Tasting of Bordeaux Wines, French Wine Co., Ltd. – Bangkok

January 23rd, 2009

Ms Vanessa Bartocetti, Wine Consultant for French Wine Import Co., Ltd.

FRENCH WINE IMPORT CO., LTD
125/34 Soi Ruamrudee 4
Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan
10330 Bangkok Thailand
Tel. +66 (0) 2 256 6701
Nat, Sales Executive Consultant
email: nat@frenchwineimport.co.th
Laurent Lespiler, Director
email: laurent@frenchwineimport.co.th

Following were the three wines out of nine tasted that I found to be the most interesting:

Roy Charles 2004, Cotes de Castillon AOC was a good all-around drinking wine that would please most tasters. Medium bodied with a fragrant nose and well-rounded long lasting finish.

Ch. Terre de Grand 2005, Bordeaux Superieur AOC was well structured with intense berry concentration very good overall; containing 93% Merlot, 7% Cabert Franc & Sauvignon

Galius 2001, Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC. In my opinion the best wine of all nine wines tasted. 75% Merlot 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

The tasting was held at Aldo’s Restaurant located on the 7th Floor by the beautiful pool, which is surrounded by tented cabanas where you may dine in extremely comfortable surroundings, at the Ascott Towers on Sathorn Road, Bangkok. Following is a list of the other wines opened for tasting including  mentions of their respective awards and medals:

Emilio Rose 2007
Bordeaux AOC
Emilio Red  2006 • Bronze Concours Grands Vins de France 2007
Bordeaux AOC
Lahire 2002 • Mundus Vini
Bordeaux AOC • 1* Star Testing Prowein
Roy Charles 2004 • Bronze Concours Grands Vins de France 2006
Cotes de Castillon AOC • Mundus Vini
Andeli 2001 • Silver Vinalies Internationales China 2005 • Seal of approval Korea / China Wine Challenge 2006
Andeli 2001 • Silver Vinalies Internationales China 2005 • Seal of approval Korea / China Wine Challenge 2006
Saint Emilion AOC • Gold China Wine and Spirits Competition 2006 • Recommended Decanter World Wine Awards 2006
Royal Saint Emilion 2005 • Gold Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2005 • Silver Korea Wine Challenge 2007 2,200
Saint Emilion AOC • Silver Japan Wine Challenge 2005 • Gold Concours General Agricole de Paris 2007
Cotes Rocheuses 2003 • 1* Star Guide Hachette 2006 • Gold Korea Wine Challenge 2007
Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC • Bronze Japan Wine Challenge 2006 • Silver Challenge International Blaye Bourg 2007
• Gold World Selection Montreal Wines 2007 • Bronze Concours General Agricole de Paris 2007
Galius 2001 • Gold Korea Wine Challenge 2006 • Bronze Challenge International Blaye Bourg 2006
Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC 2005 • Citation Guide Hachette 2006 • Silver International Wine Challenge 2006
• Silver Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2006 • Recommended Decanter World Wine Awards 2006
Aurelius 2001 • Silver Korea Wine Challenge 2006 • Trophy Best Old World Red Wine Tokyo 2005
Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC • Gold Japan Wine Challenge 2006 • Bronze Challenge International Blaye Bourg 2006
• Bronze Decanter World Wine Awards 2006 • Silver Japan Wine Challenge 2006
• 1* Star Guide Hachette 2006 • Gold Bordeaux Concours Vins d’Aquitaine 2006
• Silver Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2006 • 96/100 Guide Gilbert&Gaillard 2007
• Silver China Wine Spirits Competition 2006 • Silver Bordeaux Concours Vins d’Aquitaine 2007

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Pomme Frite Belgian Restaurant, Palm Springs, California

January 22nd, 2009

256 South Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Tel. 760-778 3727
Website: www.pomme-frite.com
Parking: Street
Dress Code: Casual
Reservations: Yes
Credit Cards: Yes
Prices: Moderate

This French-style Belgian restaurant, located on the main drag in downtown Palm Springs, has built its reputation on excellent pomme frite served in a wire cone and Moules à la Marinière, which is as Belgian as it gets. They also offer an equally outstanding roast chicken, Carbonades Flamandes (beef stew made with beer), escargot and various homemade pâtes. It is interesting to dine and people-watch on the sidewalk terrace.
The owner Jean-Claude Constant, who in the past spent more time in the kitchen, has now hired a chef who came from the award-winning Desert Sage Restaurant in La Quinta. This may be a good thing for the kitchen, but it assures for a terrible experience for diners, as it has given him more time to spend in the front of house and the unpleasant sound of his loud voice bossing his wait-staff and yelling orders to the kitchen is really irritating and annoying. It is a shame that this restaurant’s cooking, which is quite all right, is diminished to nothing due to the constant (no pun intended), distraction of the reverberation of this tyrannical Belgian’s voice in the dining room.

