Coming Full Circle

The big news tonight is the return of Jon Lester to the mound for the Boston Red Sox. If Jon gives up 7 runs in 3 and two thirds innings, or fans 6 over 7 innings of solid work, it won't matter. Jon is already a winner in my mind and always will be. This time last year, Jon was the hot new kid on the block. The young lefty blazed his way to the majors and became a stalwart in the rotation. I had the pleasure of watching him one-hit the Royals last year over 8 innings. Lester was penciled in to be a contributing member of the Sox rotation for the next ten years easy. It was last August when things took a dramatic turn for Jon. After being placed on the DL with back pain, tests soon reviled what had thought to have been soreness from a car accident was actually anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Lester soon began treatment and later that year was declared cancer free. Jon had to continue his diligence this year as he regained his strength and form in Single A Greenville and Triple A Pawtucket. But tonight, Jon has probably locked up the comeback player of the year award (at least in my book) by striding to the mound tonight at Jacob's Field.

On a food and wine note, we dined this weekend at The Homeport in Menemsha on Martha's Vineyard. This restaurant is well publicized as serving over 1,000 lobsters a day during the summer months. Being a dry town, we brought along some of our own selections. First up with apps was Four Vines Naked Chradonnay, one of Katie's personal favorites. I have probably mentioned this before, but Naked refers to the lack of aging in Oak. This wine spect all itys time in stainless steel and really shows Chardonnays true colors. With entrees we had a 2005 Elk Cove Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon (Where else!). While still young, the Elk Cove demonstrated just what Oregon Pinot is, earthy, medium bodied, and not overpowering on the fruit. An absolute pleasure to sip. Homeport has a simple menu. Choose an entree or platter, and then select from a choice of apps, salads, and desserts. I opted for the deep fried fisherman's platter. I started with smoked bluefish pate that was unbelievable. The smoke flavor blended just right with the richness of the fish. The platter arrived and I was overwhelmed. I had a 1/2 to 3/4 pound lobster, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried oyster, a piece of fried fish, and French fries. That night I thought my stomach was going to rupture and seep seafood goodness over all my organs. The food was delicious, classic New England cuisine with no frills. Katie had the Menemsha swordfish that was also stomach bursting in proportions. My only complaint was the lobster could have been a bit more tender, but all in all it was great. Prices are amazingly reasonable for so much food on the Vineyard, and the service was very nice, cautiously steering me away from the cole slaw in favor of the simple green salad with vegetables. It is definitely worth a visit, but be prepared for a slightly noisy evening as large families were typical and it is not a candle light dinner type of place. Till next time..."The world is my lobster."--Henry J. Tillman

Ramblings of a cripple

As I sit here with my black Espresso Roast Folgers (I ran out of cream) I ponder just what this tar like cup of java is doing to my Gastric system as it seers through my organs. But on to wine! As my sister poignantly pointed out in my last entry, I have been slow and lax with new posts. So today's entry will be a round up of bottles and meals from the past few weeks. I believe the first on the table would be my father-in-law's 60th birthday. My mother-in-law rented a limo to take Katie, myself, Krislyn, Dan, and of course themselves to the new Ruth's Chris steakhouse in Providence. So I procured a bottle of 1996 Dom Perignon for the ride. Needless to say, Fred managed to splash himself with some very expensive bubbly when the cork erupted. When I read that aged vintage Champagne may taste biscuity, I laughed a little inside. But just like freaky Italian wines that taste like cured meats, this Champagne had a definitive taste of biscuits, it was absolutely phenomenal. Dinner was also superb. We had a window table looking out on the first Water Fire of the year. And the crab cakes were by far the best I have had! Katie's appetizer, Tuna I believe, was also well above par. The steaks were simply outstanding, easily the best steak I can remember. For wine we began with a Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, if you see it at a store near you, buy it, it will not disappoint. With entrees we tried a Rex Hill Pinot Noir from Oregon (of course!) and it was also extremely pleasing.

As soon as the school year wrapped up, Katie and I took off for Martha's Vineyard and Hillrest with Sonoma. While we had many nice meals, most notably sushi and beer at the Lookout, we ventured to Vineyard Haven with a bottle of 1998 Chateau Gruaud Larose from St. Julien. Our destination was Le Grenier (looselye translated: the attic). This traditional French restaurant is run by a kind man named Jean Dupon from Lyon, France. While the atmosphere was cozy, and I eyeballed the other patrons judging their every move (as always), service was prompt and attentive, but not above and beyond. The food was bountiful. I expected tiny appetizers and a skimpy entree. Instead, my escargot with tomatoes, garlic, tarragon, and cream were both savory and fulfilling. I asked for Jean's advice on choosing between the Filet Mignon and Venison, and we settled on the Venison, I was not disappointed. It was pounded down almost scallopini style and smothered with a red currant game sauce that was rich and flavorful. Katie's duck was almost enough for two, and we were served a large helping of cream of spinach family style. As well as deep fried mashed potatoes balls with the meat. And I almost forgot the baguette, the bread was the perfect compliment to the food. Not to mention a well aged Bordeaux that was light and smooth brought it all together. I would highly recommend making reservations for dinner there if you make out to Martha's Vineyard. But remember, Vineyard Haven is a dry town so bring your own bottle(s) of wine.

