After the cult-buzz of the Mollydooker 2005’s, there was a great deal of expectation when the current vintage hit the shelves. Between the “Two Left Feet” and “The Boxer”, I prefer the later. That is not to say the Two Left Feet isn’t a good wine…it is! In fact, both varieties are absolutely delicious for the price.
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When it comes to steak, filet mignon is the granddaddy. There is no bone, less fat, and it is the most tender cut of beef you can get. Is it expensive? Yes, but for those special occasions when you simply need the best, filet is sure bring dining success to your table!
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There are a myriad of choices available in this day-and-age when it comes to pizza. When you come right down to it, however, there is nothing quite like homemade! This is a white-sauce variety, which is a bit untraditional, but becoming more popular. The ingredients are vibrant colored, fragrant, and the taste of these mingled together is spectacular.
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When visiting your favorite restaurant, have you ever had that "new" special on the menu and wondered, what is in this dish? What is that ingredient…that flavor that you just cannot quite identify?
If you are like me, I like to visit restaurants for new, fresh recipe ideas. If I find a dish that I enjoy, you can be it will appear on my own dining room table for my family sometime down the road. And, I will invariably modify (and, perhaps even improve) the recipe to my own unique taste.
The key is to understand what went into the recipe and how it was prepared originally from that original visit to that favorite restaurant.
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So, you have a passion for good wine… You know what you like. You have developed an understanding towards the myriad of qualities, complexities, and attributes that structure a wine. You may now purchase in quantity and, perhaps, have begun to build a collection. One thing remains certain, however. To store and age your precious selections for any length of time, you are going to require a wine cellar.
And, there is nothing quite like passing through the doorway to your own, private wine sanctuary. The cool air of the cellar washes over you. You inhale the pleasant fragrance of the hard wood racking. It is a place to ponder…to appreciate…a place you can call all your own.
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When the mood of your dining experience call for classic steak, but merits something really special and perhaps a bit untraditional, give this dish a try…filet mignon prepared in a red wine sauce with garlic, red onions, and finished with heavy cream. The rich garlic undertones, softened by the cream come together magnificently to brings forth the delicate flavors of the filet.
When purchasing the filet, ask the butcher to cut it to your specifications. Look at the meat first. Request the cut to come from the thickest end. Ideally, get a single piece that you can then cut into the individual steaks when you get home. And, ask the butcher to trim off any excess fat. Typical cuts of filet will range from 6 to 12 ounces. For our recipe, we will prepare generous 10 oz. pieces for four guest.
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For that traditional home style "meat and potatoes" meal, there is nothing quite like true, homemade mashed potatoes. To take this classic side dish a step further, we will be blending in roasted garlic and fresh basil leaves. The full flavor of roasted garlic will add incredible richness. The basil adds beautiful presentation, color, fragrance, as well as great flavor to polish the dish. The aroma in your home will be heavenly! When served, this variation is sure to bring applause to your dining room table.
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2004 Léal Estate Carnavál Meritage. It's unfiltered (I love unfiltered wine!), silky in the mouth, leading to a lasting finish, firm but soft tannins, should age well for years. While I have a bit of a preference for their Cabernet, this meritage is complex and enjoyable…a favorite "every-day" drinking wine. And, a nice job at blending selections. Would highly recommend, especially for the cost, and I will undoubtedly purchase it again.
Léal Vineyards is one of my personal favorites. They offer a variety of selections, and, they are all quite simply delicious!
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Léal Vineyards is one of those little known wineries that you are not likely to hear about unless you are in the right place at the right time. But, once you stumble upon one of their wines and give it a taste, you are sure to be a longtime fan. In fact, as most of their releases are small productions, and the wines are so good, it may be tempting to keep your newly discovered secret all to yourself.
Winemaker and owner Frank Léal has a vision and does things, not necessarily the traditional way, but his way.
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After experiencing The Boxer from 2005, there was a certain expectation when the release of the 2006 hit the shelves. I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed, and in fact, I might be so bold as to say it is even better than it's predecessor!
The Boxer is bold and powerful. The color is a deep, inky, purple. It's bursting with fruit. And, wow, what a finish!
Comments from the Winemaker:
This Shiraz is a knock out! The 2005 was an enormous hit, after receiving 95 points from Robert Parker and being selected by him as the "Best Value Wine in the World under $20".
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So, you have just prepared the perfect meal. But, if you are going to serve wine, which one would be best to "pair" with the dish? Depending on your guests, this might be single most important selection to consider for the success of your dining experience.
As a general rule, white wine works best with light sauces, pastas, and light meats. Red pairs nicely with red tomato sauces and red meats. These are just a general guidelines, however. Keep in mind that you may have guests that *only* drink whites or only reds. Consider serving both white and red if possible, perhaps serving a light white to start off with hors d'oeuvres. This suites my own personal tastes very well. I often like to start with a glass of white wine served with appetizers before dinner to clear my palate.
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Whether you are cooking for a roomful of guests for a special occasion … or just preparing something delicious for your family, the final "presentation" of your dish can make all the difference. Try to imaging how your guests will react when presented with a wonderful work of art rather than just a simple meal. The idea is that they should say "ooooooohhhh…look at that!". It should be something fresh and surprising…something that will add satisfaction and enjoyment to the dining experience as a whole.
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Fajitas can be prepared in a huge number of varieties and styles. The presentation factor can be incredible with the aromas during preparation and the wildly sizzling pan as the dish is being served to the table. Remember these things and try to plan the timing just right to accomplish our goal of preparing “The Perfect Fajitas”.
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