Monthly Archives: June 2010

SOHO Spotlights Pinot Grigio

29 Tuesday Jun 2010

Posted by in Food and Drink

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

For the final week of June, SOHO will feature the varietal Pinot Grigio/Gris on flight night Wednesday, June 30.

 

Domaine Schlumberger vineyard Domaine Shlumberger vineyards

 

First, SOHO will pour a 2007 Maretima Pinot Grigio from Vento, Italy.  SOHO’s wine expert Lars Snavely notes this Pinot Grigio has character, with a great balance of fruit and acid. Next, SOHO will pour a 2008 Torii Mor Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley, Oregon. This wine offers tastes of ripe pear and peach, along with citrus acidity and notes of honey and honeysuckle.

 

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2007 Domaine Schlumberger Les Princes Abbes Pinot Gris from Alsace, France. According to Lars, the Domaine Schlumberger winery produces exceptional wines in part due to excellent vineyards and in part due to the fact that yields are deliberately kept low. Given 90 points by Wine Spectator, the 2007 Pinot Gris offers delicate flavors of white peach, Clementine and spice.

 

Chef Joe has created three new tapas plates to pair with each wine. The following will be available until Wednesday, July 7.

 

2007 Maretima Pinot Grigio, Vento, Italy

100% Pinot Grigio

Antipasto of Sopressata, fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers

 

2008 Torii Mor Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon

100% Pinot Gris

Shrimp and scallop ceviche with corn chips and avocado

 

2007 Domaine Schlumberger Les Princes Abbes Pinot Gris, Alsace, France

100% Pinot Gris

Georgia quail fricassee with tarragon cream and mushrooms

 

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!

Scrumptious Cold Soups

29 Tuesday Jun 2010

Posted by in Food and Drink

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Whether or not you enjoy Atlanta’s hot summer temperatures, it’s always nice to beat the heat for a few minutes. This week SOHO is serving up a chilled Southwestern-style gazpacho – one way to escape the summer sizzle. SOHO's gazpacho has just the right amount of spice and is topped with fresh avocado. We hope you’ll stop in for a cup or bowl soon.

 

Cucumber soup 

 

If you’re in the mood to whip up a refreshing summer soup at home, why not consider Chef Joe’s cumber-pistachio soup? The soup is served cold, so there’s no need to turn on the stove on a hot day. Here’s the recipe:

 

Cucumber-Pistachio Soup (serves 4)

 

Ingredients:

4 large cucumbers – peeled and seeded

1/2 cup toasted pistachios

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 lemons – juiced and seeded

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 cup cubed French bread

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 cup water

Salt and pepper (to taste)

 

Directions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Chill and serve. Enjoy!

Sip Sensational Pinot Noir at SOHO

21 Monday Jun 2010

Posted by in Food and Drink

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

This week SOHO will feature Pinot Noir on flight night, Wednesday, June 23.

 

Pinot_noir_grapes Pinot Noir grapes

 

First, SOHO will pour a 2007 Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret Bourgogne Rouge from Burgundy, France. The Mongeard-Mugenert family has been producing wine in Burgundy since the 18th century. Knowing the land well allows the family to produce exceptional Pinot Noir according to SOHO’s wine expert Lars Snavely.

 

Next, SOHO will pour a 2008 Erath Pinot Noir from Oregon. Erath winery’s founder, Dick Erath, an engineer turned viticulturist, was one of four pioneers of the modern winemaking era in Oregon. His winery, now owned by Chateau St. Michelle Estates, continues to produce wonderful Pinots. The 2008 Erath Pinot Noir features flavors of cherry pie, red currant and vanilla coffee.

 

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2009 Escarpment Over the Edge Pinot Noir from Martinborough, New Zealand. This vintage was harvested early due to a very warm growing season and the resulting wine features ripe cherry and plum flavors.

 

Chef Joe has created three new tapas plates to pair with each Pinot Noir. The following will be available until Wednesday, June 30.

