Monthly Archives: January 2010

A Final Taste of California

26 Tuesday Jan 2010

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SOHO finishes its tour of California on flight night Wednesday, January 27.

 

Bennett LanesCabernet on the vine at Bennett Lanes winery 

 

Throughout January, as Califonia wines have been showcased, SOHO has aimed to pour lesser-known, but terrific Cabernets – Conn Creek Cabernet, Louis Martini Cabernet and Pietra Santa Cabernet have been thoroughly enjoyed by guests. This week, SOHO will offer another wonderful Cabernet – a 2007 Bennett Lane Turn 4 Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine blends grapes from several areas in Napa Valley: Calistoga, Oakville and St. Helena. The unique blend produces a wine that is rich and complex.

 

SOHO will also pour a 2008 Meiomi Pinot Noir by Belle Glos this week. Like the Turn 4 Cabernet, the Pinot Noir is a blend of grapes from three different vineyards – 65 percent comes from Sonoma Coast and brings bright berry flavors and minerality; 15 percent comes from Santa Barbara and accounts for the spicy notes and silky texture; and 20 percent comes from Monterey County and brings opulence and an earthy quality to the wine. Finally, SOHO will pour a 2006 Ramspeck Merlot – an excellent Merlot, according to Lars Snavely, SOHO’s resident wine expert.

 

SOHO’s Chef Joe has again created three tapas plates to pair with each outstanding California wine. The following wines and tapas will be available until Wednesday, February 3.

 

2006 Ramspeck Merlot, Napa Valley and Dry Creek Valley

Chicken liver and portabella mushroom pate with black mission fig compote and French bread

 

2006 Meiomi Pinot Noir by Belle Glos, Sonoma, Monterey and Santa Barbera Counties

Veal and porcini baci with pancetta, sweet peas, and brandied cream sauce

 

2007 Bennett Lane Turn 4 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Slow-braised pork belly, black plum BBQ sauce and stir-fried green beans

 

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18. Or, pair a wine and tapas for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). See you soon!

A Tasty Tart

26 Tuesday Jan 2010

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SOHO sous chef Jeff Haeger can often be found creating tasty treats sure to satisfy a sweet tooth. Recently, his Pistachio Cranberry Tart was added to the SOHO dessert menu – and it’s been earning rave reviews from guests ever since. We hope you’ll stop in the restaurant for a slice soon. And, for readers of this blog who might want to whip up the sweet treat at home – here’s his delicious recipe.

 

PC Tart 

 

Pistachio Cranberry Tart with Caramel, Chocolate Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

 

Ingredients (Pistachio Cranberry Tart)

 

1 chocolate tart crust (recipe follows)

6 tablespoons sugar

6 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 tablespoon all purpose flour

3 large egss – lightly beaten

½ cup light corn syrup

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup toasted chopped pistachios

¼ cup dried cranberries

Caramel sauce

Chocolate sauce

Vanilla ice cream

 

Ingredients (tart crust)

 

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Pinch salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold, unsalted butter (cut into pieces)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

 

Preparation (Tart Crust)

 

Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa and salt into a large bowl. With your fingers, incorporate the butter pieces into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg to make a soft dough. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to rest for at least one hour before using.

 

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Soak up the Flavors of California at SOHO

19 Tuesday Jan 2010

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SOHO showcases the wines and flavors of California on flight night Wednesday, January 20.

 

Old_vine_cabernet Old vine cabernet – California

 

This week, SOHO will pour a 2007 Mer Soleil Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands – one of California’s premier Chardonnays. The grapes for the Mer Soleil are grown in several locations in the Santa Lucia Highlands, most on the east-facing slopes of the Sierra de Salinas range. The grapes are exposed to morning and evening fogs, along with warm afternoons. The climate results in a long hang time for the grapes and a very high quality wine. Notes our resident wine expert, Lars Snavely, with the Mer Soleil SOHO is offering guests the chance to experience an exceptionally fine wine at a very reasonable price (it normally retails for $20 a glass, but this week at SOHO you can try it for $9).

