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HAPPY 4th OF JULY
We wish you a very happy and restful 4th of July.
To help with the restful part we have prepared a GRILL BOX that you can order by calling (832) 717-7870 or sending a message to my mailbox at gsarmiento@kknscorp.com. Each GRILL BOX includes 2 beautiful NY Strip steaks, vegetables to grill, and 2 pieces of our delicious Tiramisu. The meats and veggies are seasoned and ready to grill and the Tiramisu is ready to enjoy. All you have to do is turn on your grill and open a nice bottle of wine (a Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and/or a Chianti will do the job). The price of the GRILL BOX is $39 - you can pick it up between 5 and 10 PM on Friday July 3rd. Cheers!
Gerry |
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LIVE ON RADIO - KTRH I was on John Demers' "Delicious Mischief" radio show last Saturday. This was my second appearance and was another morning of fun. This time I decided to bring some summer tapas and a nice white Rioja wine. Here is the link to listen to the interview:
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This week we are trying something new and exciting. I thought of (why not?) having a 4 course fixed menu. The menu can be ordered just for the food or can be ordered to be paired with wines. We have some very exciting wines for pairing. Give it a try and let me know how did you like it.
4 COURSE PRIX FIXE MENU AT MEZZANOTTE - $35
Primo Piato
Torre de Verdura
Or
Penne Vodka
Or
Risotto ai Funghi
Insalata Mezzanotte
Secondo Piato
Brasato al Barolo
Or
Tuscan Pork Stew
Or
Chicken Picatta
Dolce
Tiramisu
Or
Canoli
Iced Tea & Coffee
4 COURSE PRIX FIXE MENU PAIRED WITH 4 WINES - $48 |
ISG SOMMELIER CERTIFICATION
I am happy to report that Adriana and I recently successfully completed the ISG (International Sommelier Guild) Level 2 Certification. After 12 weeks of intensive instruction we were tested with a 100 question exam, the writing of 4 essays and the blind tasting of 4 wines.
I must say that, while the studying process was enjoyable, the pressure on passing the exam was great. Our team became a close group and we continue meeting every other Monday to taste wines and discuss regions, etc.
Here is a picture of our graduation dinner at the French Culinary Institute in Houston (Adriana couldn't make it because she was traveling):
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FEATURED WINES AT MEZZANOTTE AND CAPRICCIO
Last week's featured wines were very well received so we are keeping them this week. One from California and the other from our own backyard, Lubbock, Texas! I trust that you will enjoy them:
Grenache Mourvedre - McPherson (Lubbock, Texas)
Bottle $32, Glass $8
Anybody who believes that good wine can't be made in Texas (including me) must try McPherson's wines. This one is a fantastic blend of 51% Grenache and 49% Mourvedre. The French Rhone varietal grapes have found a new home in West Texas! Grenache, one of the most widely grown wine grapes in the world, is blended with Mourvedre and other varietals to make the world famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine in southern Rhone (France). MacPherson Granache-Mourvedre brings these two together with a little Texas twist for a wine exhibiting the black cherry, raspberry, currants and smoky pepper typical of Rhone blends. The wine is soft and rich with a lovely, deep purple color. Very well crafted wine ideal to accompany a nice steak.
Merlot Estate Vineyards, Donati (San Benito County, California)
Bottle $36, Glass $9
Wow! Another beautiful wine from the Donati family. This one is 91% Merlot with 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. Richly expressive in character, deeply fruity and solidly colored, this Merlot expresses exactly what this fine Bordeaux variety is all about. A robust wine for early to mid-term aging, Donati Merlot proves to be a satisfying accompaniment to grilled beef, braised meats (ossobuco, short ribs), lamb or most any red pasta entrée. A must ry! |