 

2007 Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy, France

100% Pinot Noir

Trout Meuniere with lemon browned butter and pecans

 

2008 Erath Pinot Noir, Oregon

100% Pinot Noir

Thai-style scallops with a coconut-curry cream sauce

 

2009 Escarpment Over the Edge Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand

100% Pinot Noir

Grilled shrimp with sweet corn and tomato risotto

 

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!

Summer Refreshment

21 Monday Jun 2010

Posted by in Food and Drink

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Yesterday, June 21, was the summer solstice – the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere – and the official start of summer (although with temperatures in the mid-nineties for weeks, I think Atlantans already know summer has arrived). Why not take advantage of the long summer evenings and stop in at SOHO to enjoy a cool drink and appetizer or dinner this week?

 

One of our most recent additions to the SOHO cocktail menu is the Absolut Dream. The recipe features Absolut Mandarin Vodka, Chambord, and sweet and sour mix – the perfect refreshment on a hot summer day. To mix one up at home, pour 1 1/2 ounces of Absolut Mandarin Vodka into a cocktail shaker with ice. Then, add 1 ounce sweet and sour mix and 1/2 ounce Chambord. Shake and strain the contents into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange slice and you’re set!

 

In the mood to eat light because of the summer heat? SOHO’s House Made Mozzarella Salad is an ideal choice at lunch or dinner. (It’s one of my menu favorites). Composed of fresh tomatoes and house made mozzarella, garnished with basil oil and balsamic reduction, it’s a tasty treat.

 

Mozz salad 

 

If you’re in the mood to whip up the salad at home, here’s Chef Joe’s recipe:

 

Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Salad (1 serving) 

Ingredients:

4 oz. tomatoes (use your favorite tomatoes or the best that you can find)

2 oz. fresh mozzarella

2 ea. medium fresh basil leaves, julienne or sliced

1/2 oz. extra virgin olive oil

1/4 oz. balsamic syrup (optional – balsamic vinegar reduced to 1/4 original volume)

 

Directions:

– Slice tomatoes and mozzarella and arrange them either uniformly or dice the cheese and tomatoes and place them on a platter.

– To make the balsamic reduction: Bring balsamic vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Turn the heat to low and reduce. The vinegar will thicken as it cools.

– Dress the salad with fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic syrup or vinegar, and salt and pepper (to taste).

 

Enjoy!

SOHO Highlights Chardonnay

15 Tuesday Jun 2010

Posted by in Food and Drink

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

This week on flight night Wednesday, June 16, SOHO will explore the varietal of Chardonnay.

 

Home_vineyard_main Fort Ross Vineyards

 

First, SOHO will pour a 2007 Thierry & Pascale Matrot Bourgogne Blanc from Burgundy, France. Produced from vines about 30 years old, this wine is fruity and round.  Next, SOHO will pour a 2007 Mer Soleil Silver from the Santa Lucia Highlands in California. In this wine, the crisp mineral essence of a classic Chablis style is united with the tropical elements found in Chardonnay from the Pacific coastline. SOHO’s wine expert, Lars Snavely, calls the Mer Soliel Silver the best unoaked Chardonnay produced in the U.S.

 

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2007 Fort Ross Vineyard Chardonnay from California’s Sonoma Coast. This golden Chardonnay balances lush complexity with the natural acidity characteristic of the Fort Ross coastal climate.

 

Chef Joe has created three new tapas plates to pair with each Chardonnay. The following wine and tapas will be available until Wednesday, June 23.

 

2007 Thierry & Pascale Matrot Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy, France

100% Chardonnay

Roasted pork tenderloin with potatoes and lemon-caper beurre blanc

 

2007 Mer Soleil Silver, Santa Lucia Highlands, California

100% Chardonnay

Pistachio encrusted halibut with herbed dumplings and dill cream

 

2007 Fort Ross Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California

100% Chardonnay

Grilled shrimp with sweet corn and tomato risotto 

 

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!