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Cave Augé, Wine Shop – Paris

January 22nd, 2009

Cave Augé, 116 Bd Haussmann 75008 Paris
Metro : Saint Augustin (line 9)
Tel. 01 45 22 16 97
Website: www.cavesauge.com

A full range of Bordeaux and Burgundy wines as well as a collection of bottles from boutique wineries from all over France. This is one of the best places to find obscure, almost unknown wines from areas that heretofore have been mostly overlooked. There are regularly scheduled tastings that will give the opportunity to taste some of these mainly unknown, rare gems.
The old shop reeks of antiquity and has the feeling of emanating from a more graceful era.
It is well looked after by Marc Sibard.

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Citronelle Restaurant – Washington D.C.

January 20th, 2009


3000 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Tel. (202) 625-2150
Website: www.citronelledc.com
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 6-10pm; Fri 7 Sat 6-10:30pm; Sun 6-9:30pm
Cuisine: French
Dress Code: No sports-wear, denim, sneakers/ateletic shoes; Jacket required for dinner
Credit Cards: All Major
Prices: Very Expensive

Michel Richard & Citronelle has been honored with: “Best Chef of the Year” “Best Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year” by Capital Restaurant and Hospitality, a double award never before achieved. Conde Nast Traveller “One of the World’s Most Exciting Restaurants” and the James Beard Award among many others.
Citronelle is situated in the Latham Hotel. It is definitely among the top dining spots in town and very popular. Jean Jacques Retourne is Maitre D; he worked for years in the same capacity in many famous Los Angeles Restaurants.
Also visit their sister restaurant:
Central
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Tel. (202) 626-0015
Opening Hours:
Lunch: Monday – Friday, 11:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dinner: Monday – Thursday, 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
He also has a branch in Carmel Valley, California:
Citronelle at Carmel Valley Ranch
One Old Ranch Road,
Carmel, California 93923
Tel.1-866-282-4745.

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Sake Club – Washington D.C.

January 20th, 2009


2635 Connecticut Ave.NW
Washington, DC 20008
Tel. 202-332-2711
Website: www.sakeclub.net
Opening Hours: Lunch: Mon – Sat: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Dinner: Mon – Thurs: 5:00pm -10:30pm
Fri & Sat: 5:00pm -11:00pm
Sunday: 5:00pm- 10:00pm
Late Night(Bar): Thursday: 10:30pm – 1:00am
Friday & Saturday: 11:00pm -1:00am
Dress Code: Casual business attire
Cuisine: Japanese; Sushi Bar; Tapas
Executive Chef: Koji Yoshida
Wine List: Extensive selection of Sake
Credit Cards: Amex, Visa, MC
Prices: Expensive

The bar and sushi bar are very active and fun; with lots of singles roaming about especially during Happy Hour.
Take Out. Outdoor Dining. Full Bar. Beer/Wine Served. Happy Hour. No Smoking. Banquet Facilities.

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Orvieto, Umbria – Italy

January 19th, 2009

Orvieto is a charming medieval hilltop village just off the autostrada near the Umbria-Tuscan border. It has a central piazza, the enormous church, quaint small streets and old buildings, shops and restaurants. A splendid Italian village. Following are a list of restaurants and Pizzerias:

AL SAN FRANCESCO: V.B.Cerretti, 10 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 343302 – 0763 340283

ANTICA CANTINA: Piazza Monaldeschi 18/19 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 344746

CASTELLO DI TITIGNANO: ‘Borgo Medievale': Loc. Titignano – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 – 308000 – Fax: (+39) 0763 – 308002

DUCA DI ORVIETO: Via della Pace 5 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 – 344663 – Mobile: 347 6285663

GIALLETTI: Via A. Costanzi 71 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 – 300392 – Fax: (+39) 0763 – 390149

LA ROCCA ORVIETO: Rocca Ripesena – 05010 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 – 344210 – 393437 – Fax: (+39) 0763 – 395155

LA TAVERNA DELL’ETRUSCO: Via della Misericordia I’b0 – 5 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 343947

ZEPPELIN: V. Garibaldi 28 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 – 341447 – Fax: (+39) 0763 – 341447

AL POZZO ETRUSCO: P. Ranieri 1/A – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 34445

ANTICO BUCCHERO: V. Dei Cartari 4 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341725

BUCA DI BACCO: C. Cavour 299 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 344792

DA GREGORIO: Loc. Morrano 136 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 215011

DA NINO: V. 7 Martiri 45/47 – 05019 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 300478

DA PEPPE: Loc. Canonica, 55 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 217232

DEL COCCO: V. Garibaldi 6 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 342319

DEL MORO: Via San Leonardo, 7 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 342763

DELL’ANCORA: V. Del Popolo 7-9 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 342766 – 0763 344455

