Sip & Savor: A Delightful Evening of Fine Wine & Food with @SteMichelle & @Christners

Warning: This Article May Induce Drooling!!

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster formerly known as Del Frisco’s renowned for the Best Steakhouse and Business Dinner in Central Florida introduced its new Cutting Board Series, first of many – a Five Course Wine & Dinner Tasting featuring Cherayne Metz of Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars with Sommelier Dan Colgan of Christner’s Steakhouse.

A 5-Course Dinner with 5-Wines for $115, (including tax & gratuity) – now that’s a SWEET deal! Armed with a voracious appetite, loose pants, and my camera, I excitedly awaited Friday, May 30th.

Dan (Christner’s Sommelier) and Cherayne enlightened even me (wine nerd), and non-serious wine drinkers alike with their intimate knowledge of wine. Paired with delectable bites meticulously selected to match these fine wines, impeccable presentation, and attentive service – it was an evening etched in my mind for years to come.

 

Without further adieu, I present to you Christner’s Sip and Savor Evening Affair. These mouth-watering photographs are courtesy of the talented Bokeh Studio.

 

First Course: Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna paired with Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling. Perfectly seared ahi-tuna spiked with sweet/savory/spicy soy ginger glaze and wasabi cream matched the fruity sweetness and mouth-watering acidity of Eroica Riesling flawlessly. Asian cuisine, incontestably is one of the best Riesling food pairings.

Eroica is a labor of love for two of the world’s great Riesling producers. One from the Old World, Dr. Loosen estate of Germany, and the other from the New World, Chateau Ste. Michelle of Washington state. Named for Beethoven’s Third Symphony, Eroica reflects not only its variety and site, but also its heritage: bold and forward from its Washington roots, elegant and refined from German inspiration.

Second Course: Crab Cake paired with Stags’ Leap ‘Karia’ Chardonnay. Summer a season for the sweet goodness of crab; chilled white glass of wine a pre-requisite for scorching temperatures. The graceful Karia Chardonnay opened with aromas of apple and pear along with a subtle spice note. It’s round crisp finish paired nicely with the richness of crab. Oh and the crab cakes – they were simply divine! Fluffy and sweet, dressed with a Cajun lobster sauce – I so longed for more…..

Third Course: Tenderloin with Bearnaise Sauce with a salad of Beefsteak tomatoes and onions paired with Stags’ Leap Hands of Time. A beautiful beef tenderloin desires a wine that complements the subtle flavors of the meat. The Stags’s Leap Hands of Time red blend with mixed dark berries, sweet oak, spice and hints of dried herbs had soft tannins and lingering finish to match the delicacy of the beef tenderloin.

Hands of Time was inspired by the Winemaker’s Reunion – A day of celebration and reflection, the event honored winemakers and viticulturists who at one time or another had worked at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and “lent a hand” in the winery’s success.

Fourth Course: Steak au Poivre paired with Col Solare. A good steak calls for a fine Cabernet Sauvignon. A full-bodied Cabernet has the sufficient tannins and oak to complement the bold flavors of a well-seasoned piece of beef. The spicy peppercorn gravy, buttery chateau potatoes, and delicate asparagus were the icing on the cake.

Rich and flavorful 2008 Col Solare offering aromatics of cassis, infused with black fruit, & tobacco with a silky and lasting finish was the perfect finale to our extravagant evening. Yes, I was in nirvana!!

 

Fifth Course: Mandarin Orange Cake and Coffee. At first glance, one can’t help but wonder how to eat this ginormous portion? Based on personal experience – Christner’s freshly made Mandarin Orange Cake will vanish right before your eyes and you will not care to share this luscious yet light, sublime slice of cake. Yeah, it’s that GOOD!

A quick note in case you haven’t had the opportunity to experience Washington State Wines. Washington State is considered one of the top producers in the United States of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The greatest Washington State Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons (including the blends), showcase mind-blogging concentration and deep saturated fruitiness. Chateau Ste. Michelle, the largest winery in Washington State has been responsible for much of the state’s success.

I can’t wait to see what’s next in line for Christner’s Cutting Board Series. To reserve your name for this limited seating on lavish wine dinner, contact Christners@Rockawaypr.com.

Mille grazie (thousand thanks) to everyone including Chateau Ste. Michelle, Stags’ Leap Winery, and the entire staff at Christner’s for orchestrating this delightful event.

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