Very Valentine February 2018

Wow! What a night we had.
I cannot thank you enough for joining us for our Very Valentine dinner.
Putting together these dinners are so very special. Every aspect of the evening is tailored to fit the experience we dream up.

It was a bit chillier than we had anticipated when we originally chose the date.. Who knew winter wanted to FINALLY make it's debut when we're dining in a barn.

As everyone arrived to the beautiful Cnoc Alainn Family Farm barn, you were greeted with a welcome cocktail, Crispin Rose Cider and a bit of tart cherry nectar, the warm glow of candlelight, crooner music, and the sound of new friendships forming.

Through the dreaming process of Portland Secret Dining Society, a LOT of dinners were held, a LOT of food was consumed and even more wine drank. But one thing that became a custom of our gathering was Sabering a bottle of champagne to mark the start of a special and exciting time together.
Is there a better way to start a marvelous evening than to sabrage a 2012 Argyle Vintage Brut? We think not!
With a glass of Argyle in hand we sat to embark on the journey through our Very Valentine menu.

Paired with our 2012 Vintage Brut was our first course; Oyster - Oysters sourced from Netarts, OR, with a house made Creme Fraiche Foam, smoked Salmon Caviar and dill. With the delicate bouquet of red berry spice and lemon blossom the Vintage Brut started this dish. As you ate the oyster and experienced a bit of the sea, the airy and creamy foam and finished with a bit of smokiness, you couldn't help but get lost in the uniting of these flavors with the sensation of plum, gingernut, and edgy minerality. As the bright acidity led to a long and energetic finish.

On to our French Kiss; This Brandy soaked Date filled with Foie Gras Mousse, atop a bed of arugula and drizzled with a sassy Sherry Agrodolce took us on a journey of flavors most are unfamiliar with. As you experienced our French Kiss the deep, dark, and serious 2015 Eola Hills Reserve Wolf Hill Pinot came to finish this dish with intensity and length. The aroma of dark cherry and tobacco added complexity to the sweet and sour Agrodolce, as the smooth, rich mouth feel complimented the unique Foie Gras. These two are a love affair of the best kind.

Our salad for the evening was a Warmed beet and fennel salad with a Rose champagne vinaigrette. This dish was the perfect compliment to our 2015 Winderlea Chardonnay. As you made your way through the earthiness of beets and slight licorice of the fennel the poached pear, and creamy mouth feel took your breath away.
As a Societier you are given the opportunity to taste the unparalleled wines of Winderlea at a discount. Please contact KC directly to book your weekend tasting or stop in Monday - Friday between 10am and 4pm. You will not be disappointed.

For the main event, Chef Tara Lynch pulled out all the stops. She spoiled us with a Braised Ox tail, atop a bed of caramelized shallot risotto. As we tried not to inhale the perfection that was our main course, we sipped upon the sassy 2015 Fairsing Dardis Pinot Noir. Named after owner, Mary Ann McNally's paternal grandmother, Hannah Dardis. This bold Pinot gave us both an aroma and taste of dark cherry and blueberry. It's dusty tanic finish partnered with the hearty Ox tail for a dynamic and luscious finish.

As the night wore on and we became closer, we took a turn for family style. Plated on slate were two varieties of Creo chocolate, Sea Salt and Cocoa Nib and Browned Butter bars. We partnered these delectable Portland chocolates with the ever impressive Briar Rose Creamery Callisto cheese, as well as a Blue cheese from Montfort, Wisconsin. We challenged everyone to take a bit of cheese, chocolate and a sip of the crowd pleasing Eola Hills Cabernet. The bold and smokey Cabernet brought together the creamy and tangy cheese with the deep rich chocolate.

To finish the evening we plunged into a beautiful Creme puff filled with whipped chevre encompassed in a glittered caramel halo. This Creme puff was as beautiful as it was delectable. The bright, fresh, and zesty Eola Hills Sparkling Chardonnay partnered with the creamy whipped chevre to bring out an elegance of perfect flavors.

The night was as beautiful as it was delicious. We cannot thank you enough for dining with us, and allowing us to share our passion with you.
We look forward to having you at our table again.

-Remington