Celebrity Chef Challenge

Approximately 60 regional vendors gathered at the California Automobile Museum in celebrations of the evenings competitions. The competition commenced as the regions finest chef’s had 45 mintues to work their magic by turning five ingredients into a flavorful, exciting dish with energy of a live audience. Surrounding the competition were showcases of classic cars that made a colorful and inviting backdrop. Guests enjoyed everything from all you can drink beer and wine to sampling cake from Crazy Cake Co from Davis. Michael David was so graciously tasting some of the wineries most exquisite reserves and the brewery Stella Artois gave away a signature 20 oz glass full of the popular brew that drew crowds instantly.

Weaving through the various snacks and spirits I continuously found myself at Degen’s Catering. Degen’s served a toasted crostini with a thin layer of blue cheese and onion jam and it was all I could think about as the night came to a close. Although I felt that many of the bigger restaurants should have been there I was pleased to see new places such as Mani imports (premium olive oil) and Ludy’s bbq/catering out of Woodland. One of our very own sacdine writers, Charlotte King, sat on the panel as a celebrity judge and tasted her way through the tedious task of choosing a winner. Nothing says a perfect evening more than that of food, wine, classic cars and competition! Cheers!!

2009 First Sip

You know you’re in Lodi when you taste that first sip of a full body, complex zinfandel. Lodi, the friendly, unpretentious, wine region is catching Napa frequenters attention with events like this years First Sip. This annual event welcomes wine lovers and connoisseurs alike to be the first to douse their palates with Lodi’s future vintages. Each participating winery showcases their favorite "sneak peeks" of wines that are to come. For example, M2 winery and Van Ruiten tasted right out of the barrel and others, such as Omega winery, bottled wine right before my eyes.

I began with the tried and true wineries and made my way to new and exciting ones as well participating in this years event.

Van Ruiten, a local favorite, created a spirit all their own with hanging peace signs, tie dyed shirts, live music and their very own “ 2009 first sip” volkswagon bus. Guests enjoyed delicious pies from the pie company, olive oil from Ceccetti (the best olive oil in Lodi), guacomole with bursts of pomegranate, flavor intensive cheeses paired with balanced reds. Van Ruiten's robust zinfandel paired well with the delicate flavors of the cheese fondue. The barrel tasting was of a Chardonnay, sweet with hints of honey and white peach and characteristic of a aged oak barrell, a sneak peak that is sure to please.

M2 winery featured barrel tastings of a Petite Syrah, light and sweet with smooth tanins. As I watched the featured artists I was intrigued by the powerful and bursting flavors and the depth of the cabernet sauvignon.

Berghold winery’s newly expanded tasting room has something for everyone. The antiques and Christmas decorations were stunning as well as the vintage Santa Claus' that cascaded the floors. I enjoyed walking around in between tastings to browse the old world decor, cigars, imported wine cellars, and stained glass windows. The elegant interior and grounds were stunning and the wine in comparison. The "foot stomp" zinfandel was fruity, spicy and best of all an oak finish.

One of my favorite wineries in Lodi has to be Omega winery. This family owned winery comes without the frills and stands on their skills alone. I had so much fun meeting the family and they made their guests feel as though they were part of the family. I watched as one of the brothers and wine maker, bottled a Rose that was light and fruity with a smooth finish. The chardonnay was a clean, crisp balanced wine that extends flavors of citrus and tropical fruits. My favorite was the Mystico, an exquisite Bordeaux blend exhibiting berry flavors with cocoa that boasts an intense yet subtle aftertaste.

The last winery that I had the pleasure of visiting was Viaggio, situated on acres of land, built as though it was taken from the hills of Tuscany. A cobblestone mainstreet made way for a beautifully designed patio where guests enjoyed crisp chardonnays and robust reds by a blazing outside fireplace.

Before I knew it 4:00 pm had arrived and this years First Sip had come to a close.The food was put away and the wine corked and I left full and satisfied. Lodi, may not be the first wine region you think to visit but once you experience events such as the “First Sip” you are sure to return year after year.

Grape and Gourmet 2009

I have an obsessive relationship with food and wine. I’ve been called a “Foodie.” Offended? No not at all, I wear the title as a badge of honor! Seems a “Foodie” is someone that spends an inordinate amount of time thinking, eating and talking about food and drink. I think about them in a sinful way and ponder when it is that I will once again indulge to my delight. I waited all week to attend this year’s California wine and food event known as the Grape and Gourmet and could hardly focus on anything else.
As I made my way through the entrance the aroma of food and wine wafting through the air preparing my senses for a night of fulfillment. The Sacramento Convention Center hosted this year’s event opening it up for a much more substantial gathering of “Foodies”. With my list of tried and true wineries in hand I navigated through the crowds to satisfy my obsessions and the 200 California wineries and 90 upscale restaurants were eager to showcase their finest mouth-watering bites and superior wine.
Live music competed with the laughter and the voices of happy participants, some of which had what I call "wine eyes" (the drooping affect caused by unlimited, generous tastings). I strolled past each vendor meticulously deciding on my next wine tasting adventure. Soon, thereafter, I cast my wine list to the wind and embarked on a wonderful journey through new and exciting flavors. The wineries that attended are competing in this year’s California State Fair. Although, it is extremely difficult to choose, with so many exclusive wines, I jotted down a few of my favorites:

