A Taste of Luxury

...was the name of the flight of three wines I had last weekend at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay, CA. I had it at the Wine Room which serves wine by the bottle, by the glass or in flights. A flight is always a good way of trying different wines and with about eight flights to choose from there was something for every palate. I picked a flight named A Taste of luxury which included Opus 2002, Merryvale Profile 2002 and Lewis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. I'm not usually a big fan of Opus (I think it's overrated) but the 2002 was actually very nice with restrained dark berries, minerals and good tannins. Even better was the Merryvale Profile with blackberry and black currant. The highest score (from me) went to Lewis, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve with dark berries, raspberry and caramel. Very nicely balanced, smooth and a pleasure to sip.

Later that night we went to the adjacent Navio for dinner. We started of with the Yellow Beet Salad and a bowl of the Half Moon Bay Artichoke Risotto. I continued with the Black Bass with Belgian Endive, Carmalized Figs and Foie Gras glaze. My husband ordered the Braised Creekstone Farm Short Ribs served over Polenta. All enjoyed with a great bottle of Ramey, Jericho Vineyard 2003. This was all delicious but the dessert, Molten Chocolate Cake, just blew me away.
I have tried every recipe of Molten Chocolate Cake I've gotten my hands over the last years. I have also tried it in every restaurant I've set my foot in. So when I say this is one of the best ones out there, you'd better believe it. Perfectly molten, rich, decadent chocolate with a scoop of perfect vanilla ice cream. I want another one!

A word on the hotel itself. Situated in the most beautiful, relaxing location with excellent service from the staff. Long walks along the bluffs and a good book by your very own fire pit outside your patio door. We just loved our weekend in Half Moon Bay that truly had A Taste of Luxury...