A Year In Tastes pt 1

I'm really over seeing the Top 100 lists & Holiday Gift Guides "What to Buy the Wine Lover In Your Life". Uggh. Gimme a break. I started to think about this past year & it seems as though it almost never happened. It flew by so fast that I hardly remember it! So I thought I'd recap a bit over some of my favorite experiences.

Truffle Bonanza at Justin & Amy's





Justin's exceptional cooking & extreme creative thinking in the kitchen produced outrageous flavors. The '97 Argyle Riesling was ethereal.

Elizabeth Blew My Mind With a Bit of Burgundy



I've never understood Burgundy because I don't have the wallet for it nor do I have access to them for the most part. However, this beauty that my good friend Elizabeth brought to dinner was a game changer for me.

Oh Patty



It's no secret that Oregon has my heart. This bottle from a fiercely talented winemaker is an example of what is happening in Oregon. Gorgeous.

Noodle Bowls



I love all things noodle. Although I would never tell Kelly this I kind of like the fact that he is a vegetarian. It makes me think in a uniquely creative way when crafting meals for us. This beauty was a result of that thinking. Curry coconut chili broth with Udon & fried Tofu. Yum.

Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen Swine & Wine Dinner



Do I really need to say anything here? I mean really. Pig & wine? Yes please.

Return to Le Pigeon

Last July I had a spent an extra day in Portland (PDX) after my incredible trip to Pinot Camp. After such a grueling 3 days drinking wine, sitting in on seminars on soil & viticulture, eating incredible food & meeting cool people...ok it wasn't grueling it was immense fun...I needed a relaxing evening in the city. I'd heard about Le Pigeon because I make it my business to be aware of all the delicious food being produced all over. Gabriel Rucker is one of the most talented chefs out there & his food is absolutely delicious. Not only that but he seems very humble, down to earth & just cool. So naturally I wanted to take Kelly to eat there when we were in PDX a few weeks ago. Before we headed to dinner Kelly & I detoured to the Gilt Club for a cocktail. This place is known for cocktails using house infusions & fresh ingredients. Trust me, they are serious about drinks.



What we have above was a serrano & tangerine infused vodka muddled with dill, lemon & lime topped with soda. It was super spicy at first but mellowed out to a nice heat. I'm all about savory cocktails so this was a welcome treat.

After polishing off that spicy little number we walked down to Burnside & hopped on a bus to head to the east side. It was obviously a good sign that our bus stop was literally 20 yards from the front door of Le Pigeon. We strolled in & were immediately seated at the open kitchen bar stools.



We decided to go for half bottles so I snatched up this little beauty.



It was gorgeously earthy, sensually textured & brimming with electric acidity. Perfect with my venison heart dish.



Yes that's right I said venison heart. It was tender, only slightly gamy & so delicious served with fried broccoli, capers, onions & a creamy green goddess like sauce. Amaaaaazing.

After we finished the Patty Green half bottle we ordered a half bottle of Alain Graillot 2007 Crozes Hermitage. This bad boy was meaty, earthy, smoky, barnyardy & super chewy. Perfect alongside my double thick pork chop with local haricots verts, hazelnuts, dried chilis & bacon.



This gorgeous piece of pork was sous vide, then grilled then roasted in the oven which gave it such an incredibly sensual & luscious texture. The chilis gave a nice heat which contrasted the sweetness of the haricots verts. Absolutely wonderful.

But wait...there's more. I did not want dessert because I was so jam packed full. However, while I was at the bathroom Kelly ordered me Honey Bacon Apricot Cornbread with maple ice cream & a prosciutto "magic shell". I have no words for how delicious it was. Truly. No words.

Dear Gabe Rucker-you & your staff are amazing.