Wine at home

   Had friends over for dinner recently. We shared some pretty good wines!

Upcoming Wine Dinner

   Mark your calendar- I will be hosting a wine dinner at Cafe Pasta (cafepasta.com) on March 20. 

  Part of the draw is a partnership with the new shop on State Street, Rhyme and Reason, an artisan chocolate maker. We will be pairing the chocolate dessert course with zinfandel.

Another Great Meal at Pangaea!

   My wife and I went to Pangaea (pangaeabistro.com) after the Neil Diamond matinee at Tanger Center ("A Beautiful Noise"). Another great meal!

   Bartender Alexis Rosas is a wizard. 

This is The Cuban or "Old Havana." It's based on dark rum, and it is wonderful!

Scallops Rockefeller is one of my favorite first courses.

Yucca Balls are filled with melted cheese. Another favorite.

(You get five. I ate two of them before I remembered to take a photo.)

My main couse was Cioppino. Mixed seafoods in tomato broth, with grilled bread.

My wife got Mussels, her favorite. 

  The concept here is based on cuisines from around the world, a reflection of Chef/partner Carlos Roman's international experience. He studied culinary arts at Santana International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts in Puerto Rico. In 2010, he became a chef at the Ritz Carlton in San Juan, subsequently moving to Ritz Carltons in Aruba, Atlanta-Buckhead, Santa Barbara, and Thailand, as well as the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort. 

  Floor manager/partner Juan Cirino studied culinary arts in high school in Puerto Rico. He was lead bartender at the Condado Plaza by Hilton before he moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He and Chef Roman were friends in high school. After relocation to Greensboro, he was General Manager at the well-regarded White and Wood for six years.

  This is a winning team!