I also made steamed baby artichokes--in a pan with olive oil and guess what? more pinot grig! I made aioli to go with them.
For the appetizer, I made hummus with cannellini beans and oregano instead of chick peas. This actually tasted better to me the second day. I didn't add enough olive oil, though.
The best part of the meal to me, though, is always the bread. I have been buying it at TJ's--the kind they get from Il Fornaio--the Pugliese con oliva! I never eat bread during the week, so I lose total control over this stuff. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar, natch.
To drink, I bought French Cat Chardonnay (c) at TJ's... Totally pushed on me when I walked in the door by an obnoxious, over-sized display. Hey, the cat on the label was cute, so I caved. Normally, I don't do chard, I got burnt out on it a long time ago, but I didn't want to overpower the scallops. And the cute little kitty...come on!
I had three different quite bold reds this weekend. I am going to try to recall what they were... one moment... :)
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OK, so... one of them was 2000 del Sol Verano California Red Wine (c).
It was a blend. I thought it would be way less intense for it's age, but this stuff would stand up to buffalo meat. Very tannic and a little acidic.
The second one was Smashed Grapes Cab (sc). It was less of a kick in the teeth than the del sol, but still pretty heavy. It had a pretty yeasty smell up front, but it diminished after sitting a while.
I probably sound like such a dork, but I am so fascinated with learning about wine and how it is produced, why different vintages of the same label can evolve in taste and color so much, pricing, etc. I guess the podcasts have really renewed my interest.
8 comments:
to clarify, was it French Cat or Fat Cat?
There is indeed a "fat cat" chard, but this was called "french cat". :)
There are also a brand of scones called "fat cat"... Obviously, the makers of this wine get zero points for name originality. How hard is it to google something before you pitch it as a brand name?
PS
Just for the record, there's also a Fat B*stard Chard. I have not tried the overweight cat or the b*stard.
Happy Birthday!!!! And the food sounds so good. My mouth is watering rigth now.
Ha, that was just for this weekend... I am still planning the b-day party menu... mwahahahaha... xoxo
I have tried both Fat Cat and the Fat B*astard, neither is worth the effort, in my opinion. What is good is Coppola Pinot Grigio and also the Coppola Chard, two favs. Actually I like all Coppola wines.......
I do like Coppola wines. Most definitely. Very decent wines and very very good line of pastas and sauces!
oh yummy on all their pasta dishes and i have not had a bad Coppola wine yet!!
ALSO a fun place to visit, the winery.........
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