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

PONCHO Wine Auction at 20

Ken Hatch, Mark & Nancy Pellegrino, Cathi Hatch

Last night, the Sheraton Seattle was the site of the PONCHO 20th International Wine Auction for the Arts.  Almost every past Wine Auction Chairman was in attendance to celebrate the anniversary and to be introduced on stage in a similar parade as PONCHO past Presidents have been introduced in the past.  The parade of past Wine Auction Chairmen included Carl Behnke, founding Wine Auction Chairman, as well as Chris Kosmos, Bob Stevens, Bill Schallert, Ron Elgin, Bob Lucurell, Greg Lill, Jack Sowle, Jay Schiering, Mel Sturman, Dan Heidt, Tom Captain, Doug True, Bob Parks, Renee Behnke, Laurie Corliss, Stacy Lill, Kathleen Shoup and current chair, Tamara Wilson.

Paul Birkeland, Evelyn Zabo, Diane Birkeland

The Honorary Vintner was Dan Duckhorn and he donated wine and auction packages as well as purchased multiple items at the auction.  He spoke briefly and talked about Duckhorn Wine Company, which he founded in 1976 as being the 40th winery established in Napa Valley and that he was able to purchase an acre of Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards for around $450 which today would sell for around $250,000.

We were seated with Ben Smith of Cadence Winery, who provided the barrel tasting and the wine that filled the commemorative magnums.  He shared a bottle of his current 2007 Bel Canto release at our table which was my favorite wine we tasted last evening.

Having served as PONCHO President in 1998-99 and having been on the PONCHO Board for 25 years, it was fun to see so many familiar faces volunteering and working the greeting line as well as many wine aficionados, PONCHO Board members and arts supporters attending as patrons including current PONCHO President, Evelyn Zabo, PONCHO Executive Director, Lorna Kneeland, Diane & Paul Birkeland, Nancy & Mark Pellegrino, Leslie & Dale Chihuly, Mitzi & John Morris, Connie Blumenthal, Joe Whinney, Robin du Brin & Douglas Howe, Janet True, Joan & Bob Hibbs, Annette Parks, Steve Kutz & Courtney Womack, Bonnie Elgin, Stacy & Doug King, Peggy Reddy & Christopher Chan, Jake Kosseff, Sheila Otter, Gary Roshak, plus several hundred others.

Family friend, Eliza Flug-Coburn purchased the Italian Wine Tasting Dinner at our home which was ably marketed by Mistress of Ceremonies Extraordinaire, Patti Payne.  The dinner is a Procurement Partner item for Pacific Northwest Ballet.  Ken and I are looking forward to the dinner along with co-donors, Michele & Dan Heidt, Jake Kosseff and Chef Philip Mihalski of Nell's Restaurant.

Now, on to the ARCS fundraiser tonight . . . Shaking it Up for Science in SoDo! 

bin on the Lake Master of Wine Monday

Chef Paul Hyman & Manager Darren Nicholas

On Monday evening, ZINO Society partnered with bin on the Lake to produce a Master of Wine Monday featuring a "Tour de France" tasting menu.  Chef Paul Hyman and Manager Darren Nicholas worked together to offer a six course menu featuring wines of France and a menu that combines the best of the Northwest with classic French cooking.

Brad Vancour, Brian Vowinkel

Eden & Hank Waggoner, Mary Holmes

Mike Vanderslice, Paul Hagen

Laura Hagen, Robin Carmichael

Attending the event were long-time ZINO Society Roundtable members, Melanie Correy-Ferrini, Brian Vowinkel and Brad Vancour along with new Roundtable members Heather Sullivan and Mike Vanderslice and ZINOpreneur members Anthony Grove and recent ZINO Life Investment Forum Fund winner, Paul Hagen and his wife, Laura.  Also attending were member Giuseppe Mascarella and brand-new members, Eden & Hank Waggoner and business sponsor members, David Sullivan of Pan Pacific Hotel and wife, Susan along with David Riley of Garvey, Schubert and Barer.  Guests included Irene Retel of Mont Blanc and Robin Carmichael.

