As we prepared for the tasting menu at Good Commons last weekend, it felt special. Chef Matthew and I have worked together before to put together wonderful food and wine events, and this would be another triumph of a perfect pairing. As I began polishing the glassware and setting the table, the smells of delicious food wafted through the house (all of it gluten free, btw) and started the anticipation for the evening meal.
I think we hit all of the pairings on flavor profiles, but there were two knock outs that I will use again when given the opportunity. The Porchetta and the Pinot Noir…divine. The PN had just enough umph to match the savory meat flavors, the added crunchy pork skin on the top added texture just about made me shudder with delight. The other pairing was the Moscato d’Asti, which gets a bad rap sometime, but it had an acidity that with the rhubarb pavlova and house made whipped cream, was a perfect compliment. And by the way, all wines $15 or under.
Cheers to us!
Check out more writings on food from Chef Matthew Wexler at www.roodeloo.com
and check out the future offerings, especially the Labor Day Food and Wine Gourmet Getaway, of Good Commons at www.goodcommons.com
Mention “Roo” and get two for one! Or if you want to come check it out on your own, e-mail me directly at winewithkristen at gmail.com and I will hook you up with a deal.
I am going to be going to the green mountains of Vermont June 21-24 and there is NO better offer out there than Matthew Wexler’s “Roo de Loo”offer. Go get it!
I was privileged to be a part of a tasting last week in preparation for the wedding of Katy and David. They are going to be throwing quite a shin dig at Good Commons (www.goodcommons.com) in Vermont this summer. Chef Matthew Wexler (www.roodeloo.com) gave them a peek at some of their wedding menu and I was charged with wine pairings.
Starting with a chilled roquette soup, we paired that with Antech Blanquette de Limoux. Delightful! This sparkler will go from the toasts all the way through the meal. Light, dry and a bit yeasty, bready makes for a great food bubbly.
Fish en Papillote was next and we tried a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, Rose from Cotes du Provence and the Forestreiter Kogl Gruner Veltliner…GV wins! It’s white pepper and easy ripe stone fruits came through and really elevated this dish. Yum!
Last was a Porchetta with roasted veggies. So delicious. We tried a Pinot Noir from Pays D’oc and a Montepulciano D’Abruzzo. Of the two reds, the Pinot was slightly less intrusive. The Monte really had a little too much power over the food. However, guess who came to the rescue…Gruner Veltliner!!! That was a great pairing and didn’t dampen the savory and slightly spicy Porchetta. Divine!
If you need help picking wines for a special dinner, I’m here for ya…lemme know!
Join me and @GoodCommons for: Uncommonly Good Cookbook Cook-Off & Wine Tasting! When: Sunday, February 12th, 2PM - 4:30PM! Where: NY Vintners, in the heart of downtown Manhattan! A flight of carefully selected wines by me with New York Vintners that represent the four seasons at Good Commons paired with some great dishes prepared by you and Chef Matthew Wexler!
