By Emma Krasov. Photography by Yuri Krasov.
Since this historical restaurant in Oakland, right on the beautiful Lake Merritt, started its monthly winemaker’s dinner program last year, the popularity of the event has grown exponentially, moving from smaller dining areas to large banquet facilities to accommodate all the wine and food aficionados eager to participate in the festivities. Thankfully, Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill possesses enough spaces for groups of all sizes, and suits any occasion from private birthday parties to massive weddings, city-wide events, and corporate celebrations.
Honig Vineyard & Winery’s sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon from the legendary Napa Valley, honed to perfection, and presented at the latest Wine Dinner in March, created quite a stir among the Lake Chalet regulars, not only due to their exquisite quality, but also thanks to Executive Chef Ray Wirtz’s highly successful efforts to discover suitable ingredients and create perfectly matching dishes to complement the wines.
Granted, the market-fresh bounty of California produce ensures all the necessary elements for a memorable wine and food pairings, but coming from the Lake Chalet kitchen, they reach true perfection.
The Honig family representative, Steven Honig, and his daughter, Annika Honig, both actively working at the remarkable family winery, were present at the event, providing valuable commentary on each wonderful wine poured tableside with the arrival of every dish of the five-course menu.
Honig Napa Valley 2023 Sauvignon Blanc was paired with Ahi Tuna Poke Taco with a side of aji amarillo aioli, radish slaw, soy marinade, truffle oil, and crisp wonton shell.
Honig Napa Valley 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve – Rutherford made a great match with Farro Salad, Fresh Herbs and Feta Cheese with rocket, roasted beets, strawberries, California virgin olive oil, and honey balsamic reduction.
Honig Napa Valley 2019 St. Helena Bartolucci Cabernet Sauvignon turned out pure perfection with Slow Braised Lamb Shoulder Ragu over pappardelle pasta with a side of herbed ricotta cheese upon Rusticana garlic crouton.
Honig Napa Valley 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon enhanced the multiple taste notes of Crispy Cabernet Marinated Pork Belly with apple mustarda, garnished with wild rice and porcini mushrooms risotto.
Honig Napa Valley 2019 Rutherford Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, golden and aromatic, provided a sweet finale paired with Amaretto Crème Caramel.
Honig Vineyard & Winery takes pride in their sustainable practices, certified by California Sustainable Winegrowing Association, Fish Friendly Farming, and Bee Friendly Farming. The winery follows its sustainability goals throughout the entire winemaking process, from planting cover crops, using sheep to take care of overgrown grasses, creating habitats for birds of prey and pollinators, monitoring water usage and seeding native plants to using solar energy, recycling, composting, consolidating shipments in eco-friendly packaging, to providing comprehensive benefits to employees, supporting community with charitable donations, and implementing electric vehicle charging docks on the premises.
More information and wine orders at: www.honigwine.com.
This month, Flowers Vineyards & Winery from Sonoma will present their wines at Lake Chalet Wine Dinner. Tickets and information at:www.TheLakeChalet.com.
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