Tastes Restaurant Hosts First Winemaker Dinner Of 2009 March 10, 2009

Tastes Restaurant, located at 641 S. Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, will host Gary Pisoni of Pisoni Vineyards & Winery/Lucia Vineyards at their first Winemaker Dinner of 2009 on Sunday, March 15 at 6 p.m. Pisoni is recognized as one of the world's best producers of Pinot Noir. He oversees all grape growing and winemaking activities for Pisoni Vineyards & Winery/Lucia Vineyards with an unmatched fervor. For more than 20 years, he has produced Pinot Noir grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands. During this time, he has shared the fruits of his labor and an immense excitement and appreciation for the land, the grapes and Pinot Noir.

Tastes' Winemaker Dinner features a five-course dinner, perfectly paired with wine selections from the Gonzales, California-based Pisoni Vineyards & Winery/Lucia Vineyards. This five-course dinner and intimate gathering is an exceptional opportunity to taste and enjoy wines and to meet and enjoy special guest Gary Pisoni, who will present and discuss each selection. Wine selections for the evening include Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and "Lucy," Rose of Pinot Noir. The selections accompany special creations from Chef Sommelier Sean Fisher. Fisher, the Executive Chef and Sommelier at Tastes, combines his immense knowledge of wine with the European influenced menu offered at Tastes. The event promises a feast for the senses.

The first course consists of Assorted Tray Passed Appetizers paired with 2008 Lucia Rose. The second course is Seared Day Boat Scallop with Sweet Pea Risotto and Butter Poached Dungeness Crab Knuckle in Lucia Chardonnay Buerre Blanc. This course is paired with 2007 Lucia Chardonnay. Guests will particularly delight in the third course of Pan Roasted Scottish Lock Duart Salmon, Crispy Chive Potato Cake-Braised Swiss Chard and Applewood Smoked Bacon, with Beech Mushroom Pinot Noir Demi Glace. This course is paired with 2007 Lucia "Gary's Vineyard" Pinot Noir. The fourth course is a Provencal Herb Crusted Colorado Rack of Lamb in Pinot Noir and Tart Cherry Reduction with Roasted Garlic and Pine Nut Cous Cous. The fourth course is paired with 2006 Pisoni Pinot Noir and Vintage Cellar Selections. The final course is Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Souffle in Blueberry Syrah Syrup, paired with 2006 Lucia "Garys' Vineyard" Syrah.

The total cost for the extravagant night is $130, including tax and gratuity, wine tasting and a delicious five-course meal. Special discounts will be offered on wines for those attending. Seats are limited. Call Tastes at 760-942-9549 for reservations.