August 19, 2010

Getting to be the Guest

By now I've made it pretty clear that I love being a hostess, as well as the evening's cook. But every once in awhile it's a treat to take a break from the kitchen and really get to be with the people. Such was the case for a 'Winemaker's Dinner' at our home in Sisters, OR. The chef from our favorite local restaurant, Jen's Garden, made the delicious food while Bergstrom and JK Carriere wineries did the pouring. So it was really fun to get to focus on the gift baskets and decor. I stole a bunch or Amy's tricks, new and old, to impress a whole new group of guests (recycling is the best!). The whole event was a very successful fundraiser for Friends of the Children and I was grateful to be a part. As excited as I was to do my very own iron-on menu/napkins, I pondered what Amy would've done with the evening's theme; I imagine some crocheting of corks into a table runner would've taken place, after all, she is a show-off!
My mom and I baked peach, blueberry and banana muffins for the gift baskets for the out-of-town guests. We included other bits for the following morning: tylenol (um, nine glasses of wine later), waters, local coffee, jam, and fudge (for midnight cravings), plus art work made by the children of FOTC. I stamped the gifts tags, 'For 8.13.10'...the next day. Next time I'd like to figure out how to have burgers delivered.
Josh Bergstrom and Jim Carriere poured terrific flights from their wineries, which complimented chef T.R. McCrystal's seasonal menu. A huge thank you to all three.
I stamped the place cards and slid them into corks fastened with a push pin.
Each place setting had its own lavender and rosemary bouquet.
I was pretty excited to do my own iron-on menu napkins and it was especially fun with five courses and wine pairings.
T.R.'s saffron panna cotta with dungeness crab, scallops and shrimp was my favorite course and deserves special mention. If I were Rachel Ray, I'd exclaim, 'Yum-O', but I'm not so I'll simply say, 'Delectable.'
And the ratatouille stuffed quail inspired me to start stuffing the little guys. Loved the presentation and they can be prepped ahead of time,which is always a good thing.
The Menu

First
Watermelon and Mixed Greens with French Feta, Olives and Lime-Mint Vinaigrette
JK Carriere Glass White Pinor Noir 2009

Second
Saffron and Seafood Panna Cotta with Roasted Red Pepper Coulis
Bergstrom Sigrid Reserve Chardonnay 2008

Third
Grilled Summer Ratatouille and Rice Stuffed Quail over Braised Herbed Tomatoes
Bergstrom Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008
JK Carriere Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007

Fourth
Chilled Beef Tenderloin and Roasted Fingerling Potato Salad with Pinot Noir Syrup
JK Carriere Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2003

Final
Belgian Chocolate and Hazelnut Torte with Fresh Oregon Berries
Bergstrom Delancelotti Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006
JK Carriere Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2000

3 comments:

Erin said...

Is there really any better place for eating from the source than Oregon? Ah, how I miss Oregon cane berries. Elegant, rustic table decor. Lovely photos, as always; you captured the magical light of your Sisters house.

AMELIA ALVAREZ said...

Gorgeous! Can't wait to plan a trip here with the girls.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful! The view is stunning as is the table settings, the jam jars and everything else. Great idea and good cause.

Post a Comment