Opus One Wine Dinner for Pappas Grill's Farewell

     Magnum opus is the greatest achievement of an artist. Last night, the Pappas Grill Steakhouse hosted their final wine dinner before the restaurant closes for good tomorrow. The Opus One wine dinner may very well have been their magnum opus amongst many great wine dinners. 
     The evening started with passed hors d'oeuvre served with Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine. Karen D'Amour, an Opus One Winery representative, was there to tell the story of the creation of the partnership between Robert Mondavi and Baron Phillipe de Rothschild. The dinner courses prepared by Chef Michael Gaspard were as follows:

1. Risotto of Maine Lobster with citris and chive oil paired with 2008 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fume Blanc.
2. Slow-cooked Niman Ranch pork cannelloni, smoked tomato and aged Texas white cheddar paired with 1994 Chateau Mouton Rothschild Grand Cru, Pauillac & 1999 Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
3. Roasted Beef Tenderloin with horseradish crust & wild mushrooms in red wine paired with 1997 Opus One Napa Valley-en magnun & 2007 Opus One Napa Valley                
4. Caramel Creme Brulee served with 2008 Robert Mondavi Winery Moscato d'Oro Napa Valley 

      The food was all wonderful and perfectly paired to each wine. The evening was bittersweet, however, as attendees knew it would be their last time. Many dinner-goers were regulars at the many wine tastings and dinner events that had been held over the years and many friendships had been formed during these times.
     The lease on this restaurant is up and renewal was decided against. The last construction expansion of the Southwest Freeway changed the exit ramps and the location is no longer what it once had been. The Pappas Grill Steakhouse is a one of a kind venue in the organization but all of the employees are being absorbed into the many other Pappas restaurants. The regulars, in the meantime, will have to find a new outlet for their wine events fix but hope remains amongst all with whom I spoke that the Pappas Grill concept will rise again in a new and better location.