"This Week" at Vino and Hiroshi
Facebook: Become Chuck Furuya’s friend
if you love wine, check out my “Wall of Photos” & captions
Wine Writer Stephen Tanzer's Winophilia
Wine Tasting—“2006 Costa de Oro Wines” Wednesday, July 28th 6:00 pm
VINO’s BYOB Dinner: Saturday, July 31st 6PM
Wine Tasting—“Syrah” Thursday, August 5th 6:00 pm
King Crab Night @ Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas
Friday, August 6th & Saturday, August 7th
Saturday Night "Supper" @ VINO Saturday, August 7th
Wine Tasting—“2005 Napa Valley Cabernet” Wednesday, August 11th 6:00 pm
“Ulupalakua Ranch Spring Lamb” Wednesday, August 11th
Hiroshi July Locally Grown Menu Happy Hour at VINO and Hiroshi
"Now On To Wines"
Facebook: Become Chuck Furuya’s friend
Imagine, the kids are teaching me how to do Facebook. I am definitely not very good at it, but am REALLY excited about what can be done via this venue. As an example, if one looks at the photo section, we have been able to post some really cool pictures of vineyards, wine personalities, etc. Hopefully, this is just the beginning. Remembering the old saying, ”a picture is worth a 1000 words”? Hopefully, these pictures will add more dimension for you in understanding wine, especially ‘good” wine.
Stephen Tanzer’s Winophilia
As wine enthusiasts well know, one of the very top wine publications is the International Wine Cellar by wine writer Stephen Tanzer. His assessments and insights into wines are usually spot on. Anyway, he has launched a website worth checking out, Winophilia. Check out this month’s “Sommelier Picks”. My post is in there somewhere.
Wine Tasting—“2006 Costa de Oro Wines” Wednesday, July 28th 6:00
We are HUGE fans of Gary Burk and his Costa de Oro wines. They always are so classy, seamless, intricate, well balanced with superb texture. This is the VERY reason why we asked him to orchestrate our very own CF Pinot Noir, (which we have been absolutely thrilled with each and every vintage.) One of our favorite line-up of these wines are from the much maligned, “ugly duckling” 2006 vintage, generally panned by all the critics, no one says we follow the herd. It is not to be different, it REALLY is because we think these four Costa de Oro wines are superb, in fact even better than the much ballyhoo-ed ‘07’s and ‘08’s. The wines are much more ethereal, earth driven and lighter on their feet without compromising class, intricacy and transparency. We love these wines and think you will too!
Here is the line-up…
2006 Chardonnay “Gold Coast Vineyard”
2006 Pinot Noir “Gold Coast Vineyard”
2006 Pinot Noir “Oro Rojo”
2006 Pinot Noir “Dijon Clones”
There you have it, four sensational wines, two ounces each … $32 a person (not including tax or gratuity).
By Reservations only….533-4476 or email Sade…. svillatora@dkrestaurants.com
VINO’s BYOB Dinner Saturday July 31st 6PM
A new concept, first we ask VINO Chef Keith Endo to create a three course menu and then ask participants to bring what they think are appropriate wines (SERVED BLIND) for two of the courses. Then we compare…sounds like a lot of fun to me AND most importantly should shed a lot of insights into better understanding the how’s and why’s of wine and food pairing. This last one was a kick in the pants good fun AND very insightful. In fact, it was quite the learning opportunity.
Here is Chef Keith’s menu for this night… Now, WHO is game?
Homemade Seafood Sausage
with Island tomato concasse & homemade linguine
Seared Herb Marinated Vintage Steak
With homemade cavatelli pasta & fresh Nalo Farms baby arugula
Dessert
$35 a person (NOT including tax & gratuity)
By Reservations only, 533-4476 or email Sade @ svillatora@dkrestaurants.com
Wine Tasting "Syrah" Thursday, August 5th 6PM
A few weeks ago at the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival I sat in on one of the special wine tastings. A participant asked the presenter of a Syrah based red wine why Syrah is so under appreciated. He continued, “I can’t sell a bottle in our restaurant. What can we do to get the public to buy more Syrah?” First of all we need to remind all that Syrah is one of the five noble grape varieties of the world, at least I was always taught that. AND, the Chave Hermitage (a French Syrah) has been considered one of the VERY top red wines for centuries. (In fact they say, during Christopher Columbus’ & Thomas Jefferson’s time it was considered number one.) The current Chave, Jean Louis, is either the 14th or the 16th generation of his family to make this wine! It is sadly not as fashionable as Cabernet & Pinot with today’s wine drinker. That may be so, but does NOT take away the fact Syrah is still one of the true noble grapes of the winemaking world. Syrah needs more and more believers to pass the word along. So, here is a quartet of world-class Syrah which will hopefully make a believer out of you. To better provide insight we will serve these wines BLIND. Who wants to take this journey?
