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One look and taste of this handmade black pepper ice cream and you are transported into a world of extraordinary dining.
comfort, exciting flavor and satisfaction.
Photo: Brax/VPC Matrix
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Mesa Street Grill * Sublime Delights
Beyond Wine Tasting and Dinner.
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Some of the Mesa Street Grill's regular's waiting in the bar.
Photo: Brax/VPC
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Page 2 of 2.
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fter hearing rave reviews from those two lovely and delighted departing patrons it was all the welcoming we needed to hear. We quickly said goodbye and jumped out of the heat and through the glass paned doors of the Mesa Street Grill to ice cold comfort. Now the wonderful adventure of Mesa Street's Globe Hopping Wine Diner was really under way.
With that kind of praise, we were disappointed to hear that the Chilean Sea Bass was not on the wine dinner menu. But, we were not disapponted for long. One look at the menu for tonight's wine dinner and we knew we were in for a treat.
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The evening's entertainment sparkled and sizzled; setting the perfect mood.
Photo: Brax/VPC
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Atmosphere is so important and the ambiance at Mesa Street Grill sets the stage for the wonders from the kitchen, vegatable patch and the vineyard that would soon be enjoyed by the guests. Right away we noticed that the patio was alive with great conversation, laughter and smiles from patrons now seated.
Some were already enjoying a delicious Fume Blanc from Hogue Vineyards in Columbia Valley. This selection is the perfect light yet substantial beginning that is endowed with wonderful aromas of grapefruit and guaa, along with sage, peppermint and a hint of smokiness.
The wine sets up the palate for the first course of Oyster Shooters. The trio of oysters all differenly prepared were unique blend of flavors with a french mignonette, American cocktail and finally a tangy oyster with a Mexican flair. The guests had the option of partaking of the famous Mesa Street Grill tuna taco instead of the oysters.
The atmosphere also had the added grace and distinction of sumptuous sounds emanating from Hettory the virtuoso guitarist playing solo for tonight's pleasure. Hettory plays either the single or double-necked guitar in a unique style which produces a symphonic bouquet of music. And the music flowed from the top level as well as down to the lower level which had the added soundscape of a water wall fountain. You can't ask for a better setting for this Mesa Street presentation.
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Brazilian lobster and crab bisque brings one's appetite to a perfect simmer.
Photo: Brax/VPC |
Then came the wonderful Chicago Chopped Salad bringing the numerous flavors from bacon, lettuce and tomato with Gorgonzola Cheese. The heartiness of the tomatoes and cheese were the perfect step up on the palate after the oysters. The wine to settle these new flavors and textures was a very flavorful Merlot - 2001 from Whitman Cellars in Walla Walla Valley. Another Washington State vintage wine with tart black cherry and a dominant oak and a strong herbal side.
While most guests would have been happy to go right to the main course there was one more intriguing oasis of flavor prior to the heavier course. Mesa Street came through with the substantial and flavorful Brazilian Lobster and Crab Bisque. With a hint of smokiness, this bisque was a blend of creamy silkened seafood and garden delights that really hit the spot and now had the patrons really ripe for a main course of their choosing. The bisque was paired with a Pierre Chainier Vouvray vintage 2005 grown on the North bank of the Loire Valley in France. Made from the Chenin Blanc grape carries a ripe fruit aroma.
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Owner of Mesa Street Grill, Annette Means enjoying herself with friends and family as the wine flows while her son, Erin Means, manages the evening's pace.
Photo: Brax/VPC
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Now it was time to really find out what great creations the Mesa Street Grill chefs had prepared for their guests. First choice of three was the Planked Copper River Salmon with a Chile de Arbol glaze. Fresh and sweet the salmon was perfectly prepared to be tender and moist. This was paired with an Australian Houdini - 2005 from Smidge Wines Winery located in South Australian's Barbossa Valley. The Houdini is an innovative blend of 50% Shiraz and equal parts Zinfandel and Merlot yielding aromas of fruitcake and Christmas pudding followed by dark berries.
Coffee-Rubbed Tenderloin topped with a Bailey's Demi Sauce was the turf option that offered a little heavier yet flavorful and tender fare with the famous mushroom and onion demi-glace and it was also a hit. It was paired with Robert Mondavi's Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvigniam 1999 which combines dense flavors of dark berries with strong tannins.
Finally there was a more delicate flavored course of Veal Medallions served with a Pancetta Carbonara Sauce. This was paired with another Smidge Wines Winery offering; a 2005 Shiraz offers a palate that has a dense dark chocolate and plums essence.
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Special Memorial Cover honoring Annette Means owner of Mesa Street Grill.
Click to enlarge.
Cover design by VPC - Photos by Brax/VPC
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Finally, the exquisite meal was topped with the handmade black pepper ice cream served with blackberries and raspberries. This too was paired with a light and colorful South Eastern Australian Pink Sparkling Wine from Yellowglen Winery. This wine carries a distinct pinot noir aroma of strawberries.
The night was waning and the guests were in an alter-state of bliss and pleasure. This is what a wine tasting dinner can and should produce; a sense of joy in being alive and heightening the sense of appreciation for music, food, wine and others. Mesa Street Grill... way to go. You succeeded in a most delightful, exquisite and exciting evening.
(Editor's note: This was the last time we had the honor of Annette Means presence on this earth. She is missed.)
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Prepared by WL staff.
Photos: Brax/Valley Publishing Company
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