Ken’s Table- Wine Appreciators Luncheon

Recently wine appreciators Tony Giovanzana, Mike L. McColgan, David Behring and Jeff Behring enjoyed a special luncheon in the Blackhawk Lakeside French Room which was a favorite place to dine for Blackhawk founder Ken Behring.

The wine appreciators enjoyed a four-course wine pairing with fabulous food prepared by Chef Miguel and professionally served by Jessica and Ono. 

Tony Giovanzana organized the wine appreciators to bring some great wines from Spain and Portugal. This was the second Ken’s Table-Wine Appreciators luncheon. 

We began with an interesting 2017 white wine from Spain called El Zarzal. It was an elegant and refreshing blend to prepare our palates for this special luncheon.  In addition, these wines we tasted are available for purchase at Draeger’s in Blackhawk. 

The first course was a White Bean Fabada with Pork Belly Olive Crostini. It was paired with a 1996 Vega Sicilia Unico Ribera del Duero and a 2016 40th Anniversary Keenan Syrah.

Course 2 was Chorizo and Mozzarella Flatbread with Green Olives, Roasted Red Peppers and Cilantro. We enjoyed this with a 2006 Muga Prada Enea Gran Reserva Rioja and a 2009 Muga Prada Enea Gran Reserva Rioja. 

Course 3 was Grilled Lamb Chops with Hint of Rosemary and Goat Cheese Sauce. It was paired with Portugal varietals 2014 Luis Duarte Rubrica and 2015 Prats Symington Chryseia. 

Course 4 was Braised Oxtail, Red Wine Reduction and Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes. It was paired with a 2015 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape and a 2018 Rene Ristaing Cote-Rotie Ampodium. 

Ken’s spirit was definitely felt as many stories of his interesting life were shared by his sons David and Jeff. 

We concluded this luncheon with Chef Miguel’s sensational Grand Marnier Soufflé.

We look forward to planning another Ken’s Table-Wine Appreciators Luncheon in 2022.

Meritage Napa Valley Resort and Spa

 

Recently, I had the pleasure of staying at the magnificent Meritage Napa Valley Resort and Spa. In addition to this Napa Gem, the Meritage collection offers a laid-back luxury experience in La Jolla, Kauai and Huntington Beach. Napa’s Tuscan designed resort offers world class service, luxury accommodations, cave spa treatments, wedding chapel and business meeting rooms all close to famous Napa wineries, golf courses and restaurants.

Upon arrival, you are greeted with a glass of champagne and a complimentary bottle of wine from the on-site Trinitas tasting room in your room.   We had the pleasure of also enjoying a great dining experience at their signature restaurant Olive and Hay.  This restaurant offers great service and selection of wine, cocktails and beer to enjoy with a fabulous menu of ‘picture perfect’ food.  We especially enjoyed the meat balls, veal, halibut and Italian donuts with chocolate sauce for dessert.

Food is also served at the casual Crush Lounge that has bowling alleys to challenge you and your friends.

In conclusion, Napa Meritage Resort and Spa is a ‘must do’ Napa experience. It is a refreshing place to relax from the rigors of life and enjoy the many Napa wineries. It is only 45 minutes from Danville and we highly recommend staying at this magnificent resort and world class spa.  We look forward to returning soon.

For more information and to make a reservation go to:

https://www.meritagecollection.com/meritage-resort

 

Ken Behring Wine Appreciators Luncheon

Recently a wine appreciation luncheon was held at Blackhawk founder Ken Behring’s favorite lunch and dinner table in the Lakeside dining room. Special thanks to Chef Miguel, Tony Giovanzana, Jessica and Ono for pairing some great food with some fantastic wines. Wine Appreciators Jeff Behring, Mike L. McColgan, David Behring and Tony Giovanzana enjoyed this sensational 2 hour 4 course luncheon.

The first entry was Day Boat Scallop with Lemon Risotto paired with a 2017 Joseph Drouhin Puligny Montrachet and a 2017 Grgich Hills Chardonnay that was spectacular. Course two was Grilled Rainbow Trout with Bacon Green Beans and Farro. It was perfectly paired with a 2016 Sea Smoke Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir Ten and a 2014 Domaine des Beaumont Morley St Denis Les Millandes. The next course was Orecchiette Ragu Alla Bolognese with Shaved Pecorino. It was paired with 2016 Gianni Brunelli Amor Constante IGT and a 2012 IL Poggione Brunello di Montalcino that was presented picture perfect. The final course was Sliced New York, Pan Seared Onions and Mushrooms Truffle Potato Gratin. It was paired with a 2015 Chateau Leoville Barton St. Julien and a 2016 Bulgeroni Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This was a fitting ending to a very special day.

It was also a clear sunny day sitting at Ken’s favorite table overlooking the Signature 18th Lakeside hole. It was very interesting to listen to David Behring talk about Ken’s great vision to create this golf hole exactly how it is today when they walked around this property in the 70’s. Ken’s clear vision of the future was the key to his great success in his busy life. The luncheon was so much fun that we are planning another one featuring wines from Spain, Chile and Portugal.