Important Update From the Founder

M/M thelostverse's Anniversary Dinner

Topolobampo, Chicago

Tasted August 17, 2013 by AllRed with 374 views

Introduction

Mr. & Mrs. thelostverse were celebrating their anniversary at Topolobampo. Luckily for us, they made a reservation for four and asked us to join them. We opted for the tasting menus with wine pairings. I went with the "Topolo Classics" and Domino the "Yucatan: Earth, Smoke & Fire." This was a wonderful evening, and I look forward to going back to Topolo. Happy anniversary M/M TLV, and thank you for including us!

Flight 1 - I. Classics (1 note)

Ceviche of Ipswich razor clam & Baja bay scallop, spicy Tamazula hot sauce, garlic chives & flowers, sorrel, charales.

White

2011 Tangent Grenache Blanc Paragon Vineyard USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley

88 points

Pale color. Aromas of lemon, minerals, flowers and dried grasses. Flavors of apple, florals, citrus and white peach with bright acidity. A nice pairing as the wine tones down the garlic and balances the flavors in the dish.

Comment

Flight 2 - I. Yucatan (1 note)

Roasted local heirloom carrots, guero chile escabeche (olive oil, cava vinegar, allspice, charred garlic), Luque olives, smoky shaved bonito.

White

2011 Mahi Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough

87 points

Notes of clay, peach and limestone with cat urine overtones. Lime dominates the palate.

Comment

Flight 3 - II. Classics (1 note)

Slow-smoked wild Alaskan sable, Nichols Farm arugula, sun gold tomatoes, slivered nopales, charred knob onion, avocado vinagreta, smoke.

White

2011 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Blanc USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

87 points

Aromas of cotton and apple. Flavors of crab apple, pear and florals with nice acidity.

Comment

Flight 4 - II. Yucatan (0 notes)

Crispy veal sweetbreads with recado blanco (sweet & savory spices, sweet roasted garlic), chiltomate salsa, Green Acres shaved radish, Bayless Garden Yucatecan oregano, nixtamal crisp.

Domino's wine pairing: 2011 Tangent Grenache Blanc Paragon Vineyard

Flight 5 - III. Classics (1 note)

Pan-roasted Alaskan halibut, Maine lobster "torchon," creamy squash blossom pipian (pumpkin seeds, poblano chile, white wine, saffron), corn two ways, charred baby squash, wild-harvested greens.

Red

2009 Domaine De La Chapelle Des Bois Fleurie Cuvée Vieille Vigne de la Cadole France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie

90 points

Candied plum, cherry and currant qualities. Spice, berry and red fruit flavors. Nices very well, with balancing acidity.

Comment

Flight 6 - III. Yucatan (1 note)

Achiote-marinated Cape Cod striped bass grill-roasted on banana leaf, "liquid" Yucatecan rice, salpicon (red onion, green chile, green coriander, sour orange), garlicky farmer's market pea shoots & flowers.

Red

2004 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

89 points

Earthy red fruit and plum aromas follow through on the palate. Adds floral and roasted game qualities too. Nice finish.

Comment

Flight 7 - IV. Classics (1 note)

Wood-grilled 28-day-aged prime ribeye & seared foie gras in classic Oaxacan black mole (chilhuacle chiles & 28 other ingredients), corn husk-steamed chipil tamal, unctuous black beans, smoky green beans.

Red

2006 Bodega Benegas Benegas-Lynch Meritage Libertad Vineyards Argentina, Mendoza

90 points

A blend of 30% Cab Sauv, 50% Cab Franc, 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot from 50-120 year old vines, spending 18 months in French oak. Aromas of herbs, vanilla, dark fruit and coffee. Medium tannins with flavors of red currants and blackberry. Long finish.

Comment

Flight 8 - IV. Yucatan (1 note)

Black bean-braised Gunthorp pork shoulder, rich pan juices, suckling pig ham, heirloom Mexican ayocotes, molcajete salsa, quelites (wild-harvested greens), crunchy garnishes.

Red

2007 San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

91 points

Aromas of plum, red berry, cherry, lavender and sandalwood. Flavors of florals, red fruit, vanilla and sandalwood. Nice finish.

Comment

Flight 9 - V. Classics (1 note)

Warm chocolate mesquite cakes, Mexican vanilla bean ice cream (infused with aromatic rosita de cacao), sweet masa pudding (nicuatole), toasted almond, cocoa nibs, masa crisps.

White - Sweet/Dessert

2010 Susana Balbo Torrontés Late Harvest Argentina, Mendoza

89 points

Notes of coconut milk, pineapple and orchard fruit. The palate follows the bouquet. Good underlying acidity.

Comment

Flight 10 - V. Yucatan (1 note)

Luscious swirls of coconut horchata sorbet, sticky coconut pudding, coconut water ice, crispy rice, tender young coconut.

White - Sparkling

2012 Vietti Moscato d'Asti Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Moscato d'Asti

90 points

Cherry, honey and citrus blossom aromas. Flavors of fruit cocktail syrup, pineapple, pear syrup. Nice finish.

Comment

M/M thelostverse's Anniversary Dinner

Topolobampo, Chicago

Introduction

Flight 1 - I. Classics (1 note)

Flight 2 - I. Yucatan (1 note)

Flight 3 - II. Classics (1 note)

Flight 4 - II. Yucatan (0 notes)

Flight 5 - III. Classics (1 note)

Flight 6 - III. Yucatan (1 note)

Flight 7 - IV. Classics (1 note)

Flight 8 - IV. Yucatan (1 note)

Flight 9 - V. Classics (1 note)

Flight 10 - V. Yucatan (1 note)

Report a Problem

Your report has been submitted!