N.E.C.O.W.B.I.

[Innkeeper]

Last Monday, May 7, we had a get together of the N.E.C.O.W.B.I. (North East Chapter of Wine Board Inhabitants). Mrs and me were in the Metro Area for a family party in West Islip on Sunday. So we added a day to the trip to hit The City. Stopped at Is Wine during the PM, and picked up a great mixed case. Foodie and the Mrs were on a previously scheduled R&R in Hammondsport, but his crew took good care of us. Scoop had left a long list of recommendations which we followed closely. Also included the Selaks S.B. that RAD had recently posted here. Other than a Ritratti Pinot Grigio, all the rest were red.

That night we met Scoop, RAD, and Mrs RAD (Amanda) at Sparks Steak House on East 46th Street. They were at the bar knocking off a half bottle of Viader, Napa Valley. A generous sip was delightful. We were seated at five foot round with an impeccable table top. Amanda had lamb chops and the rest of us ate cow. RAD had a sirloin, Scoop had sliced steak with onions and pepper, and we both had steak fromage which was perfectly trimmed strip steak lathered with Roquefort.

All this and more was washed down with a 1996 Pibarnon Bandol and a 1998 Sterling Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet. Both were wonderful. The Bandol was a little slower opening but married perfectly with Scoops dish as well as ours. It is according to Scoop predominately a mouvedre jazzed up with some grenache and other minor players. The Sterling Cab went great will all except Scoops dish. Highly recommend both of them. We finished the meal with a diverse selection of desserts and after dinner drinks which we all shared with each other. Great time was had by all. The service at Sparks was flawlessly professional. Our waiter took a picture of all with RADs digital camera that may be turning up here soon.

[chittychattykathy]

That Ritratti is one of my favorites! Sounds like a very nice trip and dinner!

[RAD]

IK, Scoop, and anyone else who may care--

Just returned from a trip to Napa/Sonoma yesterday (left the afternoon after said dinner, which was indeed wonderful, as IK mentioned).

Was great seeing you both, IK and Scoop! Will post a question as to how to post a digital pic of the gathering here.

RAD

[Tilak]

IK I'm envious of your recent steak fromage...the powers that be here in Oz prohibit the import of that sacred mould.
Sounds like an impressive feast was enjoyed by all. Cheers!

[Drew]

No blue cheese in Oz? What's that reasoning?

Drew