Cathi Hatch, Heather Sullivan

Anthony Grove, David Riley

The menu was amazing and included the following courses:

Spring Onion Blini

Housemade Crème Fraiche, Columbia River Salmon Caviar

Antoine De Clairvoy Brut, Reims

Charcuterie

  Boudin Noir, Kurobuta Pork Rillette, Smoked Prosciutto, Duck Serrano

Cornichons, Moutarde Violette, Medjool Date Confiture 

2006 Francois Chidaine, Clos de Breuil, Montlouis-sur-loire

Steel Head Trout Amandine

Parsnip Mousseline, Haricots Verts, Marcona Almonds, Buerre Noisette

1998 Leroy Bourgogne Blanc

Lyonnaise Salad

Marble Potatoes, Pasture Raised Egg, Lardons, Frisee, Leek Vinaigrette

2005 Coudelet de Beaucastel, Rhone Valley

Dakota Organic Filet Au Poivre

 Black Truffle Pomme Gratin, Glace’ Asparagus, Ragout Forestiere 

Cognac Peppercorn Crème

2004 Chateau Bel-Air Royere, Bordeaux

Mignardises

Key Lime Tartlets, Apple Tart Tartin, Chocolate Torte

2007 Chateau De Cosse, Sauternes

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







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

20 Years in one Location

Ken Hatch and Rich Malia

Last night, Ken and I met friend, Michael Kunath for a drink at the new Book Bindery restaurant, another creative venture by Michael Almquist.  We didn't stay for dinner as we had dinner reservations just down the street at Ponti Seafood Grill, but the menu looks very interesting with starters including sweetbreads (not my favorite but Ken likes them) and foie gras terrine (which I think sounds delicious).  The interior is elegant with lots of creamy painted millwork and a bright, open kitchen.  I look forward to going back for dinner soon.

After a cocktail, we moved our cars a block down the street to Ponti Seafood Grill, which has been in the same location for twenty years.  As Ken and I walked into the restaurant, we were greeted by owner, Rich Malia, who thanked us for returning to his restaurant.  It had been a long time since we had last eaten there.  The restaurant is perched on the edge of the Lake Washington Ship Canal in the shadow of the Fremont Bridge, decorated in warm colors and was full of energy and busy.  White lights on the shrubs lining the outside decks reflecting on the windows added to the sparkling interior ambiance.

We had a great food experience.  Mike and Ken enjoyed the very fresh oysters on the half shell followed by warm bread with an addictive garlic olive oil and balsamic vinegar dipping sauce.  For entrees, we tried the smoked black cod, the brick-roasted half chicken and the chanterelle risotto; all of which were cooked perfectly, flavorful and excellent.  Though we said we didn't want dessert, we shared a warm apple crostata a la mode and magically every bite disappeared.

I look forward to going back for another great meal soon.  This would be a fantastic venue for an upcoming ZINO Society Master of Wine Monday!

Palate Pleasers at Purple Cafe!

Sommelier Dawn Smith, Chef Harry Mills & Cathi Hatch



Will Poole, Cathi & Ken Hatch, Susie Ostrander,
Melanie Corey-Ferrini, Mike Crill

This week the Purple Cafe and Wine Bar in Bellevue presented "A Menu for a Winter's Night" for the ZINO Society Master of Wine Monday event.  Heavy Restaurant Group Sommelier, Dawn Smith, and Chef Harry Mills, teamed together to present an exquisite paired food and wine tasting menu featuring foods of the Northwest and French wines for ZINO Society members and their guests.

