Wine Pairing Dinner with Chef Shawn & Sommelier Jaime

November 22, 2009

The MENU

Eggplant Bruschetta

Stuffed Artichokes braised in a white wine sauce

Risotto ai Fungi Asparagus al Andalusia

Foccacia Sicilian Stockfish Stew ( Mewaldt’s organic tomatoes, green olives and capers)

Tiramisu

The WHITES

Villa Antinori Toscana 2005 Italy

Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio 2006 Italy

Clean Slate Riesling 2008 Germany

San Telmo Esencia Torrontes 2009 Argentina

Jana “Old Vine” Napa Valley Riesling 2007 Napa/USA

The REDS

Tormaresca Neprica 2008 Italy

Centine Banfi “Sangiovese*Cabernet Sauv*Merlot blend” 2006 Italy

2Up Shiraz 2007 Australia

Sandeman Tawny Port Portugal

On a beautiful star filled Sunday evening, 16 of us gathered around the table at my house for the first of many. I hope, wine pairing dinners. Since we opened Red Zinnia a little over a year ago, we have made it our goal to search out new wines to bring into the shop. You might have met Jaime Sammons at one of our weekly tastings. As the wine buyer for Red Zinnia, she has worked hard to teach us to broaden our horizons and stretch our pallets as she has brought in new and exciting wineries for us to try.

On this evening , we not only had some great new wines that Jaime had selected, but the extra special treat of an amazing culinary experience created for us by Shawn Meyers. Some might know him as the EOD Chief at NAS Fallon, but I will always refer to him as “Chef Shawn”, a title he richly deserves. Accompanied by his wife Kori, they brought the skills that they had developed while stationed in Italy for 3 years direct to our table for the evening. It was an absolutely beautiful night. I will let the pictures below tell the rest of the story. As for the wines, look for all but one to be on our shelves over the next few weeks. I am sure that you will enjoy them as much as we did, and maybe……..I can get a recipe or two from Shawn to go with them.

The guests start to arrive , Korena & Linny