 

SOHO will also pour a Michael David Petite Petit – a wonderful Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot blend featuring flavors of black current, dry blackberries and vanilla. Finally, SOHO will offer a 2005 Pietra Santa Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon was entirely estate grown, with grapes harvested in early October. The longer time on the vine allowed the fruit to develop more concentration and complexity – producing an outstanding wine.

 

To complement each wine, Chef Joe has created three new tapas plates. The following wines and tapas will be available until Wednesday, January 27.

 

2007 Mer Soleil Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey, California

Pan-seared seabass with julienne vegetables, arugula pesto and Meyer lemon beurre blanc

 

Michael David Petite Petit, Lodi, California

Coffee-braised pork cheeks with sweet potato gaufrette, fava beans and natural reduction

 

2005 Pietra Santa Cabernet Sauvignon, Cienega Valley, California

Grilled lamb loin served over asiago polenta with a garlic-rosemary jus

 

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18. Or, pair a wine and tapas for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). See you soon!

Love is in the Air: Valentine’s Day at SOHO

19 Tuesday Jan 2010

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Celebrating your love with a cozy dinner for two this Valentine’s Day? You’re invited to SOHO!

 

Valentine's day 

 

In addition to our regular menu, SOHO will offer a special Valentine’s Day menu from Friday, February 12, through Sunday, February 14. The menu will include the following enticing appetizers: Married red and white clam chowders with old bay and butter croutons; Sweet heart grilled shrimp and roasted red pepper pizzette; and a “Two Hearts” salad with romaine, palm, beets, creamy goat’s cheese, spiced pecans and an apple cider vinaigrette.

 

The evening’s entrees will include: Seared diver scallops with forbidden purple sticky rice, coconut curried vegetables, passion fruit and a red wine coulis; Braised veal osso buco with saffron risotto, red chard, a natural reduction and topped with gremolata; and a “For Richer, For Poorer” duo of four ounce lobster tail and monkfish with herbed polenta, asparagus and a tomato hollandaise. For dessert, we’ll serve a Gran Marnier flan with chocolate covered strawberries. Yum!

 

SOHO will serve the Valentine’s dinner menu from 5:30–11:00pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 5:00-10:00pm on Sunday, February 14. We hope you’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day with us! (Reservations can be made here).

California Dreaming

12 Tuesday Jan 2010

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After a bitterly cold week, the warmth of California holds great appeal. SOHO continues its California journey on flight night Wednesday, January 13.

 

Tarraced_vines_pietra santaTerraced vines at the Pietra Santa winery 

 

This week, SOHO will offer a 2008 Conundrum from the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The wine is a blend of four grapes from different regions – Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley), Muscat Canelli (Tulare County), Chardonnay (Monterey), and Viognier (Monterey). The grapes are each grown on different rootstocks using different clones and harvested at various levels of ripeness. When combined, they offer an enormous palate.

 

SOHO will also pour a 2006 Pietra Santa Sassolino from the Cienega Valley. Located on the San Andreas Fault, the soil is rich with granite and limestone, creating grapes with low yields and distinctive flavors. The rocky soil led to the Pietra Santa name – which translates as sacred stone from Italian. The Pietra Santa Sassolino is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet. Finally, SOHO will offer a 2006 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley.

 

To complement each exceptional wine poured this week, Chef Joe has created three new

tapas plates. The following will be offered until Wednesday, January 20:

 

2008 Conundrum, Monterey, California

Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Chardonnay and Viognier

Hot smoked salmon with a French lentil ragout and dill beurre blanc

 

2006 Pietra Santa Sassolino, Cienega Valley, California

44% Sangiovese, 41% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet

Veal-stuffed boneless quail served with roasted parsnips and wine-poached black cherries

 

2006 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California

87% Cabernet, 9 % Merlot, 2 % Syrah and 1 % Petit Verdot

Braised beef short rib raviolis with diced vegetables, aged Parmesan and black truffle-laced jus

 

Guests can sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18. Or, pair a wine and tapas plate for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). See you soon!

Awards and Rewards

12 Tuesday Jan 2010

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2010 is starting on a very positive note – SOHO has been awarded the inaugural Vinings Business of the Year Award! Congratulations to Frank, Susan, and team.

