I haven't been on a ski lift in decades and I've never ridden one on a mountain without snow. We gathered at the Roundhouse Express to take the lift to Roundhouse Restaurant at the base of Mt. Baldy for the Festival's Martini and Caviar party.
Chris gets quote of the night honors with "I'm not angry at it." He called it light and bright. I thought it had a pretty nose and was fruit forward, but a bit thin. For Brian it was "truly terrible."
On a recent visit with five other writers to Jacksonville, Florida, each of us was stunned by how much this city has to offer. Please enjoy this glimpse of the first day and a half.
We began the next morning with a visit to Mas Tinell. Mas Tinell's new home also features an ultra-modern 11 room hotel with windows designed to resemble cava bubbles
The 60 cooks working out of 2 kitchens have noticed changes as well. There have been technical improvements and more making things from scratch. Cooks participate in tastings and have had a hand in creating new items. They are trained in the nuances of each food station where they frequently rotate.
She wanted to feature sparkling wines that represented a sense of terroir. She re-paid the loan as soon as she could so she could make the winery uniquely hers.
Idaho law prohibited us sampling his spirits, like Pear Brandy and Huckleberry Vodka, but we did taste through his fine wines, among them Viognier, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Syrah and Sangiovese. Koenig is a true family operation and well worth a visit. There was one last stop on this magnificent day.
The nose reminded me of cranberries, so I think this would be an ideal Thanksgiving wine. I got tart cherry and Jolly Rancher on the palate and loved how it paired with the meatballs, bruschetta and again, the Le Delice.
I was looking forward to dinner at Chandlers not only because they have a reputation for exceptional food, but also because I had been hearing about the legendary 10 Minute Martini they serve. Curious, several of us ordered them and waited dutifully.
Voltaggio told us he had brought along some equipment from his restaurant ink, thinking he would need them, but Universal had some tools that even he didn't. He was extremely impressed by all that they had. Those close enough to the action each got a small taste of each dish.
