Showing posts with label Vue 24. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vue 24. Show all posts

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Silver Oak Wine Dinner at Foxwood's VUE 24

Social Media Promotion:  


Vue 24 and Silver Oak Cellars Wine Pairing Dinner
at Foxwoods Resort Casino


Around this time of year the hustle and bustle of the holidays starts kicking in and I begin to feel a little overwhelmed and a wee bit overextended. So, when Foxwood's Resort Casino's marketing team reached out to us with an invite to their upcoming Silver Oak Napa Valley Wine Dinner at Vue 24, I jumped at the chance!!

It just so happened to fall on the Thursday before my birthday so it offered the perfect opportunity to relax over a delicious dinner and discover some new California wines, that just may end up in someone's Christmas stocking! (shhhhh - it's our little secret, right??)


Vue 24 is located on the 24th floor of Foxwood's Grand Pequot Tower - and the panoramic views from their dining room are unparalleled. We arrived just in time to catch this beautiful sunset.



In spite of not being true "wine connoisseurs" we love these wine pairing dinners! You see, these dinners are quite informative to even the novice wine lover - and allows an opportunity to learn more about wines in general. What a great way to receive some tips for pairing wines for upcoming dinner parties or holiday gatherings!



This was the first time we sat in the lounge area of Vue 24 and there was quite a different vibe. A bit more casual and relaxed than the formal dining area, it was none the less an intimate and fun area to partake in a luxurious dinner and dining experience.

Hors d'oeuvres  were pre-set when we arrived along with a delicious 'not too sweet - and not too dry' - a Brut, Roederer Estate, from Anderson Valley, California. We toasted to a great evening of delicious wine, fun conversation, and amazing food!

Cheers!
Winemaker Notes: All the Anderson Valley wines are grown on the Estate, and each year, the winemaker selects a portion of the best wines for aging in Center of France oak casks. Aged from one to three years, wines from this reserve cellar are added to the blend, creating a multi-vintage cuvee in the traditional Roederer style, known for its body, finesse and depth of flavor.   Source: wine.com

Our starters for the evening included some delicious crostinis and cracked wheat flatbread with salmon, goat cheese, and beef with pickled onions. So tasty and the perfect start!



First Course Vue 24 Silver Oaks Wine Pairing Dinner

For our first course we had some delicious Pan Seared Atlantic Scallops with a Crispy Cured Pork Belly Spiral, prepared with Roasted Braeburn Apples, Petite Greens and a Connecticut Cider Beurre Blanc sauce drizzle.

Pan Seared Scallops at Vue 24

This was paired with a Napa Valley California Chardonnay from Napa Cellars.

Winemaker Notes: Classic Napa Valley Chardonnay characteristics unique to this region with aromas of fresh floral notes, toasted apple strudel, tangerine rind, and pear blossoms to excite the senses.  Source: wine.com

Main Course Boeuf Duo (loosely translated to Beef Duo)

Our main course was a delicious, perfectly cooked Shallot Butter Roasted Filet Mignon along with a melt in your mouth Cabernet Braised Short Rib prepared atop a Vanilla Scented Parsnip Puree, with green Cress garnish, and a Demi-Glace.

Chef Michael Yaffe never disappoints at these events, developing the most delicious sauces with each course and offering patrons items that are not typically offered. The parsnip puree was a big hit at our table, and we overheard others voicing the same pleasure!

Shallot Butter Roasted Filet Mignon,
the
 Cabernet Braised Short Rib i
s hidden beneath the greens!

The main course was accompanied by our host winery's Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California. We loved this pairing - the Cabernet Sauvignon hit all the right notes with those delicious cuts of beef. It was bold and flavorful and our table voted this the best match of food and wine.

Winemaker Notes: An elegant representation of Napa Valley Cabernet from a cool vintage that presents an opaque garnet hue and reveals aromas of sandalwood and roasted meats. Flavors of vanilla, coffee beans and raspberries are buttressed by dusty tannins, firm acidity and a mouth-coating texture. Given proper cellaring, this wine should provide drinking pleasure through 2029. Source: wine.com

Finishing Dessert Course at Vue 24:

For our dessert course we were treated to a wonderful Pecan and Cranberry Tart with a Raspberry Sauce Garnish prepared by pastry chef extraordinaire, Franck Iglesias, who operates CAKE by Franck at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Pecan Tart at Vue 24

The dessert course was paired with my favorite of the night (you KNOW I love my wines sweet) a Chiarlo Moscato d’Asti Nivole. This wine paired nicely with the sweet and tart flavors of our dessert.