2004 Terrasole “Solista” (Italy)
We chose to include this Syrah, not because it is a novelty….BUT because it is REALLY good!
2004 Ojai “Bien Nacido Vineyard”
One of the finest from California
2005 hazyblur “McLaren Vale” (Australia)
one of the finest from Australia (without being totally over the top)
2006 Patrick Jasmin Cote Rotie (France)
The Queen of Syrah….this is definitely royalty.
There you have it, four sensational wines, two ounces each, served BLIND … $42 a person (not including tax or gratuity).
By Reservations only….533-4476 or email Sade…. svillatora@dkrestaurants.com
King Crab Night @ Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas
Friday, August 6th & Saturday, August 7th
Without a doubt Alaskan King Crab is one of the world’s most sought after delicacies. Not only does it have
incredible, nearly indescribable taste, richness & sweet savoriness, but it certainly also has “one of kind” texture as well.
On these two nights, James Beard nominee, Chef Hiroshi Fukui will prepare King Crab his way as only he can.
Regulars who came in the past I am sure will attest what a treat this is.
Tomalley King Crab
with lobster tomalley battered tempura with cioppino sauce & fresh Italian parsley
Steamed Plain & Simple
with lemon wedge & drawn butter
King Crab Stew
with Manila clams, calamari with orzo & saffron clam broth
Butter Poached King Crab
with Ho Farm’s long beans, Big Island heart of palm, red jalapeno on squid ink pasta
½ pound $14.95
1 pound $29.50
This specials will be offered (while supplies last) in addition to Hiroshi’s regular menu.
Come & get it!
Saturday Night "Supper" @ VINO Saturday, August 7th
Saturday Night "Supper" is a new concept for us. For our guests, it offers a three course, value dinner and every one will offer new dishes. Since we will pair wine with two of the courses, it also reiterates the "wine served at the dinner table" culture. Lastly it gives Keith, our staff and of course our regular guests a chance to experience something new. Most importantly, it should be fun! The last 4 were terrific & everyone had a blast! Our next one will be on Saturday, August 7th, starting at 5:30pm.
Here is the menu………..
First course
Crispy Shrimp
with homemade squid pasta, Nalo Farms arugula pesto & a lemon butter sauce
WINE: 2008 Primaterra Pinot Grigio
Main course
Red Wine Braised Short Rib
with homemade gnocchi, wild mushrooms & gremolata
WINE: 2008 Tormaresca “Neprica”
Dessert
Chef's Choice
$33 a person (NOT including tax & gratuity)
Just so it is clear, we will offer this menu only on Saturday… individual table seating.
By Reservations only, 533-4476 or email Sade @ svillatora@dkrestaurants.com
Wine Tasting “2005 Napa Valley Cabernet” Wednesday, August 11th 6:00 pm
Yes, we will be tasting Cabernet....from the Napa Valley....even though it is the middle of a very warm Summer. Why? Because we have the right line-up of wines....which incidentally happen to be showing well right now. Just note....there will be NO Fruit Bombs on this night! We will try FOUR of our favorite Napa Valley Cabs…each from interesting, unique vineyards & then crafted by some of the most talented winemakers out of California.
2005 Selene "Napa Valley"
the artistry of superstar Mia Klein, who previously consulted for Cabernet
projects like Araujo, Viader & Dalla Valle. Selene is her own.
2005 Beau Vigne "Juliet's"
this small, family owned vineyard is 1400 feet above the Stags Leap District
& crafted by David Phinney of Orin Swift fame.
