Sunday, October 27, 2019

 The second seminar we sat in on  was "Traceability  & Regulation of Italian D.O.C wines, with focus on Franciacorta: One territory, Three Denominations".
     This was conducted by Riccardo Curbastro, one of the owners of the  winery and vineyards, some located in the towns of Caprilo and Isee.   Here we tasted both red and white wines starting with a remarkable sparkling wine, Franciacorta D.O.C.G Brut made with Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.  Another sparkler was Franciacorta D.O.C.G Rose Brut made with Chardonnay and Pinot Nero.
     Riccardo devoted much of this seminar to how wines are chosen to be labeled D.O.C or D.O.C.G.  He likened Italy's wine production as a pyramid with five sections, all  generic production at the base, then generic with identity of vineyards, vintages and varietals.  The top three, as the pyramid narrows in size are reserved for wines with distinctive appellations and a known  consistency in quality   Next D.O.C and finally at the top the D.O.C.G designation for wines with protected designation of origin. 
      Four of  the five wines we tasted were either D.O.C or D.O.C.G.  The three red wines included Curtefranca D.O.C 2013 RossoVigna Santella del Grom, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Barbera.  We gave this wine high points.
   Another red was one hundred percent Pinot Noir, 2011 Serbino IGT.  The wine we liked best was Rontana - Sangiovese Colli di Faenza D.O.C 2016 with one hundred per cent Sangiovese grapes, but then we have a particular fondness for this Grape varietal.
   At the walk around tasting first we dived into the food table which included cheese stuffed ravioli and pasta in a mushroom tomato sauce. 
   The wineries represented were from all the famed Italian appellations, Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, Campania, Marche and Lombardy
   At the walkaround we directed our first visits to wineries from Italy's famous islands, Sicily and Sardinia.  We have a special interest in wines from Sicily since our mother was born there, coming to the U.S. as a three year old with five year old sister.
    The wineries in Sicily recently began looking  at some of their native varietals like Nero d'Avola, Eughenes Syrah and Nerekki Mascalese.  The same is true in Sardinia with local varietals like Isula, Lakana and Mamuthone
   The seminars were well attended with not an empty seat to be found and the walk around was a full house as well.
   Simply Italian may have been the wrong name for the event since the seminars proved there are no simple Italian wines.

Friday, October 25, 2019

 It was not until the decade of 1970 that Americans really became interested in wines.  It was a new generation and like all before them wanted to invent their own life-style and interests.  
      The wine industry responded with new wineries, more plantings, new varietals and as the result a new interest in wine tasting.  With all this new attention soon to follow were wine writers like yours truly.  Actually the dean of all wine writers in Southern California was the late Robert Balzer, then writing the first wine column appearing in the Los Angeles Times.
     In knowledge about wine Robert was way ahead of his time and often conducted wine courses for consumers and of course attended many wine tastings.  I  often sat with him at  these tastings and  at one recall saying that we had already heard much about these wines and varietals.  Robert responded by saying that he never went to one of these events without learning something new.  He summed it up by saying that "there is always something new to learn about wine."
     This proved to be a remarkably true statement which explains why we recently attended two seminars at the Simply Italian Great Wines tour conducted at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills.  This proved to be an all day event with five different seminars, then a three hour tasting with twenty two Italian wineries participating.
     The first seminar we attended was entitled "The Sparkling Life-Fresh & Fun from Fruili".  The Friuli Venezia Giulia region in located in the far northeastern part of Italy and includes the provinces of Pordenone and Udine.  The "Friuli Grave" appellation in recent years now enjoys a large D.O.C area thanks to some wines of the highest quality.  We tasted nine wines some made from local varietals like Glera and Ribolla gialla.  Popular for the region is Pinot Grigio and we tasted some that were 100 percent of this varietal.  All the wines we tasted were white with one exception, a Antonutti Spumante Rose Extra Dry which included Merlot and Refosco.  Its bright pink color most attractive.
     Conducting this seminar was Master Sommelier Tim Gaiser.  We had the opportunity to chat with Tim and learned that he had, until recently, made his home in San Francisco.  We had to add that this was our home town as well where we grew up.