Winemaker Notes: A sweet, fragrant, lightly sparkling wine has vivid aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, grapefruit and sage on a light body with a delicate finish typical of Moscato d’Asti. Source: wine.com


If you have the opportunity, be sure to attend a wine pairing dinner at Vue 24 to enjoy some informative background and history about your soon to be favorite wines, wineries, and vineyards - and enjoy the delicious foods and flavors that one of Foxwood's finest restaurants has to offer.

VUE 24 is located on the 24th floor
in the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino

VUE 24 

Foxwoods Resort Casino
 350 Trolley Line Blvd.
 Mashantucket, CT 06338
1-800-369-9663
https://www.foxwoods.com/VUE-24/

About Foxwoods:

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the premier resort destination in the Northeast. As the largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods offers a vast array of gaming in six casinos; AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants from gourmet to quick service, world-renowned spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, and exclusive retailers. Perfect for both recreation and business, Foxwoods provides modern and versatile convention and meeting space to infuse new life into any meeting or event. Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. For a comprehensive look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.

About Silver Oak Winery

For 40 years, Silver Oak has been producing exceptional, food-friendly Cabernets that are extensively aged to be drinkable upon release. Perfect for big dinners or impromptu celebrations, their Alexander Valley and Napa Valley Cabernet wines are as distinctive as they are delicious. For more information visit www.silveroak.com/

Disclaimer: I was invited to VUE 24 by members of the restaurant's management and marketing team, however, all views and opinions are my own.

© Home Place 2016

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Nickel & Nickel Wine Dinner at VUE 24 Foxwoods

Social Media Promotion : Sponsored   


Foxwoods' VUE 24 Wine Dinner 

featuring Nickel & Nickel Winery


This summer has been so busy and filled with such fun activities! I'm still catching up with all my blog recaps and it seems like summer is slipping away quickly. Luckily we've been pretty fortunate here in Connecticut - the summer was quite temperate until mid-August when the heat and humidity hit. I'm not complaining, because fall is quickly approaching, which means winter is right around the corner. 


As I sit here getting caught up with my writing on this three day Labor Day weekend I'm sipping a glass of Nickel & Nickel Chardonnay that I first sampled this summer at a Wine Dinner we were invited to in August at Foxwood Resort Casino's VUE 24 Restaurant.



There is nothing quite like a wine dinner where you get to learn about the vineyards and wine growing techniques and how important the weather, location, and harvesting are. Representatives from the restaurant and the winery filled us in on the details of each of the wines served and believe me, in addition to delicious, it is always quite informational.




Not only do we learn about the wine, but we learn how and why the food is paired with each selection. It's a wonderful way to sample some new wines and find out the reasons why you like them - and ways that you can partner your favorite wines with your favorite foods!





Because the cowboy was unable to attend, I asked Nicole who was home that weekend to accompany me. It was her first time visiting Foxwoods Resort Casino so of course we stopped in the casino for just a few minutes before dinner. In spite of being lucky to be invited to the wine dinner, the slot machine luck just wasn't there for us that night. Oh well! We proceeded to the Grand Pequot Tower to let the fun tasting begin!

Upon arrival we sampled some delicious hors d'oeuvres which were paired with a delicious Veuve Clicquot. We loved the combination of the Smoked Salmon Crostini, Scallops and Pork Belly Bites, and Infused Goat Cheese on Crispy Sesame Seed Crackers, and (not pictured) some delicious Consommé - with the delicious Veuve Clicquot.

 HORS D’OEUVRES
Smoked Salmon Crostini,

Scallops and Pork Belly Bites,  
Infused Goat Cheese on Crispy Sesame Seed Crackers

Our first course was "Crabe Bleu" pairing a delicious Soft Shelled Crab with Hearty Heirloom Tomatoes, along with some Sweet Watermelon, and Vidalia Onions. This was paired with Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses which is bottled absolutely beautifully (the bottle is rose shaped). We learned that it comes in rosé and white. and that Cote des Roses is the name of the coastal area near the village of Gruissan. This wine was fresh and fruity and partnered with the contrasting flavors of the sweet watermelon and crab wonderfully.