•Omega (Lodi)-Bordeaux
•McManis (Ripon) -Cabernet Sauvignon
•Justin Vineyards (Paso Robles)- Syrah
•Napa Cellars (St. Helena) Zinfandel
•Challis Lane (Napa)-Cabernet Sauvignon
•Michael David (Lodi)-Merlot
•Loredona (Manteca)-Riesling

Many of the highly acclaimed restaurants that attended included Banderas, Zocalos, Ink, Biba, Three Fires Lounge, Ella and many more. Majority of the samples were proportioned as to be easily to consume. One of the most delectable eats was that of a smoked salmon atop a perfectly toasted crostini drizzled with dill creme fraiche presented by Banderas restaurant in Sacramento. I made my way to Opa Opa Greek Restaurant and paired my red wine with the juicy meatballs covered in tzatziki (yogurt blended with fresh cucumbers, dill, chopped mint and a hint of garlic) and hummus with pita bread. I devoured chocolate cupcakes from Babycakes and chocolate pieces from the chocolate architect. I relished in the duo between sweet chocolate and the complex floral flavors of the red wine. Soon I found myself rushing to as many food vendors as I could possibly cram in before the food ran out. I recommend getting there as early as possible to avoid waiting in line.
The event was $50 in advance or $70 at the door. Considering the rare opportunity to satisfy all your “Foodie” fantasies in one place, I consider the event a bargain! My calendar is already marked for next year’s event! Come prepared to enjoy a delightful experience of Wine, Food and Fun to leave full, happy, and a bit numb from reality! Cheers to all my fellow “Foodies.” I understand your obsession. I’ll look forward to see you all there next year!

ZINFEST '09

Leave it to me to wear a dress and wedges to the Zinfest in Lodi. Upon exiting my car my eyes were opened to the impending doom of what seemed to be a 3 mile walk around Lake Lodi. I didn’t know how I was going make the trek at least not in theses shoes, so my heart almost skipped a beat when I saw the complimentary shuttle make its way to the parking lot. As I boarded the air conditioned shuttle I began to get excited to attend the much anticipated wine event for the Region.

Lodi, the epicenter of age old vineyards, hosted its annual event catering to all who love the mighty zinfandel! Upon entering ZINFEST  I was greeted with a soft golden loaf of ciabatta bread to be the sponge to soak up some 250 varietals of fermented grapes. The event gathers approximately 50 area wineries annually. Strolling passed each vintners booth the smell of magnificent merlots to the zany zins filled my senses. I began to get excited to taste each one. The crowds were not shy to lift their zinfest souvenir glasses and say “pour”! 

Zinfest does offer a VIP area(as an additional charge) as  a tranquil area to escape the sun and a place to sit and enjoy the surrounding lake. On an hourly basis this section has a featured winery pairing their wines with an endless supply of chicken and vegetable wraps, catered by Wine and Roses. There is delicious array of chocolate cakes and truffles sweet enough to match the complex flavors of each wine. If your on a tight budget bring a picnic lunch or try some of the various food vendors and find an over grown tree to sit under and just relax. After a dozen or so wine tasting the relaxing part isn’t too hard.

Many attending brought friends and family to share in the fun and festivities. Though I wouldn’t recommend this as a family event there was no problem with bringing children.  There just isn’t much for them to do.  Zinfest does offer cooking and wine pairing classes along with a class on how to make your own wine. Numerous people took breaks from the wine tasting to shop the several vendors displaying arts and paraphernalia catering to those who love not only the taste of wine but also having it as a piece of art. Leaving the event I savored the lasting fruit and vanilla notes that marinated my tongue with a sadly unfilled wine souvenir glass in hand.   

The zinfest was an event that requires lots of water, sunblock, good company, and good walking shoes! Cheers!

De Vere's Irish Pub

I would consider myself an explorer of cuisine. I step out of the box and challenge my taste buds on a regular basis, so I was shocked last Wednesday to realize that I've never actually been to an Irish Pub. Located at 1521 L Street in downtown Sacramento, California's Capitol, De Vere’s Irish Pub made me feel as if I had just stepped off of a plane and set foot on Irelands rocky roads. I was immediately filled with a sense of family. As I admired the deep crimson walls an old photograph caught my attention. To appease my curiosity, I confirmed with the owners' wife that all the photographs that fill the interiors were that of the owner's family history. Along with the bookcase showcasing old books of Irish tales, I took notice to the family crest above the fireplace and felt that I was instantly invited into this family. The authentic tones of bagpipes filled the air almost to compete with the delicate aroma of the lamb roasting in the kitchen. I was suddenly filled with an urgency to know more about Irish culture and especially this jewel of a restaurant.

The sophisticated décor contrasted beautifully with the rustic Irish charm. The masculine bar was saturated with people hollering out the next order of Guinness while waitresses swept by with appetizers such as thinly sliced smoked salmon atop a traditional Irish bread known as “brown bread” (De Vere’s family recipe). The salmon was then topped with Irish butter, a drizzle of lemon and a dollop of tangy, sweet crème fraiche. I enjoyed the comforting flavors of the lamb sliders without the heavy feeling that’s usually associated with sliders. The lamb was full of flavor and cooked to perfection. There was a slight tingle that came from the serrano chile mayonnaise and the greens were crisp and refreshing. Although not on the menu, the chev cheese with apple jelly atop a humble piece of toast was a delectable ending to an invigorating evening. I would invite all explorers of cuisine seeking a new adventure to De Vere’s Irish pub for an office lunch, a romantic evening or just a place to indulge in one’s favorite brew. It appears that Downtown Sacramento has found its pot of gold!

For more information visit the website at http://www.deverespub.com/