Archive for November, 2009

G Four Wine Dinner at Sorrento Restaurant – Bangkok

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

(Image File: Courtesy of G Four)G Four Wine Dinner

Wines that accompanied the above menu were:

Prosecco Cuvee’ Torri di Credazzo Extra Dry
Area: Veneto

Winery: Follador Wine: Prosecco Cuvee’ Torridi Credazzo

Vintage: 2008

Grape Variety: Prosecco

Tasting Notes: Bright yellow straw with greenish reflections, very fine and persistent bubbles. Elegant with nuances of apple, peach and rose petals. Supple, full bodied, savoury and fulfilling.

Oreno 2006 (95 points Wine Spectator)
Area: Toscana

Winery: Tenuta Sette Ponti

Wine: Oreno

Vintage: 2006
Wine Profile: Grape Varieties: Merlot, CabernetSauvignon, and
Sangiovese.
Ageing: In French Oak
Tasting Notes: Dark ruby red color tinged with decisive violet tones, expresses on the nose incredible sensations of fullness and complexity with a note of ripe berries that give sensation of chocolate and flashes of balsamic. Oreno is a captivating wine, rich in structure but decisively dynamic, enhanced by the nuances of new oak and an interminable finish. Pairing with full flavored meat, game and roasts. Serving temperature at 8C.

Crognolo 2004 (91 points Wine Spectator)

Area: Toscana

Winery: Tenuta Sette Ponti

Area: Toscana
Winery: Tenuta Sette Ponti
Wine: Crognolo
Vintage: 2004
Wine Profile:
Grape Variety: Prevalently Sangiovese with a
small amount of Merlot.
Ageing: In French oak for 6 months.
Tasting Notes: Intense ruby red color is the prelude to full bouquet of ripe cherry and berries well blended with spicy notes that give class and complexity. Full bodied, well balanced and vibrant on the palate, well rounded tannins and depth. Pairing with full flavored meat, game and roasts.
Serving temperature at 18C.

Chianti Vignadi Pallino 2006 (85 points Wine Spectator)

Area: Toscana
Winery: Tenuta Sette Ponti
Wine: Chianti Vignadi Pallino
Vintage: 2006
Wine Profile:
Grape Variety: Sangiovese
Ageing: Cement 2-3 months.
TastingNotes: Medium toned ruby red while the bouquet unravels fruity fragrances and floral notes. Juicy and easy to drink, always fresh, well balanced and pleasant.
Pairing with Grilled meats. Serving temperature at 18C.

ANIMAL – Los Angeles

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Animal, Los Angeles

Animal Restaurant
435 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tel. 323.782.9225
Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday
6pm-11pm
Friday – Saturday
6pm-2am
Open Seven Days A Week
Credit Cards: Yes
Prices: Moderate

The name gives it away, it’s all about saving animals. Oops, no, it’s all about animals on the plate! Much to the chagrin of animal activists, and it is also about the chefs, two dudes named Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook who met each other in Florida, where later on in their travels west, opened a catering company that they named Caramelized Productions. Shortly after, they appeared on the Food Network, which led to a book deal called Two Dudes One Pan, and the opening of their restaurant Animal in an unmarked storefront on a nondescript stretch of “Matzoh Ball Alley” near Canter’s Deli on Fairfax. Even more curious is why they chose to open in this Jewish neighborhood, with their liberal use of the “piggy” from barbecued pork belly to bacon ice cream.

