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Up early, Risqué sipped his morning coffee and listened to the birds in the vineyard while he read the morning paper. A pleasurable breakfast was served with freshly baked lemon and currant scones with butter, fresh orange juice and a Phillipe forte… egg strata studded with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, sweet basil and parmesan along with grilled chicken and provolone sausages… Sublime! Chateau de Vie is the perfect retreat from hurried city life… pure refined relaxation!

Greeted on the CdV terrace, Risqué met his effervescent guide for the day, the simply divine goddess, Cynthia Kee, Owner of Centro Del Cuore who whisked Risqué away to a private tasting at Pride Mountain Vineyards… a 235 acre vineyard estate set high in the pines straddling the county lines between Napa and Sonoma proudly boasting some 23,000 square feet of caves. Met in the tasting room by the very accommodating Director of Sales, Tim, Risqué’s party was sampled on Pride’s wines with Risqué especially adoring the 2007 Viognier and 2006 Cabernet Franc. Cynthia’s excellence is in creating customized itineraries with “appointment only” exclusive wineries and catered dining experiences and that is exactly what she delivered for Risqué. After their tasting appointment at Pride, Risqué and LUSHES were chauffeured to the top of Pride Mountain where an elegant picnic was waiting. Risqué and companions dined on a three course lunch of antipasti with imported olives and cheese, Primi of crab, avocado martini and Secondi of salmon of sesame-balsamico glazed salmon all perfectly paired with the appropriate wine. The decadent repast was all served in fine crystal, porcelain and pewter with cock embroidered linens… How did she know Risqué loves Cock? The gourmet meal and wine pairings were astounding, heightened only by the most extraordinary view of Napa laying at Risqué’s feet.

Just when Risqué was thinking it couldn’t possibly get any better… the entourage was chauffeured directly across the valley to the hilltops of Viader Estate 1200 feet above the Napa Valley floor on Howell Mountain. Facilitating the private tasting on the terrace was the ever so cute Cante, the director of Hospitality at Viader. As the hill disappeared from view into a 33 degree slope towards the reservoir below the expansive 180 degree vista was awe inspiring. A red tailed hawk hovering over the valley remained suspended and motionless for minutes.. as if pasted on to the brilliant blue sky. Oh! And the wine… Risqué recommends the “V”, an exclusive small lot production of Petit Verdot blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc resulting in a “vibrant, sumptuous wine with a powerful but inviting presence”.

Risqué gave kisses to the divine Cynthia and said fond farewells as he was off to meet his next rendezvous. Threesome of pleasure marked Risqué’s memory eternally as a divine day of bliss!

While Risqué relaxed… his driver whisked him North to Calistoga to his serene accommodations, the delightfully French Maison, Chateau de Vie. The five room “Ralph Lauren Décor” Inn and Euro-style formal gardens are nestled against their namesake vineyards with stunning views across the vineyard and valley of the Palisade Mountains and Mt. St. Helena from the giant sycamore shaded terrace and adjacent sparkling pool. Making a name for themselves over the last decade, not only as an elegant Inn, the welcoming owners Peter and Phillipe, along with Winemaker Dave Phinney have produced a very fine blended Cabernet Sauvignon under the same label Chateau de Vie… Having settled and feeling a bit famished… Risqué pondered dinner… at one of the splendid dining options in and around Calistoga such as Terra, Auberge du soleil and Tra Vigne. As it was already quite late, Risqué and LUSHES opted to dine in oh so quaint downtown Calistoga at the less fussy Brannan’s Gill which was excellent! Risqué returned to the House of Life to revel in a delightful glass of CdV Cab Sauv and drink in the incredible star filled sky from the Jacuzzi. Risqué retired very late to his cozy room and very comfortable bed to chase sweet dreams.

Up early, Risqué sipped his morning coffee and listened to the birds in the vineyard while he read the morning paper. A pleasurable breakfast was served with freshly baked lemon and currant scones with butter, fresh orange juice and a Phillipe forte… egg strata studded with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, sweet basil and parmesan along with grilled chicken and provolone sausages… Sublime!

Chateau de Vie is the perfect retreat from hurried city life… pure refined relaxation!

Presents

 

Next on Risqué’s liquid destinations was The Bounty Hunter Rare Wine and Provisions which is one of the few Napa restaurant and/or wine shops that feature both California and International wines, on the premise or via catalog, including their own label “Pursuit”, bottled sourcing some of the most proprietary juice in Napa! As everyone knows Risqué is always in “Pursuit” of proprietary juice!

Again, the hospitality was spread out for Risqué with a fine Charcuterie including some of their incredible signature house smoked St. Louis cut Ribs. Kari, Sales Development Manager, Stefan the Sales Communication Manger and William, the Wine Bar General Manager spent their afternoon sampling Risqué and Posse on four Pursuit varieties including the famous “Pink Pony” Rosé, one of Risqué’s favorites and one Waypoint 2004 Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon. Not only were the wines and hospitality wonderful, the servers were quite cute! Risqué’s all about enjoying the Pink Pony, so when in Napa…it would be a crime to pass through downtown and not be apprehended by the Bounty Hunter.

