I have popped my dining cherry.....

[Miles Raymond]

Until now have been enjoying wines in the comfort of my own home.

Tonight a female friend and I went out to dinner for Valentines Day. We went to a small place called Artichokes. For those of you familiar with the Boston area it's located in Malden very close to the "T" station.

Here I possibly had one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Now bear with me because I may not get the names or correct terminology.

I Had I think it was called Steak Pazzioli. I want to say it was a New York strip cooked medium in some type of red sauce that was a bit creamy with tomatoes and onions toped with Mozzarella cheese.

I had a bottle of 2003 Ray Martin Angelina Pinot Noir -Santa Barbara County. It was $30.00 at the restaurant. Now I don't now if this was the correct match but all I can tell you is that to me this seemed to go perfectly. I don't think I have ever had experience like this with food. It was simply unbelievable the wine with the sauce and steak seemed to blend perfectly. I have never tasted anything quite like this ever.

Simply the most amazing dinning experience I have ever had.


[This message has been edited by Miles Raymond (edited 02-14-2005).]

[Skeeter]

Sounds like a perfect choice to me... I had the same experience after hesitantly taking the head chef/waiters' recommendation for a glass of red to match a Steak Diane back in '97 in Surfers Paradise. (Having never drunk red wine before.)

I was blown away by how well they melded together... even though it took another four years before I started to drink red wine on a regular basis.

All I can say is... keep experimenting... and bon appitite! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[Thomas]

That Angeline Pniot Noir is a good buy. At $30 you got close to a good restaurant price too--it retails for about $12.

Incidentally, the producer is Martin Ray.

[wineguruchgo]

Good for you! It just proves my theory that wine IS food!

It sounds as if the company, meal and wine were wonderful for you. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Keep experimenting! If you are unsure, please ask your waiter/sommelier for help. It's what they are there for.

The nice thing is that you will carry this with you forever.

[winedope1]

all that matters is that you enjoyed it and didn't pay through the nose for it. By the way, the dish is Steak Pizzaioli (spelling varies). WD

[Miles Raymond]

Thank you all for you great input as usual!

Question, I picked up a bottle of 2003 Chateau St Jean Pinot Noir-Sonoma County

Any opinions one this one? I haven't tried it yet so thought I would check it out.


[This message has been edited by Miles Raymond (edited 02-15-2005).]

[This message has been edited by Miles Raymond (edited 02-15-2005).]

[Bucko]

2003 Chateau St. Jean, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, California, $19, 11,870 cases. Aromas and flavors of plums, cherries, sandalwood and smoked bacon abound, all wrapped up in a delightfully balanced package; 85/86.