 

The award was presented by the Vinings Business Association. The five finalists for the honor were SOHO, Fidelity Bank, Garrison’s Broiler and Tap, the Old Vinings Inn and Marlow’s Tavern. Vinings Business Association President Bill Borden said of chosing the award recipient, “The criteria is for not only a successful business and charitable business, but one that captures the essence of the spirit of Vinings.” Upon receiving the award, Frank noted, “It’s humbling to be honored by your peers. We all work very hard at our small businesses, especially in the last two years. Vinings is such a great neighborhood.” (Here’s a link to the full story at NeighborhoodNewspapers.com).

 

Of course, SOHO’s guests are the ones who help make the restaurant a fun and successful neighborhood spot. Back in October, SOHO introduced the Dining Rewards Program as a way to say ‘thank you’ to all of our guests.

 

Bday 

 

One of the great benefits of the program is a birthday dinner. Loyalty program members receive a postcard that can be redeemed for a free entrée during their birthday month. Who can resist free food? If you’re not already a member, please sign up today!

Westward Bound: Wines and Flavors from California

05 Tuesday Jan 2010

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This month SOHO travels west for a taste of California. Flight night on Wednesday, January 6, will kick-off our journey.

 

California 2 Vineyards in Rockpile viticultural region of Sonoma County

 

Two of this week’s wines are from California’s famed Napa Valley. First, SOHO will offer a 2007 Mason Sauvignon Blanc. Mason Cellars released its first wine, a Sauvignon Blanc, in 1996. It immediately won rave reviews – including 91 points from Wine Spectator. Today, Mason Cellars is considered one of the best Sauvignon Blanc producers in California. SOHO will also offer a Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Since its founding in 1973, Conn Creek winery has built its reputation on Bordeaux-style wines. The Cabernet Sauvignon offered on the menu this week showcases this trait – it features a blend of five grapes and is elegant, complex and full of dark fruit flavors. Finally, SOHO will pour a red blend by Bogle Vineyards. The blend of Petit Syrah, Zinfandel and Mourvedre offers a huge taste with notes of dark fruit and black pepper.

Inspired by sunny California, SOHO’s Chef Joe has created three tapas plates to be paired with each wine. The following will be offered through January 13, 2010:

2007 Mason Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

Ahi tuna and pineapple carpaccio with crisped rice paper, soy-mirin vinaigrette and scallions

 

2008 Bogle Phantom (Clarksburg, Lodi and Amador vineyards) 

49% Petit Syrah, 49% Zinfandel and 2% Mourvedre

Crisped duck leg confit with butternut squash and a Marion blackberry jus

Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

82% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot

Slow-cooked chicken mole over avocado and cheese quesadillas

 

Guests can sample all three wines in a flight (three three-ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18. Or, pair a wine and small plate for $12. The wine and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). See you soon!

Scrumptious Salads

05 Tuesday Jan 2010

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It’s a new year – and many people are looking forward to beginning 2010 with light, healthy meals. With that in mind, I thought I’d highlight a few of my favorite SOHO salads in this post (and, don’t forget about the Salmon Thai, always a tasty – and healthy – option).

One of my go-to lunches is the Chinese Chicken Salad – a grilled chicken breast over baby greens, napa cabbage, carrots, and plenty of peppers served with a seasame vinaigrette.

 

SOHO diners consistently rave about the Maple Grilled Salmon Salad – a maple glazed salmon fillet over field greens, served with sweet potato chips and a key lime vinaigrette.

Finally, you can’t go wrong with the classic Caprese Salad – SOHO’s features house-made mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, basil oil and a balsamic vinegar reduction.

 

If you’re preparing lunch or dinner at home, here’s a great recipe to try (the citrus flavors might even remind you of warmer days).

 

Citrus Salad (serves 4)

(from the Food Network / Rachel Ray)

 

Ingredients

2 hearts romaine lettuce

2 cups jarred citrus salad of orange and grapefruit sections, drained

2 tablespoons marmalade

2 tablespoons white wine or cider vinegar

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons chopped or snipped chives

 

Directions

Chop lettuce. Arrange lettuce on platter and top with pieces of grapefruit and orange. Combine marmalade with 2 splashes of vinegar and stream in extra-virgin olive oil. Pour dressing over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Garnish platter with chopped or snipped chives

 

Enjoy!