PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Maybe worse than we think, I tried to post a response to you and apparently I've been blackballed.

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Thanks Marssy, same set up for years, Mac running 10.5.8, FireFox 10.0.2. No error message, shut everything down around 10 AM, just fired up again around 1 PM and had to login to CH again. This has only been happening the past month or so.

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Please report back, our go to place for corn smut here downunder in Watsonville closed a number of years ago. Always on the lookout for good nopales.

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Grenache or Rhone blend with it dominant was my first thought.

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

On our trip just a couple of weeks ago, enjoyed Tony's Crab Shack for lunch in Bandon and Alloro Wine Bar and Lord Bennet's for dinners.

We had hoped to try the Requa Inn in Klamath but had continue further south.

Just north of Arcata in Trinidad, the Lighthouse Cafe does a good burger and a strange waffle cone concoction with meat and mashed potato, Trinidad Bay Eatery at 607 Parker is great for lunch or dinner.

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

You choices will vary depending on which route you are taking, Hwy 1 or 101.

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Coming from the left coast, take this with whatever substance is your grain of choice... (sorry)

I've found a (i.e. one) very dry quality vodka martini serves to provide the quick relaxation factor before moving on to the wines. While I do enjoy a good gin, the botanicals always seem to be off putting when followed with a nice glass of vino. YMMV

Cheers,

Dave

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Thanks LR, and as a Canuck loving south of the border Californicator, neither does it have anything to do with nationality. ;>P

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Picked up some Müller-Thurgau while up in Oregon last week. Expect it to go very well with some of our favorite Sichuan offerings back home.

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Thanks for the update and a couple of new recos, Susan. We're up on the north coast right now but home by next week so if you're still making visits and would like company just let us know.

And yes, we cannot visit Hunan without Miss K's buttercream prawn fix.

Cheers,

Daved

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Thanks gw, we tried to book a room at Requa so we could have dinner there also, sadly they were booked up.

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Headed down that way tomorrow, anyone try the burgers or fish and chips? Gravy and/or chili fries worth the indulgence? TIA

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Should have clarified, of those in the price range that I'm willing to indulge in.

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

I find Costco useful in certain regions (central CA coast, OR, WA) for finding varietals and blends representing their respective offerings. I would not use the term "serious" in these endeavors however.

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Being a rather noob to quality champagne, I'm curious about your thoughts on Billecart Salmon. The few I've tasted were quite outstanding on their own and excellent with small bites. TIA

Cheers,

Dave

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Have tried their Pinot Noir in the past and been pleasantly surprised especially at the price point. What the future holds, who knows?

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Having lived in Deutschland and having enjoyed hassenfpeffer many times, don't believe it was ever with Chenin Blanc. :>P

That said, I've been pleasantly surprised recently by a couple of CA offerings in what I can only assume is the "correct" style at most reasonable prices. Dry Creek Valley is one, iirc, believe the other was from Lake County. I now need to branch out and find a source(s) for some of the French offerings.

All suggestions most welcome.

Cheers,

Dave

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Or as we say down here.... El Crappo de Toro

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Semillon, Roussane, Marsanne, Tocai Friulano, Arneis, Müller Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Vermentino, Malvasia

Cinsault, Carignan, Mourvedre, Barbera, Primitivo, Maréchal Foch

curious about but have not yet tried Furmint, Ribolla Gialla and Négrette

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Actually I believe I ducked in for a case or two in the meantime while passing through. ;>P

PolarBear commented 6 years ago

Your post made me wonder how other places in the area are doing, especially the restaurant in the casino. Found my old write up, can't believe 10 years have slipped by.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/87652

PolarBear commented 7 years ago

Thanks for the update, Melanie. Things look even better than our last visit. Katy's is a jewel, we always pick up a case of their small, line caught canned tuna to tide us over until our next visit to the area.

PolarBear commented 7 years ago

The link for the PDF lunch and dinner men downloads didn't function on the other site. A work in progress?

PolarBear commented 7 years ago

Found the print menu after a few dead ends ....

http://mandaringardenssf.com/menu.html

PolarBear commented 7 years ago

"...even though I *tend* to *generally* dislike the TYPE of wine he favors. There are, of course, exceptions..."

This speaks volumes, Jason, that echoes MY palate for the most part. I have a number of friends and retailers that feel his word is gospel (esp. regarding Cabernet, Bordeaux blends, and the ilk). My response to them usually (TPFIC) is that I look for the ones RP rates 86-89 for there to be a chance that I will enjoy it.

Cheers,

Dave

PolarBear commented 7 years ago

That's great news, thanks Jeff.

Cheers,

Dave

PolarBear commented 7 years ago

Found two quite different recipes, one equal parts of the liquids, the other 3x the gin per parts cherry liq, green chartreuse, and lime juice. Do you prefer the sweet style or the higher octane?