Wine Outlook

When I waited tables (for more years than was good for my mental well being), I could never understand my regulars who got the same thing every time they came in. However, I must be honest, readers and drinkers. When I went to grad school in Hattiesburg, MS, where there are not many choice restaurants, I would often go to one chain and yes, get the same thing every time. The business was O’Charley’s and the item was the Black and Bleu Caesar salad. It’s a caesar with blackened sirloin, crumbled blue cheese, and crunchy croutons (I’d get it minus the bacon). The chain doesn’t reach the western side of the United States, so I’ve had to make it at home a few times since I moved. This particular time was with veal cutlets (as the freezer bag had no label), seasoned with crushed white peppercorns. Oh, my, but it was still good, especially with my croutons, which are famous in small circles.

The wine I had was one I picked up on my winetasting excursion to Calaveras County to visit El Jefe a couple of months ago. You may recall that we also visited Hatcher Winery in downtown Murphys. The 2004 Syrah caught my fancy that day, and with the loads of pepper, I thought it would go well with the seasoning of the meat, while the rich raspberry and earth would complement the blue cheese on the salad. They did. I didn’t take many notes in my eagerness to eat, but the pairing hit the spot, regardless, and helped to satisfy my craving for an old favorite.

Farley Walker

Black and Bleu Caesar, Hatcher Winery

Our friend, the tax man, invited a few of us to Le Colonial a little while back. I’d never been there before and almost walked right past it in the alleyway. But I’m glad I made it to this dimly lit Vietnamese restaurant. The wine list had plenty of choices (including many split bottles) to make my choice that much harder. But with a need for a red (for me and my Irish friend) and a white (for the gents) due to our choices in entrees… I had a time making a decision. However, I was pleased with both bottles AND with the fact that the server had me taste them both as I had ordered them! (more…)

Le Colonial