Hog Island Oyster Company

Non-vintage Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve French Champagne

Now, it seems a bit out of character for Risqué, but given the purveyor, Risqué believes you’ll forgive the déclassé “Hogging Out” reference. Again, while in San Francisco and at the 1 Ferry Building, Risqué took the opportunity to indulge in yet another favorite gastronomique delight… Raw Oysters from the cheery and wonderfully staffed Hog Island Oyster Company.

Now before you go getting all up in Risqué’s petticoats about eating Oysters in months that only have an “R”… these are all sustainable domestically farmed (Tomales Bay… just North of San Francisco) Oysters which are bathed in ultraviolet filtered clean 50 degree water for at least 24 hours before being sent to market making them environmentally conscious, perfectly safe and delicious morsels… Thirty-Six, to be exact, delicious little morsels (Hog Island Sweetwater and Hog Island Kumamoto), bright, briny, firm fleshed and reminiscent of the sea (served with Mignonette), shared with two favorite LUSHES along with several amazing bottles of Non-vintage Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve French Champagne.

This sparkling squealer is a blushed pale golden yellow and awash with a fine effervescence delivering initial bursts of warm crusts of fresh baked bread and a light smokiness. More delicious aromas spring from the bursting bubbles with sweet vanilla, fresh lemons and peaches. Smooth on the palate the ample creamy flavors profuse with acidic tropical fruit, Meyer lemons, exotic candied ginger, wild honey and more warm buttered crusty bread trot through the moderate but pleasing finish.

The combination of the WONDERFULLY fresh Hog Island Oysters and the Heidsieck Brut Reserve proved an attractive combination… obviously! And again… If one can have too many Oysters and Champagne in one’s troth… Risqué and LUSHES swilled their way right into that barn, HOGGISHLY!!!! Hog Island’s Clam Chowder is certainly worth working through the shells for the delicious reward as well! Delish! Also.. Thank You to GREG at Hog Island Oyster Co. for his adorable personality and hospitably and for making Risqué and LUSHES … SQUEAL with gluttonous delight!!!

Alcohol 12% ($75 Restaurant)

Tsar Nicoulai Café

Charles Heidsieck & Co

Risqué again found himself enjoying a day in San Francisco with nothing else to do but luxuriate!!! So, along with delicious LUSHES he found his way again to the #1 Fairy Ferry Building (how appropriate!). Lunch seemed inappropriate; however, Caviar and Champagne seemed ideal! Risqué and guests settled into a “Connoisseurs” selection of Caviar at Tsar Nicoulai Café with several bottles of Charles Heidsieck & Co’s Monopole Blue Top Non-Vintage Brut Champagne and a bottle of Schramsberg Non-Vintage Blanc de Blancs (of Barbara Walters’ fame).

The Caviar Connoisseur… consisted of 5 – 1 gram portions of Select California Estate Osetra, California Estate Osetra, Hackleback Sturgeon, Paddlefish Sturgeon and the finest Imported Azerbaijan Caspian Sevruga. Each of the caviars were presented with homemade buckwheat blini with crème fraiché and Risqué requested chives.

The Charles Heidsieck & Co’s Monopole Blue Top Non-Vintage Brut Champagne, although not a vintage bottle of bubbles was quite acceptable with the caviar… it’s light golden color yielded a bright and balanced creamy textured liquid with just enough acidity to refresh the palate after each bite of caviar and provide a nutty finish… Yummm…

Alcohol 12% ($75)

Risque’s favorite among the delicious egg selections was of course… the finest of all… the imported Servuga…. Life is a Banquet!!!

Perfect pairs are rare among food and wine but rarer in our human lives. Risqué had the honor and privilege of sharing a night with his newly wedded Nephew and his perfectly paired lovely Bride, where they shared a decadent and entwined repast at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine in Orlando.

Cakebread Cellars 2006 Chardonnay, Napa, CA

Swaying bamboo yellow swirled in the low light perfumed with exotic vanilla, buttered toast, crisp apple, ripe pear and Florida orange blossom florals. More crisp pear filled the mouth with heightened sweet woody notes and juicy acidic pineapple.

Alcohol 14.1% ($40)

The Cakebread Chardonnay paired symbiotically with our perfectly coupled Roy’s sushi selections of Tuna Roll topped with Hamachi, Salmon & Avocado along with another roll of Seared Kobe Beef wrapped around Dynamite Crab, Tempura Asparagus & Avocado finishing with Island Style Ahi Tuna Poke served with Baby Greens, Truffled Soy and Inamona Jus.

Risqué’s choice of wine for the Honeymoon party was equally yoked.

