Kathy Foord
Our November Wine Club dinner on Nov. 15 was a huge success. The 140 members present voted to accept the minor bylaw changes and then President Jeri Lynne Jones introduced Michael Phillips, part owner of Michael David Winery in Lodi, Calif. Michael explained that he is one half of the name and his younger brother David is the other partner, hence the name Michael David Winery. They started their winery in 1984 and have gotten better and better, winning several awards.
The reception was held in Chianti’s where guests were treated to Michael David Sauvignon Blanc. We mingled before dinner and had the opportunity to buy raffle tickets for the several bottles of wine that were given out between courses of the dinner. As always, the profits from the raffle ticket sales were donated to Kare Bears.
We then moved into the ballroom where the tables were beautifully set. Our meal started with a first course of polenta, baked brie, smoked honeycomb, topped with shaved fresh fennel. Michael David Chardonnay was the perfect accompaniment. Next, we were served baby frisee lettuce, herbed pie crust chunks, red berries, and farmers market cheese with espresso vinaigrette. This salad course paired nicely with the Inkblot Cabernet Franc. The crowd-pleasing entree choices this month were veal osso buco, herb seared halibut, or vegetarian. We enjoyed our main courses with Inkblot Petite Syrah. Always a highlight of the evening, our dessert was a black mission fig chocolate tart, with blackberry whipped cream and fresh berries. This lovely dessert was accompanied by Rapture Cabernet, an award-winning wine from Michael David Winery. Throughout the dinner, owner Michael Phillips circulated around the room to visit with guests and answer questions.
Compliments to the chef for his creative and delicious dishes. Compliments as well to the serving staff who worked hard to get everyone’s meals served promptly. Our December dinner/gala was held on Tuesday, Dec. 13. This Christmas Gala is our annual charity event where several lots of wine and beautiful baskets are auctioned off in a silent auction, with profits benefiting Kare Bears.