My husband Chris & I had a great dinner at the Starlight in Sebastopol this past weekend.  Owners Ted & Heather Van Doorn (pictured) have been big supporters of Lutea since my first 2004 vintage.  Chef Thaddeus Palmese’s cajun inspired cuisine makes this Southern girl very happy!  Add to it: a great setting with a cool vibe and the fact that the three of them are some of the nicest people you’ll come across, it makes for a great evening!

We took our seats in the packed restaurant, which is a remodeled Pullman train car.  Our meal started with 2 glasses of bubbles.  I had the Gruet from New Mexico.   It has been one of our favorites for years, so much so, we poured it at our wedding!  We also enjoyed a lovely Prosecco.  For an appetizer we chose the blue crab cake.  I like the local Dungeness crab, but it does not compare to the sweet and delicate blue crab.  The cake was loaded with crab, had a crisp Panko crust and was served over an apple slaw.  It was divine!

For dinner I chose grilled Monterey Bay sardines over greens with a poached egg, shaved Parmesan and a tangy lemon vinagrette.   It was great with the Gruet bubbles.  Chris had the gumbo, which was classic with shrimp, chicken and spicy sausage in a delicious saucy dark roux.  He paired it with the “Starlight” flight of pinot noir, which of course included Lutea!  All of the wines were great, balanced, food friendly and local- what’s not to like?

For dessert, an individual apple pie with cinnamon ice cream- all made in house, of course.  It was as good as it sounds, with a very flaky and flavorful crust- which is not easy as anyone who makes pie crust knows.  Two cups of excellent coffee ensured we made it home!

Thanks to Ted, Heather & Thaddeus for a great evening!  If you haven’t already, you must go enjoy a great meal at the Starlight!

We are lovin’ the response to our 2007 pinot noir!  More of the best restaurant’s in Sonoma County are pouring Lutea than ever before!  Go enjoy a glass at Underwood Bar & Grill in Graton or Zazu and Bistro 29 in Santa Rosa!  We’d also like to thank the amazing Starlight Wine Bar for pouring EVERY vintage of Lutea since the beginning in 2004.  Go!  Eat!  Enjoy!

We love our neighborhood restaurants and always jump at the chance to participate in tastings and wine dinners.  Two exceptional events are just around the corner!  The first is at Central Market in Petaluma on Tuesday, January 27th.  Winemaker & owner Suzanne Hagins will be pouring her 07 Pinot Noir’s, suggesting pairings from the fabulous menu and mingling with guests from 6-9 pm.  It’s a casual affair, try the new vintage and enjoy a great dinner!  No charge for the tasting- you can’t beat that!

Next up, a winemaker dinner at the Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant in Forestville on Thursday, January 29th.   Master Sommelier Geoff Kruth will be pairing Lutea Pinot Noir with Chef Steve Litke’s world class cuisine, while winemaker Suzanne Hagins dicusses organic & biodynamic pinot noir.  It will be a memorable evening.  Visit the Farmhouse website for details and contact information.

We hope to see you at both!