Sample Menu Follows:

chicken liver toast 3

crispy hominy, lime 5

roasted pork salad, celery, red onion, olive oil 5

heirloom tomato, ginger vinaigrette 6

roasted marrow bone, parsley salad 8

pig ear, chili, lime, fried egg 10

lettuce, beets, avocado, pita, feta, creamy sumac 10

barbeque pork belly sandwiches, slaw 10

baby broccoli, pancetta, parmesan, soft egg, bread crumbs 11

ricotta & goat cheese gnocchi, sage butter, pumpkin 11

melted petit basque, chorizo, grilled bread 11

sweetbreads, creamed spinach, capers, hen of the woods 14

duck confit, dates, arugula, pecans, sherry vinaigrette, apple 14

poutine, oxtail gravy, cheddar 15

fluke, grape & yuzu granita, apple, orange, serrano, mint 16

foie gras, biscuit, maple sausage gravy 22

pork shoulder, collard greens, country ham, red peas, mustard vinaigrette 22

flat iron, artichoke hash, truffle parmesan fondue 25

turbot, shell bean ragout, basil, pickled peppers 25

striped bass, savoy cabbage, benton’s bacon, fennel 28

quail fry, grits, chard, slab bacon, maple jus 28

foie gras loco moco, quail egg, spam, hamburger 35

balsamic pork ribs, delicata squash, cippolini onion vinaigrette 37

rib eye for two, escargot butter, mash, brussels sprouts 80

tres leches, dulce de leche 7

panna cotta, saba 7

bacon chocolate crunch bar, s&p anglaise 7

joe’s doughnuts, cinnamon sugar, caramel 7

changes and modifications politely declined

we support local and organic farming

18% gratuity added to parties of 6 or more
$20.00 corkage fee

They have put together an interesting wine list a sample of which follows:
Prices are for Glass/ Carafe / Bottle
Animal House Chardonnay/ Cabernet Sauvignon 7 12 20
Sparkling & Champagne

Prosecco, Col de Salici, Extra Dry, 2008 Vendemmia 11 35

Domaine Des Baumard, Methode Tradionelle, Brut, 2004 Loire 16 52

Cremant de Bourgogne, Parigot, Blanc de Blanc, NV Burgundy 17 55

Cremant d’Alsace, Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose, NV Alsace 15 53