2005 Neyers "AME"
the first Reserve wine produced from a hillside in the organically farmed estate
vineyard of Barbara & Bruce Neyers. If you know these two they would never do
something half hearted.
2005 Forman "Napa Valley"
another superb Cab from superstar Ric Forman....
& the very first using the fruit from his dynamited, upper, ultra-rocky parcel
There you have it, four sensational wines, two ounces each … $42 a person (not including tax or gratuity).
By Reservations only….533-4476 or email Sade…. svillatora@dkrestaurants.com
“Ulupalakua Ranch Spring Lamb” Wednesday August 11th
Hana Hou. VINO Chef Keith Endo is bringing in another whole Spring lamb from Maui’s Ulupalakua Ranch & will create ALL NEW specials on this night…..to pair up with Cabernet Sauvignon based red wines. Regulars will know it will be good.
“Locally Grown” Menu… @ Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas
Chef Hiroshi Fukui will feature a new “locally grown” four course menu each month on SUNDAYS & MONDAYS ONLY.
$35 per person (not including tax & gratuity)
For July…
First Course
Maui Cattle Beef Teriyaki Sushi
pickled red ginger, shiso & white sesame seeds
Second Course
Sous Vide of Kona Cold Lobster Tail
squid ink pasta, brussels sprout, red jalapeno & beurre blanc, white truffle oil
Main Course
Peppercorn Crusted Ahi Steak
Ho Farm’s long beans, Big Island heart of palm with foie gras ponzu demi & pasta
Sweet Course
Hawaiian Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
fresh fruits with mango sorbet
Call now for reservations and be sure to mention that you are having
the Locally Grown Menu to ensure we don’t run out!
Reservations--533-4476 or email Sade…. svillatora@dkrestaurants.com
HAPPY HOUR IN VINO & HIROSHI EURASION TAPAS "at the bar seats only"
We are offering a 50% discount on food for those sitting at the VINO bar and Hiroshi bar from 5:30 to 6:30 pm on a first come first served basis. All orders must be in by 6:30 pm. (Vino food is only available when Vino is open for regular business) It is a great opportunity to have a bite to eat instead of fighting the traffic.
Here are some excerpts from Kermit Lynch’s book, “Inspiring Thirst”
which I hope you find as insightful as I do
“….Everyone is concerned with the question “Is this a good vintage, or is it an off vintage?” Professional wine critics are happy to rush to print & provide the answer. It is almost a race. But if you study the ratings over the years, you will notice that Burgundy vintages are rated according to how hot the weather was, how ripe the grapes were. Under those criteria, why the hell not move Burgundy down south? Grow Pinot Noir at Gigondas, Bandol, Jerez. The grapes would really ripen every year, and you will have black, heavy, tannic Burgundies every vintage, which is what most people think they want. But it would not be Burgundy and it would not be as good as Burgundy...”
“….the fact is, Pinot Noir often loses its pizzazz in hot years. It is a grape that can make dull, vulgar wine in hot climates….”
“….Yes there is more to wine than size & power. But if that is what you seek, why buy Burgundy? Why not buy Chateauneuf-du-Pape instead or Amador Zinfandel? It is easy to find big, black, tannic wines. The market is full of them and at prices lower than you would pay for red Burgundy”.
Now on to Wines...
Why do we change the wines by the glass so often? The answer is to try and experience the WORLD of wines.
If we change two wines a week, that means 104 new wines to try for the year. That is the fun part of it all, isn’t it?
2007 FOUR VINES Petite Sirah NEW By The Glass
One of the new age winemaking making quite an impact on the Californian wine scene is Christian Tietje of Four Vines. Christian crafts very interesting & unique red wines from a complex matrix of pedigree vineyards throughout California. His style of wines are very masculine, dark & sinister, hearty, in this case brooding….yet with terrific balance, texture & NO hard edges. This Paso Robles Petite Sirah is a perfect example.
2007 MONTEBUENA Rioja NEW By The Glass
The grape here is Tempranillo…..the country of origin is Spain….although some would argue this is from a unique subregion referred to as Basque, with overlaps Spain & France….with its own sub-culture, foods & wines. This is a very delicious, food friendly, contemporary of Basque Tempranillo, one which is lovely by itself & a lot of fun with our kind of cookin’.