Introduction

Guests: Maria and Charlie Frumkin(DUO, The French Bakery); Maria and Sergio Gonzalez Arias(Chispa, Sonador, and BRAIN Surgeon no less); and Gus Vidauretta(Cuban emigre,right of Atilla the Hun, author, retired entrepeneur, and virtual playboy(Jeannie was traveling), and Ellen's ARCH ENEMY.

Ellen wanted to reciprocate Maria(Frumkin's) hospitality and talent, so a dinner was set for a Sunday, when Maria and Charlie would be free. Ellen challenged herself to produce an extraordinary meal, all of which were new dishes to her: Ming Tsai's (Blue ginger)"Tuna Parfait; Patrick Oconnell's(Inn at Little Washington) Wild Mushroom Stack w Parmesan Crisps, and his Duck and Fois Gras.
Dessert was Grrek Yogurt with Flambed apricots and Pistachios.
The Cheese Course included Vacche Rosse from the Fresh Market, and Cowgirl Creamery My Tan, Goat with Ash and White stilton w Mango and Ginger.

Flight 1 (2 notes)

Flight 2 (1 note)

Flight 3 (1 note)

Flight 4 (2 notes)

Closing

It was a delightful evening, which Ellen is unlikey to ever surpass, or try again! The Burgundies and the Peay were excellent, but none yet transcendental. Perhaps the Peay in time.
The festivities and revelry were tainted by Maria and Charlie's revelation that they would be closing DUO, this week. This follows the recent announcement of Norman's, Coral Gables(Norman Van Aken); and Pacific Time, Linclon Road (Jonathan Eissman) also shuttering their doors. Sergio noted that Miami does not have a sufficient fine dining population to sustain numerous fine dining restaurants. It is a sad state of affairs.
Meanwhile we will have to try to organize a substitute for the Monthly BYOB Wine Dinners that Charlie initiated at DUO last Fall!
I am going to speak to Scott at Mark's South Beach if they would be interested.