We already knew that Lucques in West Hollywood was an outststanding restaurant both for its California contemporary cuisines as well as its huge list of wines.  But our dinner last evening placed its culinary and wait staff to the elevation of five stars.
Promoted by the FeedFeed Team the media dinner combined the culinary talents of James Beard Award Winning chef Suzanne Goin with  Winemaker Steven Decosta of Austerity Wines..
Introduced by Kevin Masse the dinner opened with Leeks Vinigette with Prosciutto, Dandelion, Mustard Breadcrumbs & soft cooked egg.  The wine a 20015 Austerity Chardonnay from Monterey's Arroyo Seco.  We especially appreciated this vintage since we had been to this appellation in Monterey just the week before.
Our entree was Braised beef short ribs with sauteed greens cipollini onions and horseradish cream.  Winemaker Steven showed his knowledge and passion for wine as he introduced a 2015 Austerity Pinot Noir.  This was from Santa Lucia Highlands and again we had visited this area in the foothills of the Salinas Valley just weeks before and  knew of the high quality of its Burgundian varietals.
Our dessert was Chocolate Cremuex Tart with Cardamom Cream and our wine a 2014 Austerity Cabernet Saauvignon from the Paso Robles appellation.  In conversation with Steven we noted the robust character of this cabernet with bold flavors and a long lasting finish.
At Austerity Steven Decosta is making wines from selected appellations and regions of superior quality while holding the prices as reasonable levels.
Upon introduction by Kevin Chef Suzanne Goin received a most enthusiastic reception from the forty fortunate Media representatives that attended the event
Austerity terms its wines as of the highest discipline and the Lucques dinner certainly proved it
Lucques is located at 8474 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood.  Telephone 323 655-6277, web www.lucques.com.