Gina Dallara: December 2009 Archives

This is a Martini family recipe that Mike Martini, third-generation Winemaker, enjoys cooking for his friends. He likes to do the preparation, then while the ribs are braising in the oven, he works up an appetite riding his Harley up and down the mountain roads behind the winery.

Pairs nicely with Louis M. Martini Napa Valley's Cabernet Sauvignon.

By Deirdre Bourdet

Winter is traditionally the off-season in wine country, though it's always been one of my favorite times to visit. Besides the lack of crowds, cold weather brings out local warmth and a slew of discounted activities and menus.

Here are two restaurant deals that should not be missed this year:

By Deirdre Bourdet

My butterlust is only exceeded by my passion for truffles. Funky, mysterious, and mind-blowingly delicious, a single taste of the real thing will alter your life forever.

Needless to say, I've had La Toque's black truffle dinners in my calendar as soon as the start date was announced, and am now counting down to January 8, 2010 with breathless anticipation.

The layers in our Hess Collection 19 Block Cuvée complement the many layers of flavor within this dish. The full-bodied wine with its prominent red cherry and raspberry flavors enhance the freshness of the herbs while the elegant tannins complement the hearty beef and blue cheese flavors.

Ingredients: Skirt Steak

• 1 lb.Skirt steak, cleaned, defatted
• ½ Tbsp. Thyme, chopped
• ½;Oregano, chopped
• ½ Tbsp. Sage, chopped
• ½ Tbsp. Garlic, chopped
• 2 Tbsp.Extra virgin olive oil
• To taste Salt and Pepper

By Deirdre Bourdet

Smoked Oysters with Fennel and Lemon

(approx. 4-6 hors d'oeuvre servings)
Rediscover the retro magic of smoked oysters! The dressing is highly acidic so you don't want the oysters to sit in it too long, or it will ruin their luscious texture.

By Lori Tolson of Vint Hill Craft Winery
 
We love fall; the colors, warm confort foods and the rich wines that accompany them.  This recipe has been created specifically to accompany Vint Hll Craft Winery's 2008 Cabernet Franc.

If you have visited the winery on Saturdays, you've probably met one of our Vintners, Lori Tolson, helping out behind the bar. This recipe comes from Lori with her compliments for the season.