Susie Ostrander, Janet Levinger

Richard Leeds with mystery wine

Each course was enthusiastically consumed by the sold-out crowd of 24 lucky tasters in the room.  Between each course, Chef Harry and Dawn supplied background and insights about the food courses and why each wine was selected to pair with those particular flavors.  Though it is hard to select favorites from such an incredible menu, my personal favorites were the Duck Confit Strudel with Yam and Pear Puree and Fennel Pollen and the Mushroom-Potato Pave which was served balanced on its side along with the grilled prime sirloin.  See the incredible pairings below at the end of this blog posting. 

ZINO Society members and guests had a marvelous time connecting with one another while sipping wine and tasting the culinary gems. Guest, Richard Leeds, brought along a favorite Bordeaux-style wine with the label hidden to share with some of the tasters, which turned out to be Long Shadows Feather.  In the 6 degrees of separation category (or is it only one degree of separation now?), Susie Ostrander and Janet Levinger, who had not previously met, discovered that they both had their ears pierced in Sioux City, Iowa, by the same doctor (Susie's uncle)!  The evening ended with an enthusiastic round of applause for all the Purple Cafe staff who had made our evening such a pleasure!

"A Menu for a Winter's Night" 

Passed Canapes

Dried Figs and Spanish White Anchovy

Smoked Mussel, Sweet Pickled Fennel and Piquillo Pepper Aioli

Prosciutto, Fontina Val d'Aosta and Almond Butter

Jean-Paul Trocadero Brut . Savoie, France . NV

A Tasting of Kusshi, Totten Inlet and Kumomoto Oysters

Cucumber-Black Pepper Sorbet

Christian Moreau . Chablis, France . 06

Seared Diver Scallop

Beluga Lentils, Fennel Puree, Meyer Lemon-Hazelnut Vinaigrette and Gremolata

Chateau Bonnet Bordeaux Blanc . Entre-Deaux-Mers, France . 08

Intermezzo

Chilled Soup of Ruby Red Grapefruit, Campari and Crushed Mint

Pan Roasted Muscovy Duck Breast

Duck Confit Strudel, Yam and Pear Puree, Fennel Pollen

Jean-Paul Thevenet 'vieilles vignes' Morgon . Beaujolais, France . 08

Grilled Prime Sirloin

Mushroon-Potato Pave, Glace de Viande, Brown Butter Emulsion

Lalande Balestard . Bordeaux, France . 07

Smoked Chocolate Ganache

Pomegranate, Caramel Tuile

M. Chapoutier . Banyuls, France . 07

Grilled Prime Sirloin with
Mushroom-Potato Pave

Bank Board Retreat Dinner



Mike Holcomb, Bob Harding, Shannon Coffin



Early in the week, I flew to Portland in order to attend the Pacific Continental Bank Board Retreat.  I have been on this board for several years and  in the fall each year, we take time to "retreat" and discuss the direction and priorities of the business for the upcoming year.  As always, it was a well-organized and thought-provoking meeting orchestrated ably by CEO Hal Brown, President Roger Busse and Executive Administrative Assistant, Shannon Coffin.  In addition to the Board members attending, the senior management team also attends  and participates in the reporting and discussions. 



Mick Reynolds, Pat Haxby, Mitch Hagstrom, Rachel Ulrich

On the evening between the two days, we adjourned to a delightful restaurant in Portland,  Meriwether’s Restaurant. It is in the genre of a classic country inn and features a farm to table approach with a Pacific Northwest menu.  Following delicious hors d'oeuvres served on their intimate outdoor patio featuring a fireplace in the round, we were seated and began the dinner with incredible foccaccia bread served with olive oil.  A side order we shared that everyone raved about was their creamy, al dente risotto with spinach.  Between the great bread, the risotto and delicious potatoes au gratin served with the entree, I was very pleased when new Seattle Market President, Bob Harding, agreed to take the rest of my steak.    



