Walking into a beautiful historic building that seems to have become the center of downtown Plano, I was in awe of what a beautiful and exciting atmosphere followed me inside. With open windows in the front, I could see the rain coming down and inside the lighting was serene. There were 3 rows of tables lined up, and every single seat was filled. Not only was it a beautiful ambiance, but also it felt as if every person there was part of a big family from the owners, to the chef, to the servers and to the guests.
I ordered a martini upon arrival, and 20 minutes later, the Wine Tasting began. The theme was big reds and Bubbles, their last one of the years it was spectacular.
We started the wine tasting with a toast of the Perrier - Jouet Brut. This champagne is from France; best described as fresh and lively with spiraling bubbles, delicate bouquet, and a subtle complex flavors. Chef Salvatore Gisellu pared the Perrier with baked stuffed oysters, and let me tell you, they were some of the best I have ever had. Topped with breadcrumbs and spinach and then whatever magic Chef adds.
Once we finished, our plates were cleared and we were served an Edmeades Zinfandel 2008 paired with a shiitake, oyster and portobello risotto. The Edmeades Zinfandel was soft and supple and the cherry fruit was vivacious, which went wonderfully with the woody risotto.
Our third wine was a Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was a deep ruby red color. A fruity wine with a vanilla finish So delicious! The only problem with this course was my inability to decide which was better -the wine or the pan toasted duck with warm lentils and butternut squash that was served to compliment the wine. Crispy duck skin is my favorite! (special appearance by Chef below :)
Fourthly, we were poured a Gundlach Bundachu Mount Cuvee a wine that was almost a chocolate coffee wine blendy thingy. The Gunlach Bundachu was served with an Angus sirloin with three-peppercorn brandy demi glaze and garlic spinach. This dish made me feel warm, and satisfied. Satisfied is the only word I can think of to describe the way I felt.
I was then surprised with a Danish Blue cheese tart with sun raisins and vincotto. This was the most delicious thing I had ever tasted. It was so good that the man next to me special ordered a whole pie of this. It was beyond words delicious with a flaky buttery crust filled with creamy blue cheese, sun raisins, and vincotto. This dish was accompanied with Prevail West Face. The Prevail West Face was a very dark purple colored wine opened with a mild yet musty plum and new leather bouquet. At this point, I did not think it could get any better…but it did.
We ended our lovely evening with a Flour-less chocolate cake and Solletico Prosecco. As the night was creeping over us, the sun was gone and through the windows I saw the beautiful lights give life to this little area in downtown Plano. The events manager, Monica Leibowitz, rose up and gave a toast to the familiar faces or “regulars” who always show up and dine, to the new friends, to the owners who were sitting down, to the employees who came to the wine tasting, to the servers who helped bring the evening together, as she hugged one of the beautiful girls who was picking up glasses, and finally to the Partner and Chef Salvatore Gisellu. This was a night to remember!!
- Giselle Ruggeberg (event coordinator and UC super fan)