Staff photos/Rhonda Silence As Bluefin Grille prepares for a fall Food & Wine Lover’s Weekend, these folks are still recalling the fun they had at the spring event.
As Bluefin Grille at Bluefin Bay prepares for its fall Food & Wine Lover’s Weekend, the memory of the spring event lingers in the memory of those who attended. Thanks to Bluefin chef Ed Douglas and guest chefs Asher Miller and Sam Johnson of 20.21 Restaurant & Bar at the Walker Art Museum and the excellent wine pairings of sommelier Stuart Sutherland of Johnson Brothers Liquor Company, the May 2010 event will be tough to top.
Nadya Maravigli, Bluefin’s food and beverage director, and her staff were wonderfully welcoming and happy to answer questions about the menu. Wine Steward Stuart Sutherland offered an explanation of each pairing beginning with Szechuan green beans with candied walnuts served with a sparkling new LaMarca Prosecco. “A happy start,” said Sutherland.
Each course had its own special pairing— Thai coconut soup with a smoky Chardonnay from Quickfire of Napa Valley and spicy Korean short ribs dressed up with kim chee and served with a deep red wine from Rapel Valley, Chile. The third course was a Miso-sake glazed black cod with a choice of drink—breathcapturing sake or a rich Tempranillo from Spain. Sutherland urged everyone to sample the sake, which he said was sublime. “The more polished the rice, the better the sake,” Sutherland explained.
Jane Whitney of No Whining Designing presented every guest at the Bluefin Grille spring event with a special wine cork charm like the one she is wearing.
As Lake Superior crashed outside the Grille and the sky darkened, guests learned about the special edible works of art appearing on their plates. A crispy tempura shisho leaf was a unique and tasty surprise. And the grand finale was a delectable Yuzo-lemon meringue tart with blackberry sauce—paired not with wine but a scrumptious Limoncello from Italy.
There was another lovely surprise— every guest received a special memento— a wine cork key chain designed by Jane Whitney of No Whining Designing. The key chains included the signature Bluefin seagull logo and a little charm encouraging wine lovers to “live, love, and laugh.” Good advice—and the theme of the evening at the spring Food & Wine Lovers weekend.
For information or reservations for the upcoming Food & Wine Lovers weekend to be held November 5-6 at Bluefin Bay, call (218) 663-6200 or visit www. bluefinbay.com.
Leave a Reply