White

Luneau-Papin Muscadet (melon), Clos des Allees, 2008 Pays Nantais 12 22 40

Simcic Pinot Grigio, Goriska Brda, 2007, Slovenia 13 24 46

Vermentino di Gallura, Canayli, 2007 Garantita 14 26 47

Gewurztraminer, Albert Seltz, 2007 Alsace 12 22 39

Kerner, Abbazia di Novacella , 2008 Alto Adige 15 28 58

Sylvaner , Domaine Francois Baur, 2003 Alsace 12 22 42

Pic Saint Loup (marsanne/roussanne), Chateau Cazeneuve, 2005 Languedoc 16 32 59

Domaine Charache Bergeret, Les Gravelieres, 2006 Hautes Cotes de Beaune 16 32 58

Riesling, Richter Estate, 2007 Mosel Saar Ruwer 11 20 39

Rosé

Grenache/syrah Rosé, Dragonette Cellars, 2008 Santa Ynez Valley 12 22 38

Sancerre Rosé, Domaine Girault, Le Grand Moulin, 2007 Loire 17 32 60

Red

Pinot Noir, Domaine Serene, Evenstaad Reserve, 2006 Willamette Valley 18 34 65

Barbera d’Alba, Casinca val del Prete, ‘Serra de’Gatti’, 2007 Piedmont 15 28 48

Rosso di Montalcino (sangiovese), Villa le Prata, 2006 16 34 68

Betts & Scholl, O.G. Grenache, 2006 Barossa 17 34 65

La Grange de Piaugier, Cotes du Rhone, 2007 11 18 40

L.P. Red, L. Preston, Dry Creek Valley, 2006 12 22 42

Henri Milan, Saint Remy de Provence, 2005 14 26 50

Syrah, Holus Bolus, 2007, Santa Ynez Valley 15 28 50

Tres Negres,(merlot, syrah, tempranillo), Puig Romeu, 2002 Penedes 13 24 46

Cabernet Sauvignon, Macauley, 2001 Napa Valley 18 34 70

Dessert

Moscato d’Asti, Montaribaldi, Veneto 11 34

Jorge Ordonez (tocai friulano), Malaga, 2005 10 30

Muscat, Yalumba Museum Reserve, Barossa 12 40

Jonesy Port, Trevor Jones, Tawny, Barossa Valley 13 35

Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale 5

Green Flash IPA 6
Hopf Spezial Weifse (pint )15

Anderson Boont Amber Ale 7

The Bruery, Orchard White (750 ml) 28

Avery Salvation Ale (22oz) 24

Mission Blonde (22oz) 15

Ommegang Abbey Style Ale 9

Cooper’s Sparkling Ale 7

Mexican Coke 4

Abita Root Beer 5

Diet Coke 4

Ice Tea 4

Coffee 4

Fresh Mint Tea 5

Fondo Antico, Wine Merchants Co. Ltd., Wine Tasting at Beccofino Restaurant Thonglor – Bangkok

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Wine Merchants Co. Ltd. TastingWine Tasting & Wine Dinner celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Beccofino Restaurant on Thonglor, Wines for the Event Courtesy of Fondo Antico & Wine Merchants Co. Ltd., Bangkok.

All invited guests enjoyed the wines served at the wine tasting, as well as guests  who booked for the dinner following the tasting, and were able to sample pairings of similar wines with the three course menu for the Special Wine Dinner.
logoWines Tasted at Wine Tasting

GRILLO PARLANTE 2006
IL CORO 2005
SYRAH 2007
IL CANTO 2005

Wines Served at the Special Wine Dinner

GRILLO PARLANTE 2006
NERO D’ AVOLA 2007
BACCADORO 2007

Balthazar – New York City

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Balthazar, New York City80 Spring Street
New York, 10012
(between Broadway & Crosby)
Tel. 212-965-1414
Opening Hours:
BREAKFAST
Mon to Fri: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Sat & Sun: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
(continental only)
BRUNCH
Sat & Sun: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LUNCH & LATE LUNCH
Mon to Fri: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
DINNER & AFTER HOURS
Mon to Thu: 5:45 PM – 12:00 AM
Fri  & Sat: 5:45 PM –  1:00 AM
Sun: 5:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Credit Cards: All Major
Prices: Moderate

Balthazar serves traditional bistro cooking from breakfast through to late-night/early morning dining until 12:30 – 1:30am (depending on the day). Opened by Keith McNally in 1997, Balthazar offers a French brasserie-style menu prepared by chefs de cuisine Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson. Diners may order many brasserie dishes such as whole-roasted chicken (for two) and the usual steak frites, and the oyster and shellfish display is one of the biggest and best in town. The wine list is very extensive and can stand up to the job of accompanying any of the multitude of dishes on the menu.
Balthazar is admired for its exceptional design that recalls a brasserie of the early twentieth century. The building is a converted leather wholesaler’s warehouse, which has been turned into a free-flowing space that can accommodate over 200 people in the dining room and at the zinc bar. Balthazar is also available to host special events.
Recommended by MICHELIN guide 2009

Naj Exquisite Thai Cuisine – Bangkok

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Naj Thai Restaurant, Bangkok (photo credit: restaurantdiningcritiques.com)Contributed by: Emi Kagawa

Naj Exquisite Thai Cuisine
42 Convent Rd.
(opposite BNH Hospital)
Silom, Bangkok 10500
Tel. 02 632 2811-3
Fax. 02 618 6016
Website: www.najcuisine.com
Opening Hours:
Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm
Dinner: 5:30pm – 11:30pm
Credit Cards: All Major
Prices: Moderate

Rice at Naj (photo credit: restaurantdiningcritiques.com)Above: Rice served in a traditional basket

Naj Exquisite Thai Cuisine, (their trade name) is situated down a small Soi opposite BNH Hospital on Convent Road. There are three floors, two for dining and on the third floor Classical Thai Entertainment Show from 7:30-9:30 every evening. In the basement they have made  a large wine cellar in what once was an air-raid shelter during WWII having what they claim, is  proper temperature and humidity for storing wine. A Set lunch is very nicely presented at Baht 250 baht ++.

