Skip to main content

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. 
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading Wine Life - Houston.

Popular posts from this blog

Nocera - A Native Grape from Sicily

Nocera is a native grape from Sicily. It comes from the Messina province which is located in the northeast. Nocera is a quality red wine grape that is most known as a blender in the red wines of the Faro DOC. I had the opportunity to taste some pure versions (which according to Wine Searcher are rare) this week at a trade tasting held at Roma Restaurant in Houston. Wine production in the region dates back to the 14th Century BC, however, phylloxera decimated the vineyard area in 1881 leaving it at a fraction of its original size. The area boasts a Mediterranean climate with sunny days and coastal breezes, moderate rainfall, and mild winters, all ideal for grape growing. The Nocera grape is a bluish/black color and has a thick skin which allows for the production of structured wines with prominent tannins which are balanced by good acidity. High alcohol is common. Red wines produced from the grapes are an intense ruby color with purple highlights and aromas and flavors of dark fruits a
Post a Comment
Read more

The Ultimate Zinfandel Experience - ZinEX

In the September issue of Galveston Monthly, I'm celebrating California Wine Month with the Golden State's signature grape, Zinfandel. I am also sharing information on the ultimate experience for Zinfandel lovers, ZinEX, get more information on that event at  https://zinfandelexperience.com/
Post a Comment
Read more

The New Sub-Regions of Willamette Valley

In the June 2022 issue of Galveston Monthly magazine, I explore the new sub AVAs and what makes each unique. 
Post a Comment
Read more