CRABE BLEU
Pan-Fried Soft Shell Blue Crab, Heirloom Tomato,
Watermelon, Vidalia Onion, Basil, Cassis Vinaigrette
Paired with Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses


Our second course was headlined as "Morue Noire" - loosely translated to the black cod of the ocean. This course featured a Butter Roasted Black Cod, with the sweetest Smoked Littleneck Clams, served with a Mangalista Jam, along with Braised Swiss Chard, Lemon Bercy. The wine paired with this dish was Nickel & Nickel Chardonnay Truchard Vineyard. This chardonnay did not disappoint and the pairing brought out the fruit flavors, controlled acidity and that minerality that make Chardonnays so distinctive.

MORUE NOIRE
Butter Roasted Black Cod, Smoked Littleneck Clams,
Mangalista Jam—n, Braised Swiss Chard, Lemon Bercy
Nickel & Nickel Chardonnay Truchard Vineyard


Our entree, the third course was "Veau" - a delicious Summery Cherry Dusted Veal Ribeye, with Melted Onion, Summer Pea Ragou, and a Cabernet Sauvignon Demi-Glace. My veal was absolutely divine, perfectly cooked and oh so tender. And kudos to Chef Michael Yaffe for that divine demi-glace sauce which was bold enough to stand up to the wine and the veal. Absolutely delicious!

Our veal was partnered with Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon C.C. Ranch and was our table's favorite of the night.

The winemaker's notes on this year say,
"the Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon is elegantly perfumed with delicate floral notes mixed with ripe, red raspberries. These characteristics are reflected on the palate with flavors of raspberry and cherry, blended with a hint of licorice and signature Rutherford dust. Vanilla and toast from the French oak add warmth and flavor, while the wine's lively acidity allows the flavors to linger on the palate. Soft and supple, yet generously rich, this wine is one that pops from start to finish." 
(From http://www.wine.com/v6/Nickel-and-Nickel-CC-Ranch-Cabernet-Sauvignon-2012/wine/)
VEAU
Summer Cherry Dusted Veal Ribeye, Melted Onion,
Summer Pea Ragout, Cabernet Sauvignon Demi-Glace
Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon C.C. Ranch


For our dessert and final course we finished our tasting with "Millefeulle de Fruit Rouges" a light Caramelized Puff Pastry, Lemon Madeleine, Vanilla Cream, with a combination of Mixed Summer Berries. The Dolce Winery Late Harvest wine this dessert was paired with was another hit for me. If you've read my wine dinner recaps before, you know I'm always drawn to a sweet wine, and this one was a winner.This wine delivered a combination of  aroma and flavor, with a velvety sweetness and texture.

 MILLEFEUILLE DE FRUIT ROUGES
Caramelized Puff Pastry, Lemon Madeleine, Vanilla Cream,
Mixed Summer Berries
Dolce Winery Late Harvest

Without hesitation I would recommend that you attend a wine dinner, particularly those presented at Foxwoods Resort Casino's VUE 24. The atmosphere is wonderful, and really, that is what makes any good dinner memorable. Gathering with friends and family, breaking bread, and sipping wine is  certainly one way to enjoy our time together and celebrate life.





In addition to enjoying great company, the views from the 24th floor of the Grand Pequot Tower are amazing, food is always on point with paired wines, and without fail, we walk away educated about the winery and the wines that are served.




VUE 24 is located on the 24th floor
in the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino

VUE 24 

Foxwoods Resort Casino
 350 Trolley Line Blvd.
 Mashantucket, CT 06338
1-800-369-9663
https://www.foxwoods.com/VUE-24/



About Foxwoods:

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the premier resort destination in the Northeast. As the largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods offers a vast array of gaming in six casinos; AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants from gourmet to quick service, world-renowned spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, and exclusive retailers. Perfect for both recreation and business, Foxwoods provides modern and versatile convention and meeting space to infuse new life into any meeting or event. Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. For a comprehensive look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.


