was and how much everyone was enjoying the Willis Hall wines as well.  My favorite food item of the night was a very small, quarter-size Polenta cake with Fontina Cheese.  I was hoping for seconds and thirds!  Chef Alvin is obviously a real culinary talent!  I think we can declare this a successful and fun event for all!

See full menu and pairings below.  All wines from Willis Hall Winery.

2009 Pinot Gris

Treasure Cove Oyster with Tobiko



L-R: Mark Soltys, Jamee Nunnelee,
Ron & Ann Morford



2009 Roussanne

Shaved Fennel-Mango Salad

2004 Merlot

Grilled Alaska White King Salmon

with Huckleberry Beurre Rouge

Corned Pork Tenderloin

2005 Cuvee Reserve

Five Spice Smoked Black Cod

Del Webber, Bernie Dochnahl,
John Bell

2005 Syrah

Washington Angus Flatiron Steak



2008 Late Harvest Pinot Gris

Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with Rhubarb Compote