Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Wine Not?

Wine Not?
Photos courtesy of: jameslilley.com


On Friday, April 5th The City Club had the first Winemaker Dinner of the season, and welcomed the charming Winemaker from Mauritson Family Vineyards, Clay Mauritson. Clay, who is also a 6th generation grape grower, has a simple winemaking philosophy ...you need exceptional fruit to make exceptional wine. This is where the advantage of having a family heritage of grape growers becomes obvious…270 acres of family vineyard and strong relationships built over the years with other growers have given Clay access to some of the best fruit that Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley and Rockpile have to offer. Devoted to making exceptional wines, Clay is on his way to becoming one of California's foremost young winemakers.



Clay brought along his brother Cam who has a Master’s Degree in viticulture and makes sure the vineyard is well taken care of, and his Assistant Winemaker Emma Kudritski. It was great to meet them all and enjoy such an amazing meal with them!  The wines were stellar, and the meal pairing was just perfect – Chef Michael really did himself proud! Though most of the wines we tasted were sold out, Clay offered to make them available for those lucky City Club Members that attended the dinner - a real coup! Next time you want a real treat, drop by Mauritson in Healdsburg and try some of their amazing Zinfandels. A real favorite at the dinner was also their Cabernet Franc. Tell them you’re from the City Club and expect a warm welcome!!


MENU:
Artisan crostini, Havarti, Washington apples, grapes, honey
2012 Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc

First Course
Sonoma quail
Sausage, quinoa, Beluga lentils, tendrils, Jus
2011 Rockpile "Westphall Ridge" Zinfandel
2011 Rockpile "Rockpile Ridge"


Second Course
Black Earth domestic lamb rack
Wild mushroom risotto polpette, English pea coulis, Truffle
2010 Rockpile "Buck Pasture" Cabernet Franc
2010 Rockpile "Rockpile Ridge" Cabernet Sauvignon

Third Course
Cannoli
Candied citrus, Scharffenberger, Ricotta
2010 Rockpile "Independence"



For more information on membership at The City Club of San Francisco

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Spring has Sprung



Spring has Sprung!



Whether it is the tulips that adore the windowsills or the April showers, spring is here! And with that opens the doors of Spring/Summer weddings! Everyone is a buzz about planning their special day and a Spring Wedding in San Francisco is one that embraces the cooler weather and the fog that this fabulous city has to offer. Taking a cue from the flowers, designers and retail shops are embracing pastels. Baby pink, and baby blues have always seem to be part of that color wheel. With the announcement of Emerald Green as this Year’s color, a sudden boom in all-things green appeared as if overnight . 



This also goes for the pastels. Mint Green has made its way to shops, bridal magazines, shoes, pants and dresses. If you want to be trending, green is a way to go! Now you don't have to go all out with a full green dress, but a highlight of it on your make up, or better yet shoes, still makes a statement. Adding a bit of color in any occasion warms it up and gives dimension to the everyday neutrals we are so used to. Who knows, people might just be green with envy with your color choice. :)