Naj, Bangkok (photo credit: restaurantdingincritiques.com)Above: Entrance foyer

Starter at Naj (photo credit: restaurantdiningcritiques.com)Above: A starter from the set lunch presented beautifully

Fruit at Naj (photo credit: restaurantdiningcritiques.com)Above: Fruit plate on banana leaf

Sopexa French Fair, 10-13 2009 – Bangkok

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

French Fair

Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood – Los Angeles

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

Musso & Frank Grill (image file credit: Musso & Frank Grill Hollywood)Image credit: Musso and Frank Grill

Musso & Frank Grill is an institution in Hollywood that goes back to 1919 when it opened.  It has served the film industry and Hollywood residents ever since and is still popular and going strong after all these years. There is a large bar in the main dining room and another food counter along the grill station in the adjoining dining area.
Chef Jean Rue, who holds the longest tenure at Musso’s, created the menu that exists today. I first remember being introduced to him years ago by a longtime Musso customer, Tom Beyrle, who happened to be a regular customer of mine as well, down the road on Vine Street at Au Petit Café.  Chef Rue was with the restaurant from 1922 until 1976. He worked for 53 years and trained John Hellman and Michele Bourger, his successors.
They have items on the menu that harken back to another era including Welch Rarebit, although it is generally good advice to stick to the “grill menu” or signature items that you know to be good.
The Martinis are the best in town and are accompanied by a small beaker cradled in ice holding the refill as they are so large.

Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood (image credit: Musso & Frank)

Beaujolais Nouveau, Georges Duboeuf 2009, Hotel Plaza Athénée – Bangkok

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Beaujolais Nouveau 2009Pictured Above: An enormous replica of a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 sculptured from a solid block of ice

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 (image file: property of Georges Duboeuf)Below is an Ice Bar at the Hotel Plaza Athénée, Bangkok, a Royal Le Méridien Hotel. This year’s French vintage is being heralded as “very good” by reports from wine authorities tasting from the barrel, although I have not heard a verdict as to Bordeaux yet. The Beaujolais Nouveau, 2009 from Georges Deboeuf, tasted at the Reflections Restaurant on November 19, 2009, exhibited more acidity and tannins and less fruit than many previous years. For such a young wine it is growing up in the fast lane, and if this speaks for other wines from this vintage, we can expect structured, firm and most likely, long-lived specimens. I personally, welcomed the slight acidity melding with the  fruity overtones of this year’s nouveau offering from Beaujolais, although I heard remarks about it being “sour” from one taster.

Ice Bar. Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 (photo image: restaurantdiningcritiques.com)The “Ice Bar” fashioned entirely from ice blocks was a highlight of the hotel’s ingenious design theme for the evening

Rubeth, the vibrant yet mellow vocalist Pictured above: Rubeth, the outstanding vocalist who performed throughout the evening, she can normally be seen singing at the Glaz Bar from 9:00 to 12:45 at the Hotel Plaza Athénée on the ground floor.

One of the many dessert displays, Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 (photo image: restaurantdiningcritiques.com) Above: As in years past the culinary displays were truly amazing with a large selection of authentic French dishes



Beccofino Thonglor 5th Anniversary Wine Tasting & Dinner – Bangkok

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Becco5th4

Dental Hospital & Spa – Bangkok

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Dental Hospital & Spa Dental Hospital & Spa

2/2 Bhakdi Building, Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330
Tel. 02 253 9800
email: dental@dspabangkok.com
website: dspabangkok.com

Dental Hospital

88/88 Sukhumvit 49, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110
Tel. 02 260 5000/15
email: dental@loxinfo.co.th
website: www.dentalhospitalbangkok.com

Complete dental services that accentuates the most gentle manner of treatment possible using the latest in technology and equipment.

Dental Hospital & Spa

Dentists are trained in the U.S. and prices for dental procedures are much less costly than in the United States and Europe. Consider a holiday to Thailand and have your dental work done at the same time.  I have personally been using the Dental Hospital for 15 years. A location map of the two Dental Hospitals is below.

Dental Hospital & Spa