Friday, October 18, 2019

 Since opening in 1991 the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum has had five million visitors.  The Museum besides chronicling the events of the Reagan presidency often hosts special exhibitions. 
     Currently an exhibition entitled "Egypt's Lost Cities" takes one back almost two thousand years as it puts on display recently discovered statues and artifacts that for centuries were hidden beneath the waters of the Nile Delta and Bay of Aboukir.  Also well told is how these remarkable treasures of an ancient civilization were discovered and recovered.
     This thanks to the dedicated man named Franck Goddio, a French mathematician who became an underwater archeologist  decades ago.  When Goddio started diving in the area he soon found himself face to face with remarkable well preserved statues and artifacts of a long forgotten thriving civilization. 
At the Reagan Exhibition viewers begin by looking at a screen showing Franck Goddio as he discovered some of these treasures and recovered them for showing in today's world.   Then follow into a room with two of the tallest statues ever recovered from ancient Egypt,  two  sixteen foot statues of Ptolemaic King and Queen, both carved from solid granite.    Many of the artifacts and statues date back to 300 B.C..
     This exhibition presents as fascinating look at two ancient cities that were lost to natural disasters and the rising tides of the Mediterranean Sea.  What Franck Goddio and his team has discovered and recovered shows a greater understanding of life during the age of the Pharaohs.  The current Reagan exhibition displays  200 of these authentic artifacts, some  showing the pots and vessels of everyday life.  These vessels made of bronze are remarkable in that their basic design still exists in similar containers today.
     Other statues to be seen include Bull God Apis,  God Hapy and a priest holding the god Osuis-Canopus.
     The two forgotten cities, that remained hidden underwater for centuries, were Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus.  Some of the recovered writings  reveal  Greek and Roman cultures that influenced Egypt through later centuries
     The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is one of Southern California's premiere attractions.  We had been to the Library in past years but our recent visit showed additions and vast improvements that have been made.
      Location alone is always a special treat as it has been built on top of a mountain with commanding views in every direction including the Pacific Ocean.  On this visit we made it a full day's outing with time out for lunch at Reagan's Country Cafe which also includes a Ronald Reagan Pub. 
     Twenty four galleries tell the story of Ronald Reagan's life before the Presidency and much of the personal relationship of he and his wife, Nancy.  With her death  she now is buried next to her husband at the Library.  We always enjoy looking at the perfect replica of the Oval Office at the White House and the place of business for so many presidents.
    The Reagan Library follows the tradition of established Presidential libraries first started by Franklin D. Roosevelt and has continued with every president since then.  California has a second Presidential Library for Richard Nixon located in Loma Linda
    The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is located at 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, Ca. Phone 1 805 577-4000.  It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. web www.reaganlibrary.gov.  There is an admission fee for visits to the galleries and exhibitions. 

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

 Dining is one of the easy ways to explore different cultures and cuisines.  And no one carries the banner of Brazilian cuisine better than Fogo de Chao restaurants.  Founded in 1979 in Brazil there are now 52 locations in Brazil, the U.S., Mexico and the Middle East.  Always  innovative the  restaurants recently introduced a new Fall menu.  So we were off once again to experience this for ourselves at the Beverly Hills location.
      First stop was the bar and lounge and the Happy Hour menu of cocktails and exciting appetizers.  Featured cocktail is Caipirosca which includes Tito's Vodka, lime and stick of sugar cane.  Also  Brazilian Gentleman made with Knob Creek Rye Bourbon, blended with passion fruit puree, gum syrup, lemon juice, honey and dash of Ramos Pinto Tawny Port.
       Added to the menu  items were  two new salads, one Butternut Kale and the second  Pear and Endive with a citrus-honey vinaigrette as well as roasted sweet potatoes.
     We had the opportunity to discuss the new menu items with Sevenir Girardi, general manager and told him we thought the lavish Feyoada buffet looked even more enticing.
     Of much interest to this Writer was a  new wine from Chilean winemakers, Vina Vik.  Named Eulila it is a red wine blend of Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.  The name is a tribute to Eulila “Selma” Oliveira, Chief Culture Officer of Fogo de Chao.  We thought the wine very much of premium quality with  smooth velvet like flavors and a pleasing finish. 
     We also had to try the new dessert which comes from a traditional Brazilian Recipe.  It is Creme de Coconut which features shredded coconut baked with condensed milk and cream, then served warm with ice cream.
     Always available was the huge self serving table of meats, appetizers, salads and an infinite number of specialties.  And those favorite meats such as the Cowboy Ribeye or dry-aged steak including New York Strip and Tomahawk Ribeye.  Picanha, the prime part of top sirloin still proved to be one of our favorites, carved medium rare.
     Of course all of this was served as usual by the well trained service staff with the churrasco carved tableside by gaucho chefs.
     Fogo de Chao offers a unique culinary adventure at its restaurants, with everything on the menu offered in abundance.  We especially enjoy the Beverly Hills location with its most convenient valet parking that leaves one at the front door.,
     In Beverly Hills Fogo de Chao is located at 133 N. La Cienga Blvd. open for lunch and dinner daily.  On weekends there is a mid day brunch.  Tele. 301 289-7755.

