BOCA BACCHANAL 

Food Report by Paulette Cooper
and
Wine Report by Bill Martin

Local food festivals are great places to find new restaurants, revisit old ones, uncork new wines and uncover new dishes.  I was pleased that the first restaurant I saw at the Boca Bacchanal, held on March 19 ^th at Mizner Center, was a favorite of mine in Delray Beach, Caffe Luna Rose (www.caffelunarosa.com) at 34 South Ocean Blvd.  They were offering a pasta dish I hadn't tried before (although I prefer the more unusual fare at their restaurant, such as their Italian sushi or French Toast stuffed with peanut butter.) Still, like all of their dishes, it was delicious.

 

I was also thrilled to see P.F Chang’s China Bistro (www.pfchangs.com) located at University Commons in Boca, because ever since I moved to Palm Beach, I’ve been searching more diligently than Diogenes for good Chinese food.  And here they were, serving their signature dish, which they called lettuce rolls which is similar to lettuce soong.

 

Another place I was delighted to stumble upon there was Legal Sea Foods (www.legalseafoods.com) because their restaurant at West Palm Beach’s CityPlace has never disappointed and the service is always superior.  At this function, they proved that even something as simple as smoked salmon on pumpernickel squares could be exquisite, and they served the salmon with a smile and the same happy-to-please attitude that makes a visit to their restaurants such a treat.

 

 

Another dish that wasn’t the same old same old was offered by Ruth’s Chris Steak House on East Mizner Blvd in Boca, (www.ruthschris.com) whose wonderfully tender tenderloin was marinated in a Cajun spice before being drenched in their signature barbecue Sauce.

 

Not all the (outdoor) booths were dishes served at their restaurants.  I never saw salmon squares on pumpernickel at Legal Sea Foods, (although I imagine they will cheerfully make up just about anything there for you) and some other chefs also whipped up special treats for this event that aren’t in their restaurants either.  “We make special dishes for food shows,” Chef Jeffrey Lewis of GiGi’s Tavern in Mizner Park (www.gigis.com)  explained to me as he offered me unusual-looking dollops of gelatinous merlot, chardonnay and Riesling, which looked and tasted like upscale jello shots.

 

Finally, I had some Galler “The Belgian” Chocolate (www.gallerusa.com)  to top off all these mini-meals, although little could top this whole function, which happily will be around again next year.  So if you missed it this year… don’t miss it next. 

 

Bottom Line:  The 3rd annual Boca Bacchanal Winefest & Auction (www.bocabacchanal.com) was presented by the Boca Raton Historical Society. Admission to this outdoor show was only $50 – less than you'd pay for a single meal at a top restaurant in the area – and your ticket enables you to try outstanding dishes from more than a dozen local restaurants, almost all nearby in the Boca area.   Their portions were generous, the servers anxious to please, and there wasn't a single dish I tried that didn't succeed in pleasing me.

WINE REPORT by Bill Martin

 

Besides the 30 restaurants to sample, about 90 wineries took part in this afternoon of gourmet samplings.  My job, should I have chosen to take it – and I did so gladly – was to report on as many as I could, while sampling all the wonderful food that went with it. 

 

It was certainly a fun job.  With such an overwhelming variety of quality wines in all categories, I had to practice triage; however this is an event that could continue for many days to allow for a full tasting--and what a delight that would be. 

 

Walking in, I stopped to try the crepe with strawberry and chocolate sauce from Le Bistro.and matched it with Royal Cuvee, a Gloria Ferrer champagne,. The Ferrer family has produced sparkling wine for five centuries and have vineyards in Sonoma, California. The Cuvee was light and fruity, complementing the crepe nicely; it was a good value at about $22 a bottle. 

 

The Melting Pot offered a delectable chocolate fondue especially when served with two wines from Piper Heidsieck, one a ‘91 Rose, (about $42) and a wonderful Demi- Sec, a desert champagne which could hold its own in a grouping from fresh berries to rich chocolate. A must for those gracious evenings. 

 

Gold Coast Seafood offered a salmon which I paired with 2 whites. One from St. Supery, a 2003 Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley (about $17), was light and fruity with some discernable strawberry and apricot.  

 

The Merryvale (www.merryvale.com) 2003 Starmont Chardonnay, also from the Napa Valley, showed its native yeast fermentation in French Oak. The subtle flavors of oak, mixed with apple, peach and pear made for a smooth finish.

            The Republic of Tea had a Jade Mint Green Tea which was a wonderful palate cleanser as I prepared to turn to the reds.

 

Antinori of Italy (www. antinori.it ) was ably represented by a complement of fine wines. A Villa Antinori Super Tuscan, (about $21), was poured by affable young men, full of information and enthusiasm.  This wine is a great value with its bold finish. 

 

Cakebread Cellars (www.cakebread.com) had a lush Pinot, unfortunately available only at their vineyards in Napa. But if you need a reason to visit the area, this Pinot could be it. 

 

L'Aventure (www.aventurewine.com) Estate Cuvee 2002 (about $60), is 100% estate grown. A big wine with great body and finish, it's a wine you can put away for the next few years and enjoy the pleasure of at any occasion.

 

Finally, we are all fortunate to have an opportunity to sample such good wine and fine cuisine, and I hope this Festival prospers – and that I get to report on it again next year. Cheers!

 

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