Sparkling Brunch & Walking wine tour

Sunday I hosted a lovely brunch and wine tour for a group of ladies.

To make it official we talked about how bubbly is made, "methode champenoise" and what grapes are used to make Champagne & other "frizzanti's" from other areas. Then I popped some open. This month's brunch we compared a drier '00 "Cremant" style from St. Innocent (OR) -VS- a sweeter style (NV) like, Celebrate from Kramer vineyards (OR) a semi-sparkling wine made from Muller-Thurgau grapes.

For brunch:

Eggs Benedict and perfectly ripe melon w/prosciutto

Crepes w/fresh cream & raspberries..

After we wrapped things up, we set off for Panther Creek, one of my favorite "urban wineries"http://www.panthercreekcellars.com/

We tasted a lovely Pinot gris, their Cuvee Pinot Noir, and then through their '03 single vineyard selections. I really loved Nysa & Shea, but Freedom Hill was also popular with my tasters!

Martha was a great & knowledgeable guide and gave my ladies special attention in the tasting room & with a tour of the facilities. We had a wonderful time & some great wine!!!!

Private Party on the Patio

I catered an exclusive after hours elegant dinner for four on the Erath patio this weekend for a very lucky lady! As Andina in Portland is one of her favorite restaurants I chose a menu with "Latin flavors"

Lobster Ceviche

Classic Caesar salad

Carlton Farms spice rubbed Fillet Mignon
Oregano fingerling potatoes
Sautéed red chard & grilled summer squash
Accompanied by chipotle butter

Raspberry crème Brulee
w/Hibiscus syrup

It was a beautiful night & my food paired nicely with Erath's '05 Pinot Gris & finest Pinot Noirs, La Nuit Magique