02.21.12 Two Course Fish Dinner

Last night was amazing. I made two new wonderful friends, had a delicious two course fish dinner, and drank a plentiful amount of wine. The night started around 7pm with a bottle of Chateau Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers Blanc 2010. 

This sauvignon blanc, semillion, and muscadelle blend was dry and medium on the palate. With aromas of lime zest, grapefruit, white flowers and notes of dill and green pepper, it was a perfect start to the night. After a sip of this fairly priced wine (10$!), I was amazed at just how much the citrus in the wine was able to shine through, masking some of the common flavors of a wine made only of sauvignon blanc. These flavors with its medium acidity tickled my tounge with every sip. 

The boys volunteered to cook last night so I took it upon myself to take over our little "front of house". So first, I set the table:

Then I poured the wine:

And before any time passed at all, we began eating our first course: 

Plate breakdown: lime cured lemon sole, kiwi, chayote, preserved kaffir limes, pistachios, persian black lime powder, mint, cilantro

First course was light and flavorful. The sweet and tangy kiwi brightened the neutral flavors of the fish while the pistachios gave this dish the extra crunch it needed. The chayotes on the bottom of the plate gave body to the dish and a freshness you can't find in any other fruit. The dish was balanced with the earthy herbal flavors supplied by the cilantro and mint. While the rest of us finished eating, Simon left us to finish his own meal. 

And the beautiful finished product: 

Plate breakdown:  halibut, fennel puree, apple tea couscous, milk braised radish, charred golden raisins, fennel fronds

With our second course, we paired a 2003 Iron Horse brut rose.

Overall, it was a wonderful night full of good times. We laughter to the point of tears, we had wonderful discussions, and we made new friends. All in a nights work ;)