Don Montgomery, Dan Hempy, John Rickman



Portland Market President, Dan Hempy,  made arrangements for some great wine to accompany the dinner including Willamette Valley Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir and Napa Valley Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon.  Though I am more of a Cabernet fan than a Pinot Noir fan, I loved the Domaine Drouhin and it brought back memories of sitting in the kitchen of Domaine Drouhin Winemaker, Veronique Drouhin's parents when I visited Maison Joseph Drouhin in Cote de Beaune around 25 years ago.  This was in my previous life when I was in the restaurant business and we were able to have lunch with her father, Robert Drouhin, after he had shared barrel tasting wines with us in his barrel room.  Yet another example of the small world we live in and that everything seems to connect! 



A Rover's Wine Taste-Off - France vs. Italy

On Tuesday night Rover’s hosted a ZINO Society Master of Wine Tuesday featuring a wine taste-off “France vs. Italy”.  Sixteen ZINO Society members and guests were treated to an exquisite tasting menu inspired by the up and coming World Soccer Championship.  Scot, the restaurant manager and in-house wine expert, told us he was pitting two great countries of exquisite wines to compare and contrast.  A-sort-of-parallel, of who will take world wine domination. Both countries pride themselves on the essentials of life, food, shelter, drink and of course Football!  Only one could reign supreme…Would it be France or Italy?

See photos of members and guests above.

Top photo:  Dan Rosen, Jacqueline Witter, Bob Toomey

2^nd photo:  Ellen Bierman, Mary Holmes, Donna Dornes, Lauren Bennett

3^rd photo:  Cathi Hatch with Chef de Cuisine, Adam Hoffman, Dave Schulz

4^th photo:  Phil Mann, Ellen Bierman, Gary Myles (fuzzy photo but amazing that all three are patent attorneys and none knew the others would be at the tasting!)

Not everyone agreed on which was the best wine of each course so I will just share my picks.  See the menu below including my favorite wine of each course in green.  So, according to my palate, France won by only one point!

Cremant de Bourgogne, Louis Bouillot, Brute Rose, NV Burgundy FR vs.
Banfi, Rosa Regale, 2009, Piemonte IT
Amuse Bouche

Le G de Chateau Guiraud, 2008, Bordeaux FR vs.
Pinot Grigio, Muri-Gries, 2008, Alto Adige, IT
Chilled Washington Asparagus Soup with Herbed Goat Cheese Caillé
&
Alaskan Spot Prawn with Arugula Pesto, Almond and Smoked Orange Foam 

Gevrey-Chambertin, Lucie et Auguste Lingnier, Les Seunrees, 1er Cru, 2004, Burgundy FR vs.Barbaresco, La Ca Nova, Bric Mention, 2004, Piemonte IT
Oregon Quail with Black Pepper Onion Puree, Flageolet Bean and Poultry Jus

Moulis, Chateau Branas, Grand Poujeaux, 2005, Bordeaux FR vs.
Tenuta di Arceno, Arcanum3, 2003, Toscana IT
Wagyu Beef Tri-Tip with Pommes Lyonnaise, Caramelized Onion and Peppercorn Demi

Muscat-de-Beaumes-Venise, Domaine Bernardins, 2007, Rhone Valley FR vs.Moscato d’Asti, La Spinetta, Biancospino, 2009, Piemonte IT
Symphony of Desserts

Thierry Rautureau, Chef in the Hat, and ZINO Society sponsor joined us at the end of the evening and talked about his new restaurant, LUC, which opened recently just at the corner of the block where Rover’s is located.  All in all, it was a spectacular evening of great food, wine and conversation!

Master of Wine Tuesday at Rovers!

Last night, the staff of Rovers did an incredible job of presenting the ZINO Society Master of Wine Tuesday at Thierry & Kathy Rautureau’s beautiful restaurant, Rovers.  Scot Smith, Rovers Wine Director/Manager, shared information on the wines that were paired with the seven courses of exquisite food.  The design of the menu was to take an escorted tour of France so each course was specifically paired with a beautiful wine that is recognized as a hallmark wine of that particular region.  Chef Thierry’s (aka “The Chef in the Hat”), masterful food pairings, as delicious as they were visually beautiful, were great manifestations of the regional cuisine of France.  We were encouraged to imagine a trip through France with the only criteria being the pleasure of our senses . . . Sight, Smell, Touch, Taste and Sound!