About Nickel & Nickely Single Vineyard Winery:

Nickel & Nickel winery, located in Oakville, Napa Valley, is dedicated exclusively to producing 100 percent varietal, single-vineyard wines that best express the distinct personality of each vineyard.
Learn more about the wines featured at the VUE 24 Wine Dinner, visit www.nickelandnickel.com

Disclaimer: I was invited to VUE 24 by members of the restaurant's management and marketing team, however, all views and opinions are my own.

© Home Place 2016

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Opus One Wine Pairing Dinner at Vue 24 Foxwoods

Social Media Promotion

At Foxwood's VUE 24




A few weeks back we received an invitation to visit Foxwoods Resort Casino's newest restaurant, VUE 24, to participate in a wine pairing dinner featuring Opus One Wines.

We loved the restaurant in its previous life as Paragon Restaurant, and we had also tasted a few of their items at the SAVOR CT press event over the winter, so we were excited to be able to return to experience their full dining experience. It's certainly one of the best views of southeast Connecticut, and add in the Opus One wine pairing and it was a win-win!

Upon arrival we were served some bubbly, and offered our choice of either the Gerard Bertrand Cremant de Limoux Brut Cuvee or the Rosé, Thomas Jefferson 2013. Both were oh so good - but I loved the sweet rosé, of course!



Accompanying the sparkling wines were some appetizers - and while all were good, I absolutely loved the goat cheese crostini and the smoked salmon. Everything was prepared and plated so beautifully.

Mushroom Crostini

Smoked Salmon Crisps

Tuna Tartar

Goat Cheese Crostini with Greek Olives


We listened to some cool jazz tones from Vue 24's resident piano man, and our hosts representing Opus One Wines and Hartley Parker Distributors gave us a bit of background on the wines and welcomed up to VUE 24!



My friend Wendy from Connecticut Lifestyles is always telling me to slow down and relax and enjoy the full dining experience, to take in the ambiance of the restaurant and chat with our fellow dining companions..

Our hosts for the evening voiced similar sentiments. Dining out, especially at someplace as beautiful as Vue 24 is an experience to be savored and enjoyed.

Dine out well. Dine out often. And dine out with friends.

Enjoy the experience!


A toast to good friends and fine food and wine!

Here are some of the delicious courses we experienced.

Our first course was a Rainbow Trout with Honey Roasted Turnips and Citrus Cured Celery. This course was accompanied by Robert Mondavi Oakville Fume Blanc 2013, a delicious white wine.

Rainbow Trout




For our second course we enjoyed Pork Belly with Grilled Baby Gem Lettuce, Roasted Plums, and Cracklings.  This was served with a robust Opus One Napa Valley 2012, a wine comprised of a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

Pork Belly


Our last course was a Coffee Dusted Filet Mignon with King Oyster Mushrooms, Cipollini Onions, and a Black Currant Demi-Glace paired with Opus One Napa Valley 2010.

Filet Mignon


For dessert, we enjoyed a Spring Rhubarb Tart which was accompanied by a Robert Mondavi Moscato d’Oro 2013.

Rhubarb Tart


Our hosts (and my friend Wendy) are right! A wine pairing dinner is an experience to be enjoyed with great friends, good music, fine food, and amazing wine.

Thank you Foxwoods, VUE 24, and Opus Wines for having us! We can't wait for your next special event!

I know YOU'LL enjoy it too. Visit them soon!

VUE 24 is located on the 24th floor in the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods.

Foxwoods Resort Casino

 350 Trolley Line Blvd.
 Mashantucket, CT 06338
1-800-369-9663

https://www.foxwoods.com/VUE-24/

Disclaimer: I was invited to VUE 24 by members of the restaurant's management and marketing team, however, all views and opinions are my own. 

About Foxwoods:

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the premier resort destination in the Northeast. As the largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods offers a vast array of gaming in six casinos; AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants from gourmet to quick service, world-renowned spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, and exclusive retailers. Perfect for both recreation and business, Foxwoods provides modern and versatile convention and meeting space to infuse new life into any meeting or event. Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. For a comprehensive look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.

© Home Place 2016
Real Time Web Analytics