And I can't conclude this post with out another mention of Oregon wine. Last night we went to a picnic at my co-worker Laura's house. So we pulled out our bottle of 2004 Andrew Rich Cuvee B from Willamette Valley. This was the wine were we actually had Andrew himself explain his offerings at the Carlton Winemaker's Studio. It was a real treat to share this wine with some people who haven't really experienced Oregon Pinot. And while Lori's new man Don and I argued the merits of the movie Sideways, he seemed to enjoy this offering. Laura's man Doug really seemed to like how different it was from what he usually drinks. I relished in it's supple earthiness and berry flavors. That covers most of the bases for now, hopefully I can be more diligent with posting as new wines and dinners arise. Till next time..."Yeah, anyone can cook. That doesn't mean anyone should."--Remy

Do you have reservations?

Well, in the middle of a raucous party Friday night, my father in law called to discuss dinner plans for Saturday night. Between the end of college semesters and the ever slowly creeping close end of my school year, he felt a celebration was in order. And of course, graduation weekend in Providence meant every restaurant not named McDonald's or Burger King was booked solid. And I am venturing a guess that the fast food joints weren't exactly slow on business that night either. So we went local, and got an 8:15 slot at Octagon at the Mystic Marriott. This would be our fourth visit, I wrote about our wine dinner there recently as well. It seemed like a busy night at the Marriott, with a prom going on and some other functions as well. Our table wasn't ready until a little after 8:30, no biggie, that gave me time to critique the people already dining. I have a sick fascination with how people dress at restaurants. Now Octagon is in a hotel, so you get the people who just want a meal and have limited options for dress because they are on vacation or just visiting. So I was willing to forgive the guy in a white t-shirt and crummy jeans. But when I spotted a nicely dressed young man, in khakis and a shirt and tie, also wearing a baseball cap I was so perturbed! How can you wear a tie and baseball cap at an elegant steak house and not feel like a total ass! If he was in Europe they would've spit in his food. Anyway, back to dinner. Besides Katie's parents, we were also joined by her sister, Krislyn, and her friend, Dan. Once we were seated Fred let me glance over the wine list. I was quickly informed that my first choice (an Oregon Pinot of course) was out of stock. So plan B was Joseph Phelps "Le Mistral." This time they sent the manager over to explain it was also unavailable. And what do you now, the manager grew up across the street from me. Devin and I hadn't talked in almost four years now, so it was good to see him. We settled on Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot to start, and when that was finished I asked him to pick out another Pinot, and I told Fred it was on me and send a separate check for it. As for the food, excellent! Julia and Dan started with the Lobster Bisque. The presentation was superb, they delivered the empty bowl with a pile of lobster meat, then poured the bisque over the meat right at the table. Krislyn got the shrimp cocktail, I am requesting an investigation into whether or not those shrimp were on steroids. I had the crab cakes with smoked jalapeño tartar sauce. Absolutely to die for! Just spicy enough with plenty of crab meat, not loaded with bread crumbs like some places try to pull off. The entrees were just as tasty. Three of us had the surf and turf special, a New York Strip with Shrimp and Scallops. The surf half was served over a grilled onion and tomato with a vinaigrette that set my tongue dancing. Add a perfectly cooked medium-rare strip to that, devine. Katie had duck filet, that was simply delicious. Fred had just the New York Strip, and Dan had the salmon special with polenta fries (they looked amazing!). And for the second bottle Devin sent over a 2004 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir, that I felt really out shined the Willamette. Besides a longer than desired wait for our main course, it was an excellent meal. the big surprise was when the check arrived and our server explained that the second bottle of wine was complimentary. I told the server to make sure Devin knew how thankful I was. That was such a classy move, and I was floored by the gesture. I wish I had seen him before we left so I could express my thanks personally. As usual, the company made the night, and the food and wine were simply delectable accents. Till next time..."It was like a college party, I felt four years younger!"

P.S.-Tentative date for next Wine from A to Zin June 8th!