Rat's Krug dinner

[Kim WB]

I've attended a number of wine tasting/pairings at Rat's, and awhile I always enjoy the evening immensely, I sometimes feel tha tht emenu and wines don't always match as well as I would like them to.

This one, http://www.ratsrestaurant.org/events.htm in a few weeks, seems very intriguing to me..there are a number of combinations that I'm looking forward to.

Comments?

[Rosie]

I had the following on Table Hopping With Rosie 11/26. I've never tasted the champagne being served or the Chateau d Yquem, 1996 but wonder how many people would be willing to pay $295 per person plus tax and gratuity for this dinner. Kim, please be sure to give us a report.

"On December 13, a "Krug’s" wine maker's dinner featuring Krug Champagne, Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau d’Yquem with Kurt Eckert will be held at Rat's, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. The following menu will be served:

Welcome reception ( Krug Grand Cuvee)

Game consomme with foie gras custard (Krug, Grand Cuvee)

Warm oysters with lemongrass sabayon (Krug, Vintage 1988)

Steamed Turbot with cucumbers and a fines herbes sauce (Krug, Vintage, 1989)

Grapefruit and Campari granite

Venison chops with parsnip rosti, Brussels sprouts, and Grand Veneur sauce (Chateau Cheval Blanc, 1995)

Putney tomme cheese with chestnuts and endive

Pithivier of pears and rosemary (Chateau d Yquem, 1996)

6 PM; $295 per person plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 609-584-7800."

[Kim WB]

The Winemaker's dinner have a fairly regular crowd..I've seen a lot of the same faces over the years. We've booked for 6ppl, whcih always makes it a lot of fun. Lots of couples celebrate the Holidays with an event like this, i/o gifts for each other.

[Rosie]

Can I meet your friends!!!

[Kim WB]

Wow, what a spectacular meal. And a very free hand pouring the 88 and 89 Vintages, plus the Grand Cru. And the Chateau Y'quem 96 was like the nectar of the gods. It just stays in your mouth for a long time...very memorable.

There were only 20 people, we sat at a table of 10 with other couples. It was a great crowd, which really added to the experience.

The matchups were sublime..the game consomme with the rich foie custards with the crisp NV Grand Cuvee...wow. My turbot was the tiniest bit overcookied, my husband's was perfect. Oysters witht he slightly sweet sabayon really played well w/ the bubbles as well.

We all had a spiritied discussion about savory in our desserts..the rosemary in the Pithivier was understated, and the flavor was very good to excellent..but not as dessert! Most of the table agreed with me that they hope that the "herbs in dessert" trend fades quickly. Except we all agreed apple pie was an exception.

Lovely night, impeccable service, gracious dining companions, great conversation, elegant surroundings..and then heard on the radio on the ride home that they may have caught Sadaam...it sdoesn't get much better than that!

[Rosie]

Thanks for report. Was it black tie or suit and tie?

[Kim WB]

Thanks for report. Was it black tie or suit and tie?

nope, just regular. Most of the men work sportsjackets and turtlenecks, my husband wore a tie. I wore black silk pants, and a red turtleneck, got some of the good jewelery out but that's it. We were in the upstairs members room, with the fireplace. Flames and bubbles are a wonderful combo!