Showing posts with label Spring Mountain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring Mountain. Show all posts

Sunday, December 09, 2007

CraftSteak at MGM Grand Las Vegas

While in New York earlier this year we dined at Tom Colicchio's CraftSteak. My husband loved the meal and I thought it was very good as well, and when given the opportunity to dine at CraftSteak in Las Vegas we had to try out this "sibling restaurant".

The restaurant is located next door to Emeril's, Fiamma and other fine dining restaurants at the MGM Grand. The space is contemporary and has a sleek, clean look with dark wood, leather, stainless steel, warm colors at the walls, and a large bar at the entrance.

As a party of six we got seated promptly at arrival. We all started of by sharing some starters as the portions are huge and more than enough for two. I had the Roasted Baby Beets, red and pink beets slowly rated in the oven and served over a few micro greens. Simple, flavorful and delicious. I also tasted the Arugula Salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Fresh and light. The third couple had the Romaine Hearts "Caesar" and gave it thumbs up.

For entree I choose the Rack of Lamb and my husband and friend shared the Porterhouse for Two. When I ordered my lamb I was recommended to order it medium as it is two thick pieces of meat that will come out more like medium-rare, my usual preference. I ordered as suggested and to my disappointment, cutting into it upon arrival at the table, it actually came out as a true medium. Never the less a very nice cut of meat with great flavor. The Porterhouse came out as ordered and was juicy, tender and full of flavor as well.

We shared an array of side dishes at the table. Trio of Mushrooms, a blend of roasted chantarelles, hen of the woods, and baby shitake was my favorite, along with the Yukon Gold Puree, the most delicious, rich and creamy potato puree I have ever tasted (I do not even want to think about all the butter that went into that dish). The top pick at the table as it did not last long.
Other good side dishes were the Green Beans topped with almonds, and theFries that was perfectly seasoned and crisp.

Moving on to dessert we were all stuffed but me and my friend had to try a couple of them and we picked the Liquid Chocolate Cake with Persian Mint Chip Ice Cream, and the Pumpkin Cheesecake. Both wonderful although the chocolate cake disappeared of the plate very quickly.

When it comes to the wine selection I started by ordering the Brewer-Clifton 2005 Cargasacchi, Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, which I have enjoyed before and turned out to be a great start for the meal.
For the entree I selected the Barnett Vineyards 2002 Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon. Big and chewy with plenty of fruit and balanced tannins, this was a "crowd pleaser" at the table, and went perfect with our steaks.

Over all everybody in our party thought that the dinner was great, and I was very pleased to see that the quality in service and food that we experienced in New York also made it to the Las Vegas location, which is unfortunately not always the case when a restaurant branches out. If you are looking for a good steak house next time you are in Vegas this one should definitely be on your list.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Spring Mountain Tasting

Last week my local wine store had a great wine tasting. Featuring 10 wineries from the Spring Mountain District in Napa Valley this was a great opportunity to taste and compare how different wineries in the same appellation showed their uniqueness through their wines. I did not have a bad wine during the whole night but want to mention a couple of standouts.
A new winery to me was the Peacock Family Vineyard. Apart from the label being gorgeous, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon was full of wonderful dark fruit and berries with a nice amount of tannins($65). Very much drinkable right now. The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon was even more dense in the fruit and berries, hiding the tannins, and requires a taste for that expression of Cabernet.
Barnett Vineyards poured their well known Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon which was delicious as usual (the 2003 vintage for $65). Two varieties that I have not tasted from them before was chardonnay and pinot noir. Their 2005 "Sangiacomo Vineyard" Carneros chardonnay ($29) was really nice and fresh. Great balance between not to sweet tropical fruit, a hint of oak and light cream. Perfect late summer wine.
I am a big pinot noir fan, and knowing pinot is not Barnett's priority I did not expect what swirled down my throat after my first sip of this wine. The 2005 "Tina Maria Vineyard" Russian River Valley ($37) was a clear surprise. Despite it's youth, very approachable with full, lush, red berries with nice structure and tannins to carry it up. I will get some of this for my cellar...
Fantesca Estate was another winery with some great wines, among them their 2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($60). Their winemaker is Kirk and Nils Venge who owns Saddleback Cellars, which I am a fan of, making it extra exciting to taste the these wines. The frosted diamond patterned bottle makes this a great exciting wine to give as a gift.
Some other great wine I had came from Frias Family Vineyard, Cain and Robert Keenan Winery. All in all a fantastic tasting. What a night...