A Delightful Master of Wine Tuesday at Ray's Boathouse

ZINO Society members Sandra Fowler, Brad Vancour
and Randa Mirkovich

Last evening ZINO Society members and guests joined Ken and me along with Wine Gurus, Greg Lill of DeLille Cellars and Stacy Lill of O Wines at Ray's Boathouse for a beautiful Master of Wine food and wine tasting event.  Ray's Senior Catering Manager, Amy Stevens worked with Catering Chef David Saunders, to develop an evening that featured Northwest food and wine including fresh chanterelle mushrooms foraged by Chef Markus Donier.

Cathi Hatch, Chef David Saunders, Amy Stevens

It was an intimate evening with room for 20 guests seated at a long table sparkling with dozens of wine glasses centered in front of the blazing fireplace.  One of the members attending was Sandra Fowler, who had definitely travelled the furthest to attend since she flew over from Tri Cities just for the evening.  We also welcomed new Elite Roundtable member, Randa Minkarah, who was attending her first ZINO Society event and Brad Vancour, long-time ZINO Society member who has probably attended the most Master of Wine events over the years.  We also welcomed back returning member, Bruce Sanchez, who has recently relocated back in Seattle from California.  We had a very interesting discussion about his new book which has something to do with the bell curve of a marriage.

Greg Lill

Stacy Lill

Mary Holmes, Lisa Mikesell, Cindy Hales

It was also fun to see and catch up with members Michael Zachary, Elisabeth Bodal, who admitted to the group that she is an emigrant (gasp!), Denny Dochnahl, who was there with one of his and Bernie's "daughter-type persons", Dehanna Jones, and ZINO Society sponsor members, Darlin Gray, David Riley, Lisa Mikesell and Cindy Hales.  We also welcomed members Eden & Hank Waggoner and recent ZZIF sponsor, Irene Retel.

Greg and Stacy shared some of their background and history about getting into the wine business and Stacy once again gave Ken credit for introducing them to one another.  Ken really is a successful male version of a "yenta"!

The menu food and wine pairings were delightful:

Reception

O Wines Chardonnay 2009

Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

ginger meringue, lemongrass cream

Pleasant Valley Gouda Wafer

Dinner Menu

DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Blanc 2010

Chatham Strait Sabelfish in Sake Kasu

jasmine rice, honey, soy an scallion oil

O Wines Red Blend 2007

Warmed Escarole Salad

chevre, dried cherries, crispy bacon, pecans, shallot vinaigrette

Doyenne AIX 2008

Braised Port & Green Lentil Stew

DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Red 2008

Open-Faced Sirloin and Mushroom Slider

carmelized shallots, espresso demi-glace

Doyenne Syrah 2008

Double Chocolate Emmer Bites

Roquefort Blue Cheese   

A big THANK YOU is in order for Amy, David and Markus of Ray's Boathouse and their team and Stacy and Greg of DeLille Cellars and O Wines.  Cheers!

Bruce Sanchez, Mary Holmes, David Riley