Urgent help with shrimp

[Kcwhippet]

OK. Here's the story. My wife is out of town for about a week. We've defined her dietary regime as moo, cluck, roots and fruits. That means she won't eat (under any circumstances) seafood, fungi (mushrooms, etc.), cooked green veggies, and a whole raft of other foods. She also doesn't like spicy foods (capsicum based). As you can imagine, our at home dining can be a bit bland. I love seafood and spice. So, while she's gone I'm going to gorge, but I need some help. I made a Thai style green curry shrimp dish last night that was great with Gewurz. Next I'm going to make a Shrimp Creole (lots of cayenne) I haven't done in years. What wine should I have? I don't want the Gewurz again - that's too simplistic a solution (and boring). This sort of dining will be going on for another 7 days, so any menu suggestions will be welcome, also.

[Thomas]

Sometimes, you can pair a Madeira with spicy food. Perhaps a Bual.

Another possibility is a Rose (not a blush). Tavel, maybe, slightly chilled.

Riesling is another candidate.

And then, there are the spicy, bold reds that sometimes do wonders with cayenne, but that is a delicate balancing act.

[n144mann]

Oh boy, I am glad to hear others do things like this when their spouses leave. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]

I vote for the rose or an off-dry riesling, the slight sweetness will handle the fire of the cayenne.

Menu suggestions....how 'bout lamb with greek spices......I made herbed venison with smoked portebellas the other night and served it with a syrah...its was great! (thanks to Rick) If you want to stick with the seafood.....garlic shrimp, or stuffed softshell crab?? Ohh the possibilites are endless.

Have fun!!
Nancy

[Bucko]

Don't forget that Sparklers work well with hot, spicy foods. They are too often overlooked. Being married to a Cajun, I speak with the voice of experience......

Bucko

[Kcwhippet]

Great suggestions, guys (generic term, Nancy). Roses and Rieslings it is. It seems so simple. Got some Tavel, Zaca Mesa Z Gris and some other French rose I can't recall down in the cellar. Bucko, if rose and sparklers work, how about a Bruno Paillard Rose? May be a bit of overkill. Also, a fair selection of Rieslings, including a batch of Hermann Wiemer (good stuff, right Foodie?).

I like the Greek lamb idea, Nancy. I'll do it. Already have the garlic shrimp on the agenda. It's a great dish I had in Thailand. There's only three components - shrimp, garlic (lots) and Thai bird chilis (also, lots). That's one I have to make several days before my wife gets back - it stays with you for awhile.

Again, thanks for the great feedback.
Bob

[Thomas]

On the Wiemer Riesling: you got that right! Just be careful with the cayenne, his Riesling might be a little too much on the dry side for that.

[Kcwhippet]

Foodie,

I just reread your first reply. You mentioned spicy, bold reds. How about a Cab Franc or a Zin? Do you think either of them might work?

Bob

[Thomas]

Others will likely boil me for this, but yes I do think either might work. The key is, however, that the food be less than flashpoint hot and that perhaps something substantial get into the ingredients (like a tomato base).

[Kcwhippet]

Foodie,

That reply modified the menu somewhat. I did the Zaca Mesa Z Gris with the shrimp, garlic, red pepper dish and it worked great. Cab Franc with the shrimp creole worked real well, too. The winner was a lamb vindaloo (thanks, Nancy) with a syrah. I had friends with my tastes in food over to help me eat these three dinners. What a great weekend! I just wish my wife could have been there - and appreciated the menues. Oh well, she'll be back Wednesday and it's back to pasta and grilled ribeyes and baked potatoes again. Lots of Zins and Cabs, too. Actually not too bad.

Again, thanks for the help, guys,
Bob

[n144mann]

Bob, glad your meals worked out well!! I am looking forward to doing the same thing in April when my husband is gone for a week. Maybe I will have to get that lamb and that garlic shrimp recipe from you!! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

Nancy