Aloha

June 10, 2010


Being in Hawaii for a week to celebrate the wedding of a great friend is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity, so why not go all out? On the Thursday night before the wedding I had just that chance. A group of 18 strong (not an ideal situation, but when you get lemons, right?) descended on the restaurant of 21 Degrees North at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu. Sitting outside for our three hour meal we were blanketed by a warm breeze and wafting aromas that could only be Hawaii. Surrounded by good friends and family it was easy to get lost in any number of animated conversations and the breathtaking view of crashing waves beyond the enticing pool deck below. But, let's not forget about the food and drink that was laid out before me. Because the menu featured a five course tasting menu each with wine paired to enhance and intensify the layers of flavors and aromas of each dish, I felt compelled to partake.

Here you go:

Ahi Tar Tar
Taro Chip
Chili Mango Salsa
Nicolas Feuillate, N/V Champagne, France**
- The fresh fish garnished with a sweet and spicy salsa and toasty taro chip was a nice pairing for the bright bubbles. The wine was a nice companion but lacked the umph to inspire.

Smoked Kachiki
Caramelized Maui Onion
Tomato Herb Goat Cheese
Elk Cove, Willamette Valley, 0R Pinot Gris 2007**
- The smoked Kachiki (Hawaiian Marlin) was savory and a really interesting match to the summer salad of tomatoes and goat cheese. I particularly enjoyed this course as a complete thought, from food to wine.

Grilled Opakapaka
Corn, White Wine Butter Sauce
Cambria, Santa Maria, CA Chardonnay 2005**
- The fish was flaky and moist, With the slightly sweet corn and butter sauce the Chardonnay was a satisfactory match. I think that I may have gone with a wine with slightly less oak though.

Filet Mignon
Truffle Mashed Potato, Roasted Winter Vegetables
Rosemary Port Demi-Glace
Obsidian Ridge, “Red Hills”, Lake County, CA, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006**
- The filet was cooked very nicely at medium-rare with a delicious demi-glace and creamy truffle mashed potatoes. The Cab was a nice pairing, but like the bubbles lacked a depth of flavor to make it extremely memorable.

Chocolate Cherry Wrap
Vanilla Ice Cream
Dow’s 25 Year Old Fine Ruby Porto**
- A nice way to finish and always fun to have a slightly older Port.

Overall, this was a beautiful evening full of joyous anticipation and the simple enjoyment of food, drink, and good people. I hope that you enjoyed this one and I will see you back here soon.

Cheers!


0 Stars - No rating
1 Star (*) - Not of significant quality or interest
2 Stars (**) - A notable wine of legitimate interest
3 Stars (***) - Great wine that should be searched out
4 Stars (****) - Fantastic wine that should not be missed
5 Stars (*****) - An absolutely mind-bending wine - beg, borrow, or steal to get your hands on some of this amazing juice!

Disclaimer: This rating is based on my palate and at the given time when tasted and may differ from yours. Also, I may catch a bottle in a dumb phase or it just may not speak to me at that particular time.