Bragging on My Husband

My husband loves to cook. He also loves to drink. More so than any other chef I have worked with, Stephen respects the relationship of wine paired with food.

When given a list of wines, he paces for hours trying to create the ultimate menu that will place the wines in the highest sphere possible.

He sincerely cares about the winemaker, the vineyard, the grape and the end product. He wants the wine to shine, and he isn’t arrogant about making sure his food is the queen of the party. It is also crucial to note he has an amazing crew in the kitchen who are dedicated, talented and hard-working. Because of these people in our kitchen, the menu was wonderfully executed.

Last night’s French wine dinner was a lively visit to France on Tarboro terroir. We were lead through the vineyards by one of the most knowledgeable wine people I know, Debra Lewis of Vintage 59 Imports. Her expertise and her passion made the evening memorable on many counts, and On the Square was fortunate to be able to have her in our dining room. The night is still present in my mind, and I wanted to share with you the menu and the pairings, and of course, the pictures.

So, I give you, my friends, a blog in photographs for those of you who would like to enjoy. Reception Château de Lavernette “Granit Blanc de Noirs,” Beaujolais NV

Duet of North Carolina Goat Cheese

Semifreddo, Jalapeno Glaze, Crisp Purse, Arugula

Xavier Weisskopf “Le Rocher des Violettes” Montlouis Demi-Sec, Loire 2011

Domaine Merlin-Cherrier Sancerre, Loire 2012

Pan Seared Scottish Salmon

Oyster Mushroom Ragout, Fried French Horn Mushrooms, Beet Mashed Potatoes

Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Maranges 1er Cru “Fussiere,” Burgundy 2011

Braised Short Ribs

Duck Confit Risotto, Crispy Local Collards

Domaine de la Garrelière “le Rouge,” Loire, 2011

Château Coupe Roses “Cuvee Vignals,” Minervois 2011

Chocolate Crepe

Lavendar Crème Anglaise, Blue Cheese Whipped Cream

Château Unang, Cotes de Ventoux 2009