Celebrating Hanh's birthday-12/30/11
The set up
Once or twice a year Tuan put on his apron, roll up his sleeves, get behind the stove, works his magic in the kitchen to create a wonderful meal for us. Tonight the special event is Hanh's birthday so needless to say Tuan went all out! On the menu is the much anticipated rack of Venison specially ordered from gourmet purveyors. I only have Venison a couple of times and it is certainly the first time that I have Venison cooked privately at home. But let's start from the beginning with the set up.
The table is set up! White and silver are the main color.
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White flowers and silver candle holders are part of the center piece.
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Happy birthday balloon floating on top of the table. |
Overview of the table. |
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Rows of plates, napkins, silverware, and glasses are nicely set up on the table.
The wine
Wine pairing by Phuc, our private sommelier extraordinaire.
The last time Phuc brought the Pahlmeyer bottles at our house we all enjoyed it so much so he is bringing them back tonight.
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Two bottle of Xtant Napa Valley, red wine and Hanh's favorite the Fonseca vintage port 1994 Fonseca, Vintage Port, 1994 — Wine Spectator Rating: 100 pts Hold on to your hat. This is the best Fonseca since 1977, and it’s probably even better than that classic vintage—more like the breathtaking 1948. Mind-blowing, with masses of color, aroma and fruit flavor. Smells like fermenting berries, boasting loads of crushed grape, violet and berry character. Big, full-bodied and very sweet, with tons of tannins and a sweet finish. Tannic and huge, it’s a long-term, great Port. Best after 2012 |
Pahlmeyer 2006 - The Wine Advocate: 95 Points "Good medium ruby. Musky aromas of black raspberry, mocha and smoke. Ripe, lush, seamless and deep; broad for the vintage, with plenty of mid-palate stuffing to support its tannins. This, too, is still youthfully unevolved and will need longer to express its inherent sweetness. Like the 2006 merlot, this merited a score at the high end of my original projected range." |
The Birthday cake by Maily
Gorgeous birthday baked by Maily and specially designed for Hanh's birthday.
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Close look at the cake!
Next..... The guests