DELL’ORSO: Via della Misericordia, 16/18 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341642

GIGLIO D’ORO: P. Del Duomo 8 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341903

GIRARROSTO DEL BUONGUSTAIO: Loc. Tamburino 81 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341935

I SETTE CONSOLI: P. S. Angelo 1/A – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 343911

I TRE PICCIONI: V. G. Falcone, 20 – Loc. Orvieto Scalo – 05019 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 305895

IL LABIRINTO: Via della Pace, 26/36 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 342527

IL PORTONACCIO: V. Costanzi 67 – 05019 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 300022

L’ALFIERE VERDE: Piazza Del Popolo 2/3 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 -343463

L’ANTICA RUPE: Vc. S. Antonio 2 A – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+390763 343063

L’ANTICA TAVERNA DEL CORSO: Corso Cavour, 231 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341388 – 339 6096323

L’ASINO D’ORO: vicolo del popolo 9 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 344406

LA BADIA: Loc. La Badia 8 – 05019 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763-301959 – 301876 – Fax: (+39) 0763-305396

LA GROTTA: V. Luca Signorelli, 5 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341348

LA MORA: Loc. Buon Viaggio 18 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 375022

LA PALOMBA: Via Cipriano Manetti 16 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763-343395

LA PERGOLETTA: V. 7 Martiri 7 – 05019 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 301901

LA VOLPE E L’UVA: V. Ripa Corsica 1 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341612

LE GROTTE DEL FUNARO: V. Ripa Serancia 41 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 343276

MAURIZIO AL DUOMO: V. Del Duomo 78 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 343212

OSTERIA DELL’ANGELO: Piazza 29 Marzo 8/a – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763-341805

OSTERIA NONNAMELIA: Via Duomo, 25 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 342402

PANE E CIPOLLA: piazza A da orvieto 7 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 – 340972

PENG CHENG: C. Cavour 443 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 343355

S. GIOVENALE: P. S. Giovenale 6/7 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 340641

TRATTORIA DA VALERIO: Via I Maggio 37 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 – 301950 – 390040

TRATTORIA ETRUSCA: V. Maitani 10 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 344016

UMBRIA: V. Monte Nibbio 1/3 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 301940 – Fax: (+39) 0763 305646

*PIZZERIAS*

CAPRICCIO: V. Signorelli 9 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 342852

CHARLIE: C. Cavour 194 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 344766

CHIOLLE: P. Del Popolo 20 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341587

CORDONE: V. Filippeschi 22 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341817

DEL PONTE: V. Dei Gelsi 1 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 305477

DUE PINI: . Fontanelle Di Bardano 31 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 316050

IL FORNO DEL 2000: C. Cavour 282 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341722

LA FUNICOLARE: P. Matteotti 3/4/5 – 05019 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 300092

LA FUNICOLARE: C. Cavour 225 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 344530

LA PIZZA: V. Costanzi 68 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 300321

LA PREFERITA: V. Aceri 18 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 305248

LO STORNELLO: V. Tevere 32 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 393397

PAOLERI: C. Cavour 49 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 342370

PICNIC: V. Ulivi 11/A – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 302403

S. DOMENICO: P. 29 Marzo 18 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 344608

SUBITO SUBITO: V. Arno 8 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 343197

TAVERN ENGEL KELLER: P. Scalza 1 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 341098

VERDE LUNA: V. Tevere 2 – 05018 – Orvieto (TR) – Tel: (+39) 0763 344676

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Cafe du Parc – Washington D.C.

January 18th, 2009

Willard InterContinental Washington
1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (bet. 14th & 15th Sts.)
Washington, DC 20004
Tel. 202-942-7000
Website: www.cafeduparc.com
Opening Hours:  Mon-Thurs 6:30am – 10pm; Sat 7am -11pm; Sun 7am -10pm
Dress Code: Dressy Casual
Credit Cards: All Major
Prices: Expensive

A bistro looked after by celebrated, consulting three Michelin star chef (for his Strasbourg restaurant, Le Buerehiesel), Antoine Wastermann. I have dined at this famed restaurant while he was actively in the kitchen. At Cafe du Parc pay attention to the French Terrines along with other well-prepared and presented bistro fare. An extensive wines-by-the-glass list is available with mostly small French wineries not commonly found in America.

