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Dear Wine and Food Lover,
The AOC region of Gaillac in the Southwest of France, is one of the oldest wine-producing areas in France, with vineyards cultivated since Roman times, around 125 BC.
This area is special not only for its long history and the impeccable quality of its wines, but is special because rather than mimicking the wines of Bordeaux and other better known regions by planting ubiquitous grape varieties, Gaillac producers have decided to maintain the unique character of their wine, by retaining the area's historical grape varieties as its principal components. Thus, here, you can find interesting spicy, fun and food-friendly wines made from ancient grape varietals such as Mauzac, Len de l'El, Duras, and Braucol.
The winemaker of one outstanding Gaillac winery, Chateau d'Arlus, Mr. Lucien Schmitt, will be in town from 30th April, 2008 to 7th May, 2008, and we have planned for you THREE special Winemaker Dinners for you to demonstrate how well these unique, high-spirited wines match with food.
1. 30th April, 2008: 'Provencal Cuisine-Gaillac Wines' Guest Chef and Winemaker Dinner at the Park Lane Hong Kong's Riva Restaurant ($680.00+10% service charge/person) featuring the special Provencal-inspired creations of one-star Michelin chef Eric Maio of Fontaines d'Aragon.
2. 3rd May, 2008: 'Ancient Grapes, Modern Wines' Gaillac Winemaker Dinner at Rive Droite-Rive Gauche French Restaurant, 2/F., Onfem Tower, 29 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong. ($638.00 net/person and ONLY $598.00 net/person for registrations on/before 26th April, 2008) featuring the French-Mediterranean Gastronomic creations of celebrated French Chef Cedric Alexandra, former Executive Chef of Hotel LKF's legendary 'Azure' restaurant and present Food & Beverage Manager of 'Rive Droite-Rive Gauche' French restaurant.
3. 5th May, 2008: 'Le French May 2008' Winemaker Dinner at La Brasserie, Basement, Marco Polo Gateway Hotel. Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui ($710.00 + 10% service charge per person).
Please find attached the two posters and menus for the event.
Please call Cottage Vineyards (International) Limited by Tel. at 2395 1293, or reply this email at tastings@cottagevineyards.com, to reserve a seat in what we guarantee to be an experience you will never forget!
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Ada Leung
Managing Director
Cottage Vineyards (International) Limited
Date: 5th May 2008 (Monday)
Time: 7:00 pm – Cocktails and Canapés
7:45pm – Dinner 10:00pm – Lucky Draw
Venue: La Brasserie, Gateway, 13 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Price: $888 per person
$710 per Marco Polo Dining Club member AND Cottage Vineyards (Intl) Email List
(All prices are subject to 10% service charge)
Reservations: 2113 – 7925
LE FRENCH MAY 2008 Wine Dinner Menu
By Didier Rochat
APÉRITIF
Champagne Gratiot Delugny Brut NV
APPETIZER
Velouté de courge à l’huile de truffe et sa gelée de crabe
Pumpkin velouté with truffle oil and crab jelly
Josmeyer Gewürztraminer ‘Les Folastries’ 2005
STARTERS
Foie gras de canard poêlé, pommes acidulées et sauce calvados
Pan-seared duck foie gras on apple and calvados sauce
Chateau D’Arlus Blanc Doux (Mauzac) (500mL)
Coquilles Saint Jacques poêlées, crème d’oursin et polenta
Pan-seared scallops in a sea urchin cream sauce and corn meal
Chateau D’Arlus Gaillac Rosé 2007 (Gamay/Syrah)
Sorbet au thym
Thyme sherbet
MAIN COURSES
Filet de bœuf rôti, jus à l’ail confit et gratin dauphinois
Pan seared beef tenderloin, garlic confide sauce with potato gratin
Or
Filet de bar poêle, crème de moules aux échalotes et purée au pesto
Pan-seared sea bass fillet in creamy mussel sauce and basil mashed potato
Domaine Michel Juillot Mercurey Rouge 1er Cru ‘Clos Tonnerre’ 2005 (Pinot Noir)
Desserts
Fondant au chocolat au lait, glace pistache et croquant nougatine
Warm chocolate milk fondant with pistachio ice cream and nougatine
Domaine Rabasse Charavin ‘Capricious’ (Grenache)
Café ou thé et petits fours
Coffee or tea and petits fours