Chef Joe’s Summer Recipes

15 Tuesday Jun 2010

Posted by in Food and Drink

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

This week Chef Joe is sharing a few more summer recipes with SOHO fans. First, his simple and oh-so-yummy watermelon punch. (We’re also offering it at the restaurant this week for $3 a glass).

 

Watermelons 

 

Watermelon Punch

 

Ingredients:

4 cups cubed watermelon (1-2 inch diced)

4 cups cool filtered water

1/2 cup sugar

 

Directions:

– In a blender, puree all ingredients together until smooth and pour over ice. Garnish with a small piece of watermelon and lime. (Mixture can be filtered if pulp is not desired).

 

Chef Joe also recommends trying the punch recipe with pineapples, cantaloupe, or honeydew melon for more tasty summer refreshment.

 

In addition to the popular fried green tomato slider mentioned last week, SOHO serves up crab cake sliders every evening. The recipe is below for those interested in trying the savory treat at home. If you’re in the mood to have someone else do the cooking, we’ll be happy to serve up a plate for you the restaurant  – 3 sliders are only $10.

 

Continue reading →

California Cabernets

08 Tuesday Jun 2010

Posted by in Food and Drink

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

This week on flight night Wednesday, June 9, SOHO will explore the varietal of Cabernet, and we’ve included a fun twist for our guests.

 

As usual, we will present three wines this week – one wine will be 100% Cabernet, another 75% Cabernet, and, finally, a Meritage with a 50% Cabernet blend. If you choose to try the entire flight (a three ounce glass of each wine), you can ask the SOHO staff not to give away what’s in each glass. After you’ve sampled all three wines, pick your favorite – and then the staff will be happy to pass along the blend information. SOHO’s wine expert Lars Snavely predicts guests may be surprised at what they find – perhaps preferring a Meritage or 75% Cabernet blend to a glass of 100% Cabernet. No matter how you choose to sample the flight this week, the wines will surely please.

 

 

STSAMEValleyView Stonestreet vineyards

 

A few tidbits about each wine we’ll be pouring this week. First, SOHO will pour a 2008 “The Sum” from California. The winery producing “The Sum” is owned by Tuck Beckstoffer. His father, Andy Beckstoffer, helped produce some of the finest California Cabernets on the market. The wine is “the sum” of both Andy and Tuck’s years of experience in wine production, as well as “the sum” of a number of great vineyards that produced grapes for the wine.  Next, SOHO will pour a 2007 Resolution from Branham Estate. Only 700 cases of this wine were produced (a wine Lars calls “delicious”) and only 40 made their way to Georgia. Finally, SOHO will pour a 2006 Stonestreet Fifth Ridge. This wine earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast in December 2009.

 

The following wines and tapas will be available until Wednesday, June 16:

 

2008 The Sum, California

Grilled ahi tuna with guacamole

 

2007 Branham Estate Resolution, California

Grilled flat iron steak with yucca fries and chimi churri

 

2006 Stonestreet Fifth Ridge, California

Chilled grilled vegetables with sopressata and Parmigiano-Reggiano

 

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!

Sliding into Summer

08 Tuesday Jun 2010

Posted by in Food and Drink

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

SOHO’s Chef Joe was under the bright lights of the Good Day Atlanta set yesterday morning. With host Suchita Vadlamani, he showed viewers how to whip up a few fun sliders, perfect for summer parties, as well as a salad, dessert and watermelon drink – everything needed for a light, savory summer meal. Here's a link to the segment if you’re interested in seeing Chef Joe in action.

 

Sliders

 

For those ready to make Chef Joe’s dishes at home, here are a few recipes. Of course, if you’d prefer not to do the cooking, we’d love to host you at SOHO. The fried green tomato sliders are a popular staple of the dinner menu.