Well-Known Chef: Antoine Westermann
Sidewalk Cafe

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Escoffier Dinner at Le Beaulieu Restaurant – Bangkok

January 16th, 2009

The guests for this special Escoffier Dinner convened on Sukhumvit Soi 19 at the Sofitel Residence where Le Beaulieu Restaurant is located on the ground floor. The Escoffier Dinner commenced after a few glasses of Entre-Deux Mers, 2006 Ch. Bel Air Perponcher, Despagne, Bordeaux, France. It was light and fruity with one-third each of Semillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle and it went down easily.
Herve Frerard the Chef/Owner of the restaurant surprised us with a slice of Foie Gras on brioche bread, it was unexpected although a very welcome course and a prelude to an interesting version of Soupe Queue de Boeuf & Escargot, Pâtes Fraîches Sedani et châtaignes, Oxtail Soup with Snails.
The main course was a delicious rendering of an old, classic recipe where crayfish are normally used, although they were currently unavailable, langoustine were substituted with outstanding results; Fricassée de Volaille de Bresse aux Langoustines, jus de volaille réduit & purée de pomme ratte sel de Noirmoutier, Fricassée of Chicken and Langoustines, with a sauce made from chicken reduction. It was accompanied by a 2004 Spätburgunder M Qba, Schneider, Pfaiz, Germany. A modern version of a pinot noir with dark cherry fruit and plum and a touch of chocolate.
A slab of Stilton Cheese joined with the classic match of Porto; a 2002 Tinto “Tres Bagos” Douro DOC, Lavradores de Feitoria, Douro, Portugal.
The Tarte Sablée au Citron, Sorbet aux cerises tuile à l’orange, lemon tart with cherry sorbet with hints of orange was a refreshing ending and paired well with the 2007 MR Mountain Wine, Telmo Rodriguez, Malaga, Spain.
Coffee or Tea and Le Beaulieu’s chocolates
The President and founder of Escoffier Thailand is Peter Brongers, Wines were provided by Fin and Classic Fine Foods kindly supplied the products and ingredients for the dinner.

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Old Ebbitt Grill – Washington D.C.

January 14th, 2009

Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Tel. 202.347.4800
Website: www.ebbitt.com
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: Breakfast: 7:30 – 11:00; Lunch: 11:00 – 5:00; Dinner: 5:00 – 12:00; Late Night: 12:00 – 1:00 am; Sat & Sun: Brunch: 8:30 – 4:00; Dinner: 4:00 – 12:00; Late Night: 12:00 – 1:00
The bars, and there are now four of them (the Old Bar, the Oyster Bar, Grant’s Bar and the Corner Bar)  remain open until 2:00 am Sunday through Thursday, and until 3:00 am on Friday and Saturday.
Wine List: Wine Spectator Magazine’s “Award of Excellence” for 8 years in succession.
Dress Code: Casual
Credit Cards: All Major
Prices: Moderate

I have always had a good experience here over the years! Even though, this restaurant is under the umbrella of the commercial chain Clyde’s, I have always considered it a true “American Brasserie”.
It offers: Take Out; Valet Parking; Reservations are Accepted; Outdoor Dining; Full Bar on Site; Beer/Wine Served; Happy Hour; Smoking Section; No Smoking section; and Banquet Facilities.

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Bars That Stay Open Late, Inauguration – Washington DC

January 12th, 2009

Following is a list of bars that stay open until 3am or 4am from Jan 16th – Jan 21st in Washington DC.

Capitol Hill
Banana Cafe
The Dubliner
The Hawk and Dove
Kelly’s Irish Times
Lounge 201
My Brother’s Place
Remmington’s
Tune Inn

Cleveland Park
Atomic Billiards
Nanny O’Brien’s
Ireland’s Four Fields

Downtown
The Black Rooster Pub
The Bottom Line
Old Ebbitt Grill
Eyebar
Fast Eddie’s and Archibald’s
Harry’s
Josephine
kstreet Lounge
Lotus
The Meeting Place
Panache
The Park at 14th
Recessions
Rumors
Tattoo

Dupont Circle
Apex
Buffalo Billiards
Cafe Citron
Current
Darlington House
Eighteenth Street Lounge
Fly
The Front Page
Gazuza
Kramerbooks
Larry’s Lounge
MCCXXIII
Madhatter
Midtown
Ozio
Sign of the Whale
Steve’s Bar Room
Townhouse Tavern

Foggy Bottom

The 51st State
Lindy’s Red Lion
The Rookery

Georgetown
Clyde’s
J. Paul’s
Martin’s Tavern
Modern
Nathans
The Tombs

Glover Park
Bourbon
Gin and Tonic

Northeast
Fur
Ibiza
Love

Penn Quarter
Austin Grill
Bar Louie
Clyde’s
Fado
The Greene Turtle
Hooters
Indebleu
The Irish Channel
Lux Lounge
R.F.D. Washington
Rocket Bar
Ultrabar
Zaytinya

Southwest
Zanzibar on the Waterfront

U Street
1905
9:30 Club
Bohemian Caverns
Busboys and Poets
Chi-Cha Lounge
Local 16
Solly’s
Tabaq
Town Danceboutique
Twins Jazz
U-topia
Velvet Lounge
Vinoteca

Woodley Park
Murphy’s of D.C.
Open City

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