John is a really talented chef who is considering opening his own gourmet restaurant. I hope that he does because his food is always incredibly tasty and sophisticated.
We brought over a 2007 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir from the Russian River that we had been waiting for just the right opportunity to open. John served his appetizer. Prosciutto wrapped pear with Maytag blue cheese, stuck on a skewer and scorched with a torch. Unreal. The Farrell had a gorgeous raspberry color and a sweet taste to match. A bit front of the mouth, sort of jammy, but consistent, no strange overtones and a pleasure to drink.
The meal was really something. We were treated to roasted beef tenderloin with John's special coffee rub. He sells his rubs to a few select people and has really developed the art. I had never had a coffee rub before and it was an intense shock to my palate, especially when activated with a little au jus. Rich and flavorful, it gave the beef a gorgeous dark crust. We used to buy a special marinated steak in the Stanford area called Fred's Steaks and this sort of reminded me of that. Could not have been more perfectly cooked.
The beef was accompanied by the best dish of scalloped potatoes I have ever eaten, with black truffle and cooked in a bit of duck fat. The vegetable course was superb, snow peas with benobi mushrooms, pistachios and prosciutto.
We had several more bottles from their collection, a Mark & David Cabernet Franc that was outrageous and possessed a deep beautiful color. Also a Orin Smith Meritage that Leslie loved and that I can't frankly quite remember.
We talked well into the evening, and had a delightful time sharing each other's company. We drank our water out of italian crystal from John's grandmother that was 100 years old. A lovely table.
For dessert John broke out a special bottle of aged Chandon Brandy and cupcakes by the Truly Madly Sweetly Cupcake Company - red velvet, boston cream pie, margarita and dark chocolate. We finally collected ourselves and went home, very content after a great meal.
We were supposed to get up at 3:30 in the morning and go to the Rose Bowl but we just said no way when the alarm went off after an evening like we had. Many thanks to our hosts and great friends.
