August 12, 2017 with Clark Staub
Clark Staub & Jill Davie
So much great talent for our latest dinner this past weekend. Clark Staub from Full of Life Foods was joined by Jill Davie from The Mar Vista and the amazing team from Martian Vineyards created a delicious Los Alamos combination.
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Roots Farm Tropea Onion
Vegan: Black Olive, Almond, White Soy
Shaman’s Bread
36 Hour Organic Levain Flatbread, Flax Seed, Pistachio, Red Onion, Rosemary, Grana
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Wine: Martian Vineyard - Down to Earth Rosé of Mouvédre
100% Mourvèdre. Crisp cherry and kiwi aromas, followed by flavors of Bing Cherry and watermelon. The wine finishes with a mouthwatering snap of acidity which works great with, or without food.
Chilled Abrosia Melon Soup
Vegan: Habanero Chili, Onion, Cayenne, Charred Onion Oil, Mint
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Wine: Martian Vineyard - Uforic Albariño
Along with sister-grape Tempranillo, Albariño is one of two Spanish varieties grown at Martian Ranch. Tropical flower and fruit aromas with zesty citrus on the palate. Gently crushed before pressing then aged in Foudre barrels. It’s bright on entry with a spicy early impression that morphs into something more fruit driven and attractively refreshing on the palate. For the historians out there, Albariño started to hit its stride in California around the year 2000. Its arrival allows us to drink more adventurously. That our Uforic sometimes produces a state of transcendent happiness doesn’t hurt either. Planet palate could be visited by far worse, but not by much better.
Mojama, Almond and Heirloom Tomato Salad
Vegan: Roots Farm Little Gems, Chili Vinaigrette, Onion, Herbs
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Wine: Martian Vineyard - Gamay Noir
The first grape of the season to harvest, our Gamay is silky on the palate and low in tannins. This medium-bodied wine bursts with aromas of cherry and cranberry, which follow through on the palate along with sarsaparilla and cola notes, adding richness and spice.
Central Coast Seafood Platter
Cuyucos Abalone Boudin Noir, Hope Ranch Mussels, Gaviota Halibut, Roots Farm Polenta, Heirloom Tomatoes
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Wine: Martian Vineyard - Gravitas Tempranillo
Along with sister-grape Albarino, Tempranillo is the other Spanish grape variety grown at Martian Ranch. Wet gravel, bay leafe and rose petals with hints of smoke and blueberry. Dark red fruit flavors surrounded by firm tannins and a long finish. Enjoy with Portobello mushrooms with carmelized onion confit, spicy chile rellenos or oak-grilled hanger steak with rosemary compound butter. It sounds like something every Tempranillo should aspire to. It achieves it here. Gravitas was one of the Roman virtues. Just ask Caesar and Mark Antony. Along with pietas, dignitas and virtus, gravitas formed the cornerstone of a proper Roman’s expected conduct. Bear in mind, they also came up with the saying In Vino Veritas. Dignity and drinking enough to loosen the old tongue of honesty. A good combination those Romans were on to if you ask us. Our wine is so named because it connotes a certain substance and depth of personality. It’s a wine you’d want to date and marry. Of course, there’s also the other gravity, the force of nature that attracts a body to the center of the earth? Well, that doesn’t sound so bad either.
Dessert
White Fig and Candied Walnut Ice Cream
Fig Tart with Lavender Cream
So much laughter and smiles matched with amazing food and wine - the best kind of night!