 

Laetitia 2006 La Colline Pinot Noir, Single Vineyard, Arroyo Grande Valley, CA

In the romantically dim light the hues of this liquid were dark ruby surrendering a stupendous old rose and antique cedar chest nose, perfect in celebration of a wedding along with earthy moist forest floor, cola and aromatic pink pepper. The fine tannic frame supported a giant Pinot marrying more delicious cola, ripe cherry and buttery sticky caramel.

Alcohol 14.5% ($60)

Risqué intuitively requested the La Colline to accompany his connubial choice of entrée, Rustic Spice Grilled Filet Mignon & Teppanyaki Seared Tiger Shrimp with a Pearl Onion Cabernet reduction and Scampi Beurre Blanc.

Pure BLISS! Congratulations and every wish for a perfectly paired future… to the Newlyweds! Sunny and Ryan.

 

Last week Risqué was in the HOT humid sun of Orlando where thousands of beautiful handsome men…and women gathered for GayDayS Orlando to frolic scantily in the sun, blatantly cruise the parks, daringly ride the rides and if in Risqué’s company, drink fabulous wine. Risqué had the pleasure of hosting a fantabulous LUSHES wine tasting party featuring delicious wines from Leona Valley Winery to holding court over a spectacular dinner at Seasons 52 where Risqué converted six fine looking men into Risqué LUSHES… boys always love to compare Pinots!

Etude 2006 Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley, CA

A delight to every LUSHES nose was the very fruity cherry, soothing coffee, cola and fresh raspberry that ends clean. On the tongue bursts a Burgundian style wine of earthy mushroom, big ripe plum and cherries with hints of oregano. Risqué found it paired fabulously with his spinach salad topped with blue cheese, Anjou pear, toasted pine nuts drizzled with a light vinaigrette.

Alcohol 14.2% ($40)

Freeman 2005 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA

With wafting scents of earthy mushrooms, dark sweet plum and silky dark chocolate, the tastes wrapped around the tongue with huge dark cherry, cola, espresso and BOYsenberry all nicely balanced and pairing well with entrees that encompassed mushroom flatbreads, to pork tenderloin and lamb chops.

Alcohol 14.2% ($40)

Depending on whether one likes a big Pinot or a beautifully shaped Pinot, Risqué finds each have their own ability to bring pleasure to his lips.

Bergström “Cumberland Reserve” 2006 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

In Scottsdale, Arizona there is a wonderful, new privately owned restaurant called Canal. The name reflects its overlook of the stylish and hip Canal area with a contemporary loft-like lounge environ, featuring the combined influences of haute cuisine and haute couture. The space showcases the fashionable cuisine of Executive Chef Justin Beckett, larger than life runway videos, dramatic drapery and an illuminated serpentine catwalk… for those daring enough to publicly strut their stuff. Risqué, amused by anything haute couture, was amused by not only the concept of the restaurant, but also, the wine selection presented by our accomplished server, Michala, and at her experienced recommendation, chose the Bergström

The visuals deliver the Rubyist of red that fades into light cherry towards the edge of the liquid. First scents exude striking and prevalent dusty stone developing into red luscious cherry, ripe strawberry, sweet spice and cola that ultimately dominate the other scents. A beautiful long ending tantalizes the senses with ripened cherries, black pepper, wild strawberry and more of the stony dry minerality. Risqué recommends that this wine be decanted to illuminate the subtle flavors more quickly.

Risqué and LUSHES enjoyed not only the vogue wine but paired it with a vast array of stylish cuisine such as saucy Garlic Parmesan fries, Crab Spring Rolls, Lobster, shrimp & Truffled Enchiladas, Roasted Meatballs and Asian Chicken Taquitos.

Multiple bottles of this lusty libation were swirled, swished and swallowed by Risqué’s fashion forward entourage before their evening ended with paparazzi and fanfare… Look!!! Isn’t that Marc! Tre Chic!

Alcohol 14.2% ($45)

Macphail 2004 Pinot Noir, Toulouse Vineyard, Anderson Valley, California

The biggest piece of meat Risqué has every seen showed up on his dinner plate at a Big Apple staple, Fresco by Scotto Restaurant. The Grilled Dry Aged Prime Rib Steak Fiorentina with fresh grilled rosemary, Maldon sea salt and extra virgin olive oil ($64) was unbelievably succulent and primed Risqué for an equally assertive vino.

The MacPhail 2004 Pinot Noir struts a flashy clear red raspberry color that presents a commanding and stimulating nose dominated totally with white Italian truffle, ultimately surrendering up gushing blackberry. The exhibitionist flavors continue in this 100% French Oaked, hand de-stemmed Pinot Noir built on a virile tannic structure driving in with more white truffle across the tongue and holding out to deliver flavors of tight tart expanding cherry, bright hard core pomegranate and hedonistic ripe plum.

This fetish worthy juice still lingers sweet on Risque’s tongue and mind… days later, still haunted by a painful yearning for… “more please!” Although… Risqué is not usually accustomed to being dominated… in this case… there is a lot to be said about submitting!Alcohol 14.5% ($50)