Chasing The Grape

California Dreaming

(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

Ah the California wine country... Sonoma, Russian River, Alexander Valley, Napa; it's all good. If you haven't been you need to go. The cultivation of the grape to the harvest to the wonderful elixir of wine is truly remarkable. 

So as we do a little California dreaming, here's what we're thinking... a wonderful "Roasted Grouper" with a little champagne sauce, a few tunes to get you in the wine tasting mood and one of our favorite new finds in the valley. 

We will serve no wine until it's time... It's Time!

The pots are on!

The Plate...

Roasted Grouper/Champagne Beurre Blanc

White before red, "sweet" before "dry"... champagne, anytime! I mean come on, there is nothing cooler than some Champagne Beurre Blanc sauce. The roasted Grouper itself is pretty good, but the sauce just puts it over the top. 

What you need... 

For the Grouper-

4 6-7 oz of skinless grouper fillets

2 tbsp canola oil

Kosher salt

Fresh ground pepper

For the Sauce-

1 cup sliced shallots
2 cups dry Champagne (or dry white wine)
3 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
3 sticks of unsalted butter/cut into small pieces
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper

Get to cooking...

Heat oil in an oven-safe, nonstick skillet over high heat.

Salt and pepper the grouper, place the fish in the pan and reduce heat to medium.

Cook for 2 minutes then put the skillet in the oven and bake at 350 for 6 minutes.

For the sauce, combine all ingredients except the butter in a saucepan over med-high heat. 

Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid has almost evaporated.

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the butter a little at a time whisking until melted.

Strain the mixture through a wire mesh strainer and season with salt and pepper.

Serve the grouper over risotto covering with the sauce. Bon Appetit!

The Playlist...

Chasing The Grape

The "Playlist" runs on Spotify- Click on the link to listen to

Chasing The Grape

The Bar...

Regusci 2014 Napa Valley Merlot

The Regusci family took over the estate in 1932. The family initially ran a dairy and cattle ranch selling grapes and making homemade wine. In the 60's they began planting Bordeaux varieties on the estate and the rest is history. 

The 2014 Napa Valley Merlot is one of our favorite "finds" on our recent trip to the valley. The wine shows great intensity with a bold yet smooth body. If you are looking for a great estate wine... this is it!

Don't Wait For A Special Occasion To Enjoy Great Wine.

When You Open Great Wine... It's A Special Occasion!

Please... Day Drink Responsibly

 & 

Keep On Cookin'!