Risqué stands stunned… holding a glass of 2005 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “La Bauge Au Dessus” as he hears the words “Chain Restaurant”. How can one feel so a gasp and delighted at the same time you ask? Although, Risqué’s not fond of Corporate Chains, SEASONS 52 inOrlando was a surprising but pleasing shock! Owned by the worlds largest Restaurant Company, Darden Restaurants (if Risqué must… Red Lobster, Olive Garden, etc.). Executive Chef, Clifford Pleau and Master Sommelier, George Millotes have delivered a wonderful concept. Every menu item is beckoningly delicious and under 500 calories… and more than 140 well chosen and diverse wines and 70 of them by the glass… AMAZING! Not to get ahead of Risqué, but the evening began with our Host, the every so friendly and adorable and oh so OUT, Victor, who made us feel incredibly welcomed the moment we stepped to the podium. Standing there, besides amply surveying Victor (who was dark and mysterious and would be a perfect addition to the house boi staff!), Risqué took in the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired stucco and stone monolith of a building with luscious warm Madera colored wood beams and tongue-n-grove and stacked flat stone walls of the Dining Room and Bar with a very warm, leathery casual environ. Through the dining room, Risqué could see an expansive outdoor terrace dining area as well.
Dining with dear and adorable friends…they had the luxury of having to be nowhere and the time to just revel in each others company. Risqué adores the precious opportunities to linger over an elegant repast of conversation, cuisine and some inspiring vino. In this case, two delicious bottles of 2005 Au Bon Climat, “La Bauge Au Dessus”Santa Maria Valley .
“La Bauge Au Dessus” translates to the decadent party up above… how appropriate for a wine that paired perfectly with our MIXED choices for the evening. It’s light smoky bacon and spice in the nose was perfect to carry the grilled Sockeye Salmon, the acidity and fruit balanced the decadent Tomato, Asparagus and Cheese Stack Salad. Soft but persistent plum fruit slides along gracefully on the palate with marked acidity. Add a nice touch of framboise and wet stone in the finish and this becomes a quite quaffable yet complex Pinot.
The “Party up above” certainly delivered however Risqué was a little disappointed that the evening didn’t end with Victor and some “real” chains!
13.5% Alcohol
Restaurant Price: $70 Retail: $25
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on Thursday, November 29th, 2007 at 9:08 pm and is filed under Cuisine, Wine.
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