Loimer Gruner Veltliner 2016 from Austria and Godeval Godello 2017 from Valdeorras in Spain loaded with citrus.
We ordered a ton of delicious starters to share of which the Lobster Salas with Tostones was the least exciting (and should have given me warning to the lobster main course!), and the Goat Cheese Gratin with Neopolitain Sauce seemed like a bit of goat cheese cooked in tomato sauce, although the crispy grilled bread was yummy.
The hits however were the Lamb Arancini with Cilantro Aioli, the Fish Croquettes(an interesting and novel combination of cod & tuna) with Lemon Aioli. The Sauteed Eggplant with Calamata Tapenade, Feta, Tomato and Olive Oil was a huge hit but the big winner was the simple Salmon Carpaccio with Parmesan & Truffle Oil.
Our server Nina was most helpful and when I saw the huge Caribbean Lobster grilled at the next table, she said it was one of the top dishes. Alas it was huge, but the meat was a bit chewy and only saved by the Garlic butter. A mixed mash of tarot, sweet potato and plantain with rosemary was a superb side coming with every dish, reminiscent of mofongo for sure. Fricasee de Cordero was a huge hit with tender lamb like a stew marinated in lemon and red wine as was the Asado de Short Rib with caramelized onions, red wine and balsamic. The Duck Breast also went over quite well cooked Sous Vide and marinated in spices with garlic, thyme, anis and dried fruit.
Our red wines were spectacular with a Chilean from Multi called Best Vintage which was a blend of 5 different grapes from 4 different vintages: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon from 2015, 10% Malbec from 2014, and 5% each of Syrah 2013 and Carmenere 2012, a novel approach that resulted in a fully satisfying wine. OGGA 2011 Reserva Tempranillo from Rioja in Spain was a huge wine that needed decanting and sat for ab out 30 minutes until it opened up beautifully, if a bit earthy!
Dessert never happened as this was when Sam started to feel feverish and we needed to get him back to the house and into bed....alas the food was pretty good, save for the lobster, and alas the weekend went downhill from there as Sam got sicker and then was joined by Will with viral infections!