Friday, October 4, 2019

 Our recent visit to Black Angus Steakhouse in the west San Fernando Valley showed clearly why it has enjoyed such a long reign of success.
     Meeting us at the entrance was John Akillian, general manager, and watching him that evening proved that once again success begins and is maintained by alert management.  The Northridge Black Angus has been in place for forty years and John has spent half of his twelve years with Angus at this location.
     If you are compiling a list of successful chain restaurants Black Angus  certainly must be close to the top listing.  It is currently celebrating its 55th year as one of the West's  premiere steakhouses. The decor and ambiance of the western cattle ranch has been coupled with an always contemporary menu that has stayed with popular trends. An add on is superb marketing which has always been present.  
     We had been invited to experience some of the Angus new menu items.  Featured on a separate menu was Black Angus Steak and Lobster Mac and Cheese with the choice of either a filet mignon or sirloin steak.  Also a Shrimp Scampi with a delicious dipping sauce as well as a Baby Kale salad.  Featured cocktails included a Tropical Martini, Pink Pomegranate Punch or Sparkling Pomegranates Lemonade.
   The regular menu offers a long list of appetizers with  the Wagon Wheel  Sampler Platter as a favorite.  It comes with crispy zucchini, buffalo styled chicken tenders, shrimp cocktail and loaded potato skins.  Another appetizer that caught our eye was the artichoke-spinach dip.   Entrees include what the menu calls 'partner items' matching steak and seafood on one platter.  Other partner selections included filets with either lobster or shrimp and several with other steaks.
    The menu shows a large selection of sides, all priced most modestly.   Choices include green beans with bacon, the au gratin potatoes, a house specialty, onion rings and garlic mashed potatoes.   Other sides include an acclaimed Caesar salad, french fries or steamed broccoli.
  Our server was outstanding in describing the new menu and  showed  us that Black Angus takes the time to truly train their employees which is one more reason for the longevity enjoyed by its many restaurants. 
    John Akillian told us that two new Angus restaurants had opened in 2018 and that Black Angus Lakewood has just completed a remodeled floor plan and  private dining room.  The Lakewood restaurant is currently celebrating its 40th year with a series of special promotions.
   Black Angus was founded in Washington in 1964 and now has 44 locations spread across six states, Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii.  The restaurants continue their western cattle rancher theme with certified Angus Beef for Choice steaks and burgers.  Always planned for entire families the menu includes seafood, salads, sides and desserts.  The campfire dinners for two are a tradition at the Angus restaurants.
   The Bulls Eye Bar has been  a leader in offering craft beers as well as selected wines and freshly designed cocktails and Angus now offers a new wine each month as a special promotion.
  Black Angus Steakhouse in the San Fernando Valley is located at 9145 Corbin avenue, Northridge, Ca. 91324, Tele. 818 701-1600, web www.blackangus,.com.  It is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  There is also a Happy Hour Monday thru Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Tuesday a Happy time from opening to closing at the Bulls Eye Bar.

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Far From Ordinary was the perfect name for the Seminars and Trade Tasting of wines staged by Wine Australia in West Hollywood recently.  Using the theme ‘Australian Wine Made Our Way” some 45 wineries from six wine producing regions of Australia were present at the showplace 1 Hotel West Hollywood.  These regions included Western and South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
We were fortunate to be included in the seminar that focused on the Shiraz grape varietal entitled ‘Heritage and Place-The evolution of an Australian Classic”.  Here we tasted and learned about how Shiraz was one of the first varietals planted in Australia and that today is home to what is the oldest Shiraz vineyard in the world dating back to 1843.  In all we tasted eight Shiraz, each from a prominent winery.  Some of the owners of these wineries were present at the seminar and took part the discussion. They included Bruce Tyrrell of Tyrrell’s Wines, James Lindner of Langmeil, and Chester Osboure of d’Arenberg.  Moderator of the seminar was Mark Davidson of Wine Australia.
All eight Shiraz rated high points on my score card but obtaining a perfect score was Langmeil ‘The Freedom 1843’ Barossa Valley  2015 Shiraz produced from vines planted in 1843.  The vintage is truly a classic.  Two others we also gave high marks to were d’Arenberg ‘The Dead Arm’ McLaren Vale’ 2015 Shiraz and Jim Barry Wine ‘The McRae Wood’ ClareValley 2014 Shiraz.
Following the Shiraz seminar the trade tasting took place with hundreds in attendance.  Besides the wine tempting appetizers were passed around as well as two tables loaded with  meats and cheeses.  There was also the ‘Made our Way’ theater  which presented walk in seminars on the Wine Victoria and Margaret River wine producing regions.
Among the many booths we were fortunate to discover the one for Yalumba Family Estates and a delightful young woman named Jessica Hill Smith, who is the sixth generation of the Samuel Smith family who founded and planted the first vines in 1849.  Moving the family and winery into the 20 and 21 centuries has been Robert Hill Smith who works consistently in matching varietals to the terroir.  He has also been responsible for producing some memorable vintages by matching and blending red varietals.
After taking a photo of the delightful Jessica we departed well informed on the promising future for Australian wines.