IWFS at Cafe DuPont
Birmingham AL
Tasted May 10, 2005 by 1800kidney with 1,337 views
Introduction
This was the big Spring Event for the local IWFS Chapter, about 50 us up enjoyed a lovely evening at Cafe DuPont. Chris DuPont was our host, and the entire crew worked extra hard to make it a fantastic event. We started upstairs with the Hors d'oeuvres and then moved down to the dining area. Lovely evening with Kent and Enid
Flight 1 - Hors d'Oeuvres Upstairs (2 notes)
A selection of fried oysters with cayenne butter sauce and horseradish creme fraiche, crab cakes with sauce Bearnaise and baby Arugula, Pork Crostinit with chutneys, hard cheeses and olives. The Sancerre was a terrific choice
Flight 2 - First Course: Seared Bacon Wrapped Scallops with saffron spiced crawfish risotto and organic pea tendrils (1 note)
Very nice accompaniment for the Bethel Heights
Flight 3 - Second Course: Braised Portabella Mushroom with duck confit, sun dried tomatoes, basil and ricotta with tomatoe relish (1 note)
I was concerned that the tomaote and pinot would not fly, but in fact there tomatoe finish was very restrained and there was nutmeg on the portabella serving that really worked with the cinnamon and cardamon in the Bethel Heights. Started the Cote Roti flights with the 97 Guigal Brune et Blonde
Flight 4 - Third Course: Prime Beef Tenderloin and Grilled Spicy Shrimp with Apple Fritters and Red Onion Croustade (2 notes)
Not bad for a surf and turf! The Cote Roti's were wonderful and the span of 1990 thru 1997 was very interesting. The 1990 Guigal was my personal WOTN, but the 1997 Guigal shows great promise, worth waiting 7 years for to make the comparison!
Flight 5 - Fourth Course: Medley of Petite Desserts (0 notes)
Menu announcement was not specific, but turned out to be a flourless chocolate torte with chocolate truffles and sauce. None of the wines we brought were appropriate, would have liked to have a Banyuls!
Flight 6 - Shared Tastings (5 notes)
The IWFS group is very generous and readily share their favorite bottles that they brought; no way to try them all and still get home in one piece! The Dujac was the star (Thanks Wimberly), but very much out of context with the Cote Rotis lined up at our seating
Closing
Lovely evening, great company and wines with very interesting pairings throughtout