 

Fried Green Tomato B.L.T. Sliders with Roasted Pepper Mayonnaise (makes four)

 

Ingredients: 

1 Medium green tomato (sliced 1/4 inch thick)

1/2 cup All purpose flour (seasoned with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste)

2 Large eggs (beaten well)

1 cup Bread crumbs (seasoned with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste)

1/2 oz. Baby arugula

4 Slices of cooked bacon (your favorite brand)

4 Slider rolls (toasted)

Sauce: Mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup roasted red pepper puree (or pimento), 1 teaspoon capers, 1 teaspoon chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.

 

Directions:

–  Take each slice of green tomato and first dredge it in flour mix, then egg, and then the seasoned bread crumbs. Cook them in 1/4 inch of vegetable oil at a medium high heat until golden brown. Then drain on to paper towels.

– Spread mayo on both sides of the buns and layer with arugula, fried tomato, and crisped bacon.

Continue reading →

SOHO Spotlights Syrah

01 Tuesday Jun 2010

Posted by in Food and Drink

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Each week during the month of June, SOHO will highlight favorite varietals and showcase wines from around the world. The tour kicks of with Syrah/Shiraz on flight night, Wednesday, June 2.

 

Main_syrah_wine_grapesSyrah grapes 

 

First, SOHO will pour a 2007 Moillard Crozes-Hermitage from Rhone, France. This wine is 100 percent Syrah and is big, dark and spicy. SOHO will also pour a 2007 Eberle Syrah, Steinbeck Vineyard, from Paso Robles, California. 2007 was an exceptional vintage for Paso Robles. The result is a well-balanced wine that offers concentrated fruit, intense flavor, and deep, rich color, according to SOHO’s resident wine expert, Lars Snavely.

 

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2008 The Gatekeeper Shiraz from South Australia. This wine is sourced from various Australian vineyards, including those in McLaren Vale, Barossa, and Riverland.

 

Chef Joe has created three new tapas plates to pair with each glass of Syrah. The following will be available until Wednesday, June 9.

 

2007 Moillard Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone, France

100% Syrah

Grilled quail with roasted potatoes and petit pois

 

2007 Eberle Syrah, Steinbeck Vineyard, Paso Robles, California

100% Syrah

Duck barbeque slider and homemade pickles

 

2008 The Gatekeeper Shiraz, South Australia

100% Shiraz

Slow braised beef and vegetable pie

 

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!

Sweet Treats

01 Tuesday Jun 2010

Posted by in Food and Drink

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

SOHO’s dessert menu offers a number of delectable delights – including the longtime guest favorite chocolate bread pudding, as well as a Belgian waffle topped with almond toffee ice cream.

 

Waffle 

 

Recently, we’ve added a few new treats to satisfy a sweet tooth. First, Chef Joe’s Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee. Light and sweet – it is an ideal way to finish a meal. Quick history note – the origins of crème brulee are up for debate. While the name is French (meaning burnt cream), there is no documented history as to who created the first crème brulee or where it was invented. A case can be made for recipes from France, England, and Spain, as the origins of today’s dessert. In any case, I, for one, am glad it’s made its way to SOHO!

 

SOHO has also added Chiffonade’s New York Style Cheesecake to the dessert menu. SOHO’s chefs create a new topping for the cheesecake each day – from warm banana rum sauce to fresh fruit. This decadent dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or an expresso. Hopefully, you’ll stop in soon for a taste!

 

Finally, don’t forget that Sunday, June 20, is Father’s Day! Why not treat Dad to a lobster dinner? Every Sunday, SOHO offers a $25 lobster meal – guests receive a 1 1/2 lb Maine lobster, Andouille sausage, fresh corn, red bliss potatoes, and a green salad. Plus, Sweetwater 420 pints are only $3 every Sunday. Please click here to make reservations or call (770) 801-0069 to reserve your lobster. (Quantities are limited).