Last night we returned to GRAPESEED(4865 Cordell Ave, Bethesda www.grapeseedbistro.com), another spot we haven't been for about a year or so. Things are doing fine there, with more wines than ever on the menu and by the glass and taste! The menu has changed somewhat and the four of us were game to try almost everything!
Our wonderful sipping wine was a QUIVIRA Fig Tree Vineyard 2003 Sauvignon Blanc which was citrus and melon loaded and just right to start off the evening. Of course, who can resist that fabulous garlic, red pepper, olive oil dipping combo, which was great with the wine as well.
Our second wine was a DOMAINE DES TROIS PLANTIERS 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape that was decent, but nothing more than nice. I had hoped the 1998 vintage would exhibit a bit more, but it was just nice.
Our first round of shared appetizers included the STUFFED PIQUILLO PEPPER with Goat Cheese which is a super dish, but it was served lukewarm. The CORNMEAL FRIED OYSTERS with Bacon Beurre Blanc were superb. Crispy plump oysters in a superb, yet simple sauce; the little bacon bits actually were perfect with the Chateauneuf du Pape! My favorite was the HAWAIIAN STYLE AHI POKE, simply a sushi-grade slightly seared on the edge ahi tuna with Wakane Seaweed Salad, Grilled Pineapple and Ponzu. Our second round included the excellent FOIE GRAS with FORBIDDEN RICE, Port Demi-Broth. This was a new idea serving the large chunk of foie gras over a risotto-like rice that actually looked like lentils due to the port coloring. YUMMY!
Finally, came the CLASSIC MAINE STYLE LOBSTER STEW with Blueberry Muffin, a wonderfully creamy and intense (though slightly lighter than bisque) soup that was just perfect with huge chunks of lobster as well. All it needed was a shot of sherry!
Our interlude wine was an ACACIA 2004 PINOT NOIR that was just right between the courses. We then went on to a magnificent huge and intense HENDRY BLOCK 28 2001 ZINFANDEL that just kept getting better with every sip.
The entrees were also impressive and included the CREOLE STYLE CATFISH with Dirty Rice, Shrimp Remoulade and Creole Sauce. The fish was firm and not slimy at all (as catfish can sometimes be). The top dish was easily the SPICE CRUSTED DAYBOAT SCALLOPS with Sunchoke Puree, Shitake Salad and Cilantro Salt. You just can't go wrong with those huge crusted scallops that melt in your mouth. the SEARED RARE TUNA with Potato & Ricotta Croquette, Paprika-Tomato Sauce was sadly, NOT rare, and had to go back. The second plate came out just right, with a beautiful rare center. On the other hand, my ROASTED DUCK BREAST with
Israeli Couscous, Pistachios, Pickled Carrots, Sweet & Sour Onions and Sour Cherry Sauce came extremely rare. I do like my duck rare, but quacking is a bit out of the equation. The preparation was excellent, and the sauce superb. I loved the small onions that were soured so wonderfully.
On a good note, the ladies sitting next to us were SO nice, but the rumor they heard that TRU, one of the top restaurants in Chicago, had closed, was thankfully UNTRUE!
We opted to skip dessert and head to our friend's home for a taste of GIFFORD's Ice Cream, which is new to me. It's totally rich and decadent, but what's even better is their Swiss Chocolate Sauce that is a milk chocolate ice cream sauce--OUT OF THIS WORLD!
