60088 Wed May 05 21:23:21 -0700 2004 9 2 Los Angeles Area 0 317485 Today was my birthday so we decided to live large at Spago and order their tasting menu with wine pairings. The meal took a little over three hours and was superb on every level. I won't bother to re-list all of the courses, since Alice did a very nice job in her post of a week or so ago. There were a few differences between what she was served and what came today. One of them was a white aspagarus double appetizer with one side done as an asparagus salad and the other plate serving warm asparagus on toast with a very rich morel sauce. Outstanding. All of the amuse bouches were terrific, especially the foie gras mousse on a quince tart. The quince was a perfect foil for the rich mousse. The black sea bass and duck breast dishes were both extraordinary. I should also mention the cheese course which offered about a dozen perfectly ripe gems. I can't say enough about this meal. It was easily the best I have had in Los Angeles in years. Wed May 05 21:23:21 -0700 2004 0 Bob Brooks 1 317489 How much was it and what was the wine selection? I'm thinking of taking my father for his B-Day. Thanks. Wed May 05 22:41:37 -0700 2004 317485 0 Grog 2 317490 It was pricey. $85 per for the tasting with $50.00 supplement for the wine. They add the service charge for you so, out the door with tax and tip it came to $359.00. I know that is a lot but, compared to the last tasting menu I did at Aureole in Vegas that almost made me swear off tasting menus forever, it was a relative bargain. The wines were all wonderful. They came as follows: Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose (France)NV Gruner Veltliner by Lorimer (Austria)2001 Verdejo Martinsancha (Spain) 2002 Mercurey "Le Pontot" Colin-Deleger (France) 2001 Chambolle-Musigny "Vielle Vignes" " Arland (France) 2001 Tempranillo Dehesa La Granja, Zamora (Spain) 1999 Ten Year old tawny port with cheese (forgot name) Wed May 05 22:54:23 -0700 2004 317489 0 Bob Brooks 3 317532 Not a bad list of wines by any means. Thank you. The Loimer GV is a very decent rendition of this over looked varietal. I assume it was the "Langenlois". Colin-Deleger is a very reputable house as well as the up and coming NBI star Cyprien Arlaud. Have not tried the Martinsancha, but the Dehesa La Granja is very good Tempranillo along the lines of Artadi. If the 10 year Tawny is Taylor, I'll be a happy man. I'm very happy to see a wine list absent of American wines. Bravo! Thu May 06 09:55:28 -0700 2004 317490 0 Grog 4 317685 Do you dislike American wines?? Fri May 07 12:38:17 -0700 2004 317532 0 Funwithfood 5 317690 Not really. What I dislike are wines that are out of balance, over-hyped, redundant and overpriced. Unfortunately, many American wines fit this mold, IMHO. Just one look at the pricing of the 2001 Calif. Cabernet Sauvignons from local retailers is shocking. To see wines like Gruner Veltliners and Verdejos on a list is encouraging and smart. They are usually well made for the price point and still flying below the radar. I've always been attracted to the underdog and applaud brave retailers/wine buyers who support these overlooked appelations. David Rosoff (sp?) of Opaline is a perfect example. Fri May 07 12:58:01 -0700 2004 317685 0 Grog 6 317740 We got turned off to French wines years ago. We found California wines to be much higher rated (Wine Spectator) than the French wines sold at comparable prices. We are able to get "90" and above wines at the Wine Exchange for under $25. Can you recommend some great French wines (90 and above, priced under $30). (Note: we like reds.) Fri May 07 17:54:22 -0700 2004 317690 0 Funwithfood 7 317763 I'd like to help you, but I'm afraid my purchasing strategy is not based point scores. I'd suggest you continue shopping at WineEx and speak to the staff there. They know all the scores. Just curious, what turned you off to French wines? Was it just the scores? Fri May 07 19:16:28 -0700 2004 317740 0 Grog 8 317764 I just remember buying some French wines in my price range, and being very disappointed. It seemed as though there was a *significantly* better value in California wines. So, I concluded "why pay more for a lesser wine?". Additionally, it is much easier to choose an American wine because we label by the varietal. It requires some study to learn the French appelations, etc. I suppose if I tasted some fabulous French wines in my price range, it would pique my interest to become more informed. Fri May 07 19:28:05 -0700 2004 317763 0 Funwithfood 1 317519 Happy Happy Birthday Bob! I'm really glad you really enjoyed your experience! I hope you had a very happy day! ~Alice Thu May 06 02:42:12 -0700 2004 317485 0 Alice