2023 CRAB Season
Even though we were lucky enough to get a taste of the crab season in late November 2022, the commercial season didn't officially begin until December 31st and even then with a challenging start. The weather made it very difficult for boats to get out with crazy rains until mid January. Just in time for our kick off to the foodie season in our dining room, the rains subsided and thus the Crab Dinner was officially on and sold out.
The 1st event for 2023 sold out in 3 days, and an exciting line up of guests that many have never attended one of our very limited dinners. Always fun to have long standing club members and new ones that are excited to join the fun.
To start our 2023 events off, 16 people and 5 courses of local dungeness crab from our beautiful Sonoma Coast all paired with PMV wines. 2021 Rose' of Pinot Noir, 2014 Chardonnay Magnums and 2018 TNT Vineyard Pinot Noir were the 3 wines lined up with each course.
For each course of the evening, we never had one wine 100% unanimously chosen as the best pairing.
With the bisque ( richly creamy with chucks of crab meat ) the group strongly chose Chardonnay although both Rose' and Pinot Noir were preferred by some. When I tasted the bisque the next day, my choice was Rose'. We always say, " it's subjective, there is no wrong or right answer."
Crab salad with avocado meyer lemon vinaigrette was thoroughly enjoyed. A full cup of fresh crab meat, oh yes what a treat! Chardonnay was the big winning wine for this course as well.
2014 Chardonnay from Weeks Vineyard was our final Chardonnay produced to date. This exceptional vineyard produces high acid, rich fruit and from magnum with age, this wine is truly wonderful.
And it was clearly enjoyed by the group.
Third course and always a favorite, crab cakes served with blood orange vanilla sauce. The table was again divided on wine choice. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were favored with a few votes for Rose' but Pinot Noir won the total count.
When I tasted the dish the next day, I added quite a bit of the sauce which I felt went best with the Rose'. The sauce is really what would change the wine pairing.
Mat's organization and timing in the kitchen could not have been more dialed in. He loves to cook, plate and design menu's. To have such a seamless evening be our 1st of 2023, we felt truly Thankful for our crew of diners that appreciated the amount of work involved. The applause when Mat entered the Dining Room was a delight!
Our favorite crab preparation, recipe on the web site, roast crab. This is the 1st dish Mat prepared for me when we were dating. All I can really say is that the ooo's and ahhh's that come from everyone who tastes this explains just how good it is. With Nightengale baguette to dip in the olive oil sauce, it's a dish to dream about. And pairs so well with all of these wines. Although TNT Pinot Noir won the first place wine to pair.
We love to finish off with a little sweet treat which we call Crab Dessert. A sugar cookie in the shape of a crab. Perfect finish.
This very specific drawing had to be shared and maybe framed. The message is clear that Mat's love of making Chardonnay needs to return to our line up of wines.
A toast to 2023, our 1st event of 2023 and many of our club members that experienced our Foodie Dinner for the 1st time. Another great night, more loyal dining campanions, friendship and cheers to food and wine.
That's a wrap till next month.
Our plans for 2023 have not been completed but as soon as they are, you'll be the first to know.
cheers
