deVine Table

Tulalip House Cured Lox

Looking for something to do this weekend? Then head to the Taste of Tulalip for the Grand Taste on Saturday, November 10th. When it comes to great food and wine, this event seriously has it going on. And I know I’ve said it before, but who would’ve thought a casino could do food so well? Yet, they do.

Last month I had the luxury of being a special guest at the Taste of Tulalip Preview Tweet Up – the kind of event that dreams are made of, filled with amazing food and creative chefs who push the envelope. Not to mention a bevy of beverages. As I savored each dish, I imagined what kind of wine I’d want to enjoy with it at the Grand Taste. Here are my suggestions.

The House Cured Sockeye Lox with shaved shallots, cucumber, Chevre, taro root crisp was delightful paired with Louis Roederer ’02 ‘Cristal.’ I would go for a do over!

Lemongrass Coconut Soup

The Lemongrass Coconut Soup wowed us with its aromatics which were amped up a notch by a ribbon of lemon zest tied around each diner’s spoon. I’d be tempted to seek out a Sauvignon Blanc with some citrus notes to pair with this comforting dish. I can just imagine the acidity of the wine cutting through the creaminess off the soup while the citrus characteristics play off one another. (more…)

Giardiniera Salad

This recipe came about while I was preparing material for an Italian wines class. Inspiration came from the latest issue of Food Network Magazine. I’ve simplified the recipe  because I needed to easily feed a crowd. In fact, quantities can be doubled or quadrupled to do just that! So next time you’re hosting a casual spaghetti night or pizza night dinner, consider including this in the mix. It’s not expensive, and it takes just minutes to put together. (more…)

Every year the hubby asks me if I want to go out to dinner for Valentine’s Day. Every year my answer is the same. “I’d rather stay home.” Wouldn’t you? I mean, really, any place you eat at is going to be charging a premium for a limited menu and wants to rush you out the door in order to turn your table. That’s not my idea of romance.

Why not take that money you would spend on dinner out and splurge on some really great wine and some decadent ingredients? Now, that is romantic! (more…)

Friends Gather in the Kitchen for TasteLive

Last month we had the pleasure of participating in a TasteLive event featuring several wines from Kunde Family Estate. Roger and I have a fond memory of visiting this Sonoma winery’s expansive tasting room during our last visit to California. Fun fact: the boxing scenes in the movie Bottleshock were filmed on the Kunde grounds.

When we host TasteLive events, we follow the example set by our friend, Bean. We invite a group of friends, let them know what wines will be poured, and encourage them to bring a dish to pair and share. Then, when the clock strikes the designated time we open the bottles along with other TasteLive participants wherever they may be. Simultaneously, we all Tweet about our tasting, sharing our comments and experiences online.

On the Menu:

• Salad with Prawns, Hearts of Palm, and Herbs by Vivian
• Smoked Eggplant by Veena
• Truffled Bean Puree with Fresh Fennel
• Shredded Chicken with Balsamic Barbecue Sauce in Mini Tortillas
• Apple Clafoutis by Carolyn

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