I just had the fabulous experience of attending the Rochester Wine School's Everyday Food and Wine course. It was held at the Webster branch of the Make and Take Gourmet and our daugher had a blast at the Little Gym right next door while hubby and I sampled wines from around the world.
Apart from the wine tastings in the Finger Lakes wineries, I had never went to a wine tasting class before. What a treat! Andrew and I had samples of wine that owner of Rocwineschool.com Andrea Bornheim selected specifically for the menu we were served from the Make and Take Gourmet.
There were 8 other folks there and we sat together and chatted while Andrea described the wines we were drinking and how they went with the food. We started out with a Lemon Pepper Tilapia paired with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Both were light and citrusy and a great way to start.
Then we tried the Chicken Picatta with a surprisingly light yet buttery Chardonnay from Gallo. This was Andrew's favorite pair - so incredibly rich but not overpowering. Yummy!
Next, we went to Sicily for some Pizza Meatloaf with a Tenuta Rapitala wine made from Nero d'Avola grape. This wine went well with Italian food and was extremely hearty.
Although Argentina doesn't export many wines, the Trumpeter Malbec matched the Cola Roast we sampled to a tee. This was my favorite pairing. I've never had a Cola Roast before and the Make and Take Gourmet of Webster made it so sweet and tender, I felt like I was back in my mom's kitchen eating dinner!
Last, but not least, was the dessert wine: Ricossa Moscato d'Asti from Italy. I "puffy heart" this wine! It is lightly sweet and fizzy and cleanses the palate.
OMG, what an amazing experience. Andrew and I were there for over 2 hours and the time just flew chatting with each other, learning about how to pair wines, and sampling some delicious food. I believe this course is offered every month, as the menu of Make and Take Gourmet changes. We Rochesterians are so lucky to have 2 such wonderful resources as the Rochester Wine School and Make and Take Gourmet in our area.
Andrew and I went to the Grand Opening of the Memorial Art Gallery's new exhibit on Russian Icons the next weekend. There was food and dancing and fine art to peruse and we had a nice time. But all in all, we much preferred the casual dining and education we received at the Everyday Food and Wine course. It is truly a feast for the senses.
All I can say is, "When are we going back again?"
Enjoy,
Rebecca Wolf