WFSO Progressive Dinner
September 27, 2008
WWT and WFSO members Greg Bunnell and Bill Kimmer joined forces with their lovely and talented brides, Cami and Pat, for this year's Bull Mountain Progressive Dinner. Cami and Pat decided early on that the theme would marry white wine and seafood. After they decided on the menu, Greg and Bill were up the challenge of finding just the right wine pairing to complement each course.
The event was limited to fourteen including the hosts and "sold out" before the final pairings had been made. Those WFSO members attending included Nora Berwick, Arlene Hardwood, Jim Galbraith, Mara Kershaw, Janie Kershaw, Joe and Martha Majors, Ted Olson, Don Young, and Martha Berndt. We all toasted the lovely Autumn day with a wonderful sparkler, a Gruet Blanc de Noirs Brut.
The first two courses were held at the Kimmer's home on their back lower deck and gazebo. Bill and Pat set up two gorgeous areas for the guests, one on the lower deck and the other at their gazebo. The gazebo was the perfect setting - looking west towards Mt. Hood and the garden fresh out of a magazine with a soothing water feature.
The Preludes included Steamed Clams in a wine broth, Thai Rolls with Crab, Basil and Mint, Romanesco Cauliflower Tart with Gruyere and Parmesan, and Grilled Limoncello Shrimp on Rosemary Skewers. With these four appetizers, we all sampled from three wines, a 2006 Belle Pente Pinot Gris, a 2006 Anselmo Mendes Andreza Alvarinho, and a 2007 Meville Vernas Estate Viognier.
Most attending had not tasted the Alvarinho before and only some had tried a Viognier. The Belle Pente Pinot Gris was fresh and crisp and was a perfect match for the clams and cauliflower tart. The Portuguese Alvarinho was a crowd favorite and went well with the spicier dishes. The Melville Viognier had great mouth feel and balance. The only thing missing from this course was another bottle of the Alvarinho.
For the second course, a Gingered Carrot Soup Shooter with Seared Scallops with Mango and Avocado over Mixed Greens, we headed to the Rhone Valley and tasted a 2005 Domaine des Remizieres Cuvee Christophe Crozes Hermitage Blanc. Bill and Greg had tried this wine prior to the event and agreed it was the perfect match for the scallops accented with the fresh mango and avocado - the course did not disappoint.
For the third course, en Premier, we all took the long journey over the the Bunnell's house for a formal sit down meal. Cami prepared a Salmon Wellington with Crab and Brie Stuffing encased in puff pastry, Asparagus Risotto, and Green Beans with Fresh Tomatos and Roasted Pine Nuts. To accompany this course, we tried three Chardonnay's, all from California. They included a 2003 Patz & Hall Durell Vineyard from Rutherford, a 2003 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch from Carneros, and a 2000 Brewer-Clifton Mount Carmel from Santa Ynez Valley.
To go with the Salmon Wellington, Cami prepared two sauces, a Lime Butter and a Beurre Blanc - most guests tried both sauces. The Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay stole the wine flight with intense fruit and a finish that seemed to last forever. Cami went to great lengths to stay on theme with her place setting that included fresh flowers submerged in water.
After eating like royalty, we made the trek back over to the Kimmer's home for the final course, a White Chocolate Tiramisu Trifle with Spices Pears and Caramel Pots de Creme with Madeleine Cookies. For this course, Bill and Greg decided to pair a 2002 JJ Christoffel Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese from Germany. As it turned out, it was a good call. The contrast between the sweetness of the Auslese and the caramel flavors was amazing.
The weather was absolute perfect for this year's Progessive Dinner. Hats off to Pat and Cami for putting together such a wonderful menu and making this year's event one to never forget.
Hosts Pat and Bill Kimmer and Cami Bunnell prepping.
For a copy of the menu, click here: Menu
Jim Galbraith and Mara Kershaw
Martha Berndt and Don Young
Pat Kimmer and Ted Olson
Bill Kimmer, Arlene Harwood, Nora Berwick and Martha and Joe Majors
Cami and Greg Bunnell