Masterful Master of Wine Monday at Koral

Cathi Hatch and Bradley Dickinson in Koral Bar & Kitchen

Last Monday night, Co-Owners Bradley Dickinson and Mikel Rogers hosted a fantastic Master of Wine Monday for ZINO Society members and guests at their newest restaurant, Koral Bar & Kitchen, in Bellevue.  Koral is conveniently located in the Bellevue Hyatt Regency with both valet parking and lots of validated garage parking available. I can't wait to come back for one of their happy hours which occur twice an evening seven days a week and offer a 50% discount on small plates, wine and cocktails. 

Barrage Owner, Kevin Correll

The Master of Wine Monday featured winemaker was Kevin Correll of Barrage Cellars, a small Woodinville winery, whose first vintage was in 2005 that is now producing around 3,000 cases per year and specializes in varietals.  Kevin told the story of how he came upon the name of his winery by combining the works "barn" and "garage" since he began making wine in his garage in 1998.

Randy Squires and Mary Holmes flanked by
Bernie & Denny Dochnahl

In addition to ZINO Team members, Mary Holmes and Christine Gilbert and some of our stalwart, long-time ZINO Society members Alex Camara, Bernie & Denny Dochnahl, and Randy Squires attending, there were many new ZINO Society members attending their first Master of Wine Monday including Sean O'Connor, Olga & Ryan Longan, Carol Lee, Chris D'Couto, Darnell Sue, Stephen Bernard, and David Baker to name several.  The food and wine did not disappoint!  And as always, it was also a great opportunity to get to know other ZINO Society members in a comfortable, non-business setting. 

Mikel Rogers surrounded by ZINO Society friends.

As we kicked off the evening, Bradley and I reminisced that we go back a long time since when in my previous life, I was the Director of Operations for Schwartz Brothers Restaurants, at the same time Bradley was the Chef at Henry’s Off Broadway (a Schwartz Brothers restaurant), which was a beautiful fine-dining restaurant that no longer exists today.  I still recall the spectacular Leo Adams painted murals on the walls of the small private dining room.  I wonder what ever happened to them or if they were demolished along with the building.

Fanny Bay Oyster on the 1/2 Shell

Anyway, back to Master of Wine Monday at Koral!  Bradley, Mikel and Kevin did a fine job of pairing the food and wine courses.  Depending on whom you talked to, the favorite food course was the Copper River Sockeye Salmon and the favorite wine was the Eclipse Syrah, Red Willow Vineyard, 2009.  Though there were those that argued for the Roast Tenderloin of Beef and the Outcast Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, 2008.  Both were absolutely delicious.

The funniest and BEST part of the evening was when everyone went around the room and shared a few things about themselves, including a secret that no one else knows.  The best story came from Alex Camara, who was an extra in the Star Wars bar scene at the Mos Eisley Cantina!  (It's in the original fourth movie, A New Hope.)  Alex promises to point out to us exactly which one he is.  Star Wars nerds everywhere will be thrilled with this knowledge! 

And finally, to set your taste buds a-twitter, here is the evening's full menu:

Tuna Crudo

Sesame Lavosh

Zonin, Prosecco

Fanny Bay Oyster on the 1/2 Shell

Strawberry Mignonette

Exclamation Riesling, Yakima Valley, 2010

Baby Organic Greens

Herb Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese Crostini

Trifecta Merlot, Columbia Valley, 2008

Copper River Sockeye Salmon

Spring Vegetables, Herb Butter Sauce

Nuclear Blonde Chardonnay, Conner Lee Vineyard, 2008

Roasted Marrow Bone

Sea Salt, Grilled Potato Bread, Herb Butter

Eclipse Syrah, Red Willow Vineyard, 2008

Roast Tenderloin of Prime Beef

Garlic Jus

Outcast Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, 2008

Fresh Baked Cookies

Rachel's Recipe