We began the evening with a crisp Taittinger Champagne and then our palate was titillated with a sensory Amuse Bouche (see photo above) that included duck confit, house-smoked salmon with crème fraiche and velvety asparagus soup.

Taittinger, Cuvee Prestige, NV Champagne FR

Amuse Bouche

Sancerre, Francois Crochet, 2008, Loire Valley, FR

Dungeness Crab with Fennel, Celery Root-Apple Salad and Orange Dressing

Pessac-Leognan, Lagrave-Martillac, 2004 Bordeaux FR

Alaskan Halibut with Red Quinoa, Roasted Baby Turnip and Arugula

Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Seuprees, Premiere Cru 2004, Burgundy FR

Braised Pork Belly with a Quail Egg, Parsnip Puree, Leek and Meyer Lemon Confit

Rhubarb Sorbet with Ginger White Wine Pearls

Saint Joseph, JL Chave, Offerus 2004, Rhone Valley FR

Roasted Muscovy Duck Breast with Spinach, Herbed Farro, Mushroom and Thyme

Banyuls, Olivier of Chrystel Saperas, Vial Magneres, Tradition 4 Years, Languedoc FR

Warm Goat Cheese Crottin with Preserved Fruit Chutney

The ZINO Society members and guests all had a wonderful time, the noise level in the room escalating as the evening progressed.  Two of our guests, Eden and Hank Waggoner,  were celebrating birthdays and they were properly serenaded by the rest of the group (see photo above).  For a few, it was their first visit to Rovers, and they were hugely impressed with the quality of the food and service as were those of us who were happily returning for yet another amazing and impressive dinner.

Photo Gallery Above:

Top photo:  Bernadine Dochnahl, Chef Thierry, Cathi Hatch, Denny Dochnahl, Ken Hatch

2^nd photo:  Amuse Bouche

3^rd photo: Eden & Hank Waggoner

4^th photo: Randy Squires & Angela Polin

5^th photo: Bob & Katie Nowlin, Mary & Don Gher, Isabella McPeak

6^th photo: Debe Doran & Dana Reid

Master of Wine (& Food) Monday

Last night, ZINO Society members and guests enjoyed our first Master of Wine Monday at the Seattle Harbor Club.  Our sommelier and ZINO Society Wine Professional Member, David Le Claire selected four unusual and interesting wines from our corner of the country, but not all Washington wines while Chef Dustin Calery created magnificent food pairings.  Pictured above are Jim & Bonnie Towne, Ken Hatch and David Le Claire, members Denny & Bernie Dochnahl and their guest Bethany Douglas, ZINO Society team member Robin Moore along with guests Greg & Jan Schrag and new ZINO Society member Jay Pickering.  My taste buds still happily remember the incredible menu which follows so I am looking forward to the next Master of Wine Monday at the Harbor Club!

Chervil Wrapped Ling Cod with Satsuma and Shallot Marmalade paired with Gray Monk “Pinot Auxerrois” – Okanagan, Canada

“Bronzed” Wild Alaskan Coho Salmon with Cascade Huckleberry Gastrique paired with Foris “Pinot Noir” – Rogue Valley, Oregon

Cracked Pepper Crusted Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin with Vanilla Scented Pomegranate Jus paired with Hells Canyon “Bordeaux Blend” – Idaho

Red Wine Braised Short Rib of Beef with Cacao Pappardelle paired with Big Daddy Syrah – Woodinville, Washington

Gewurtztraminer Poached Pear Tart with Hazelnut “Frangipane” and Fireweed Honey Crème Anglaise