While our summer in Minnesota seemed more like an extended spring, the crops were still gathered and there certainly was much to celebrate at the October 27 MN Harvest Wine-pairing Dinner at Ingredients Café. We especially took advantage of the many varieties of squash and nuts that were in season.
Deb Hepsburg of the Wine Company poured the wines that accompanied Chefs Ben and Tony’s creations.
The first course was a not-too-sweet pumpkin pie soup with broiled housemade marshmallow cream and granola. The oats provided a bitter note to the nutmeg infused, silky liquid. The Cline Oakley Four Whites wine that accompanied it added an interesting mysteriousness to the course’s flavors.
Next came a comforting roasted butternut squash ravioli served with braised pork belly dusted with cornmeal. Dressing it were caramelized onions and a roasted apple and celery puree. The smokiness of the pork enlivened the sweetness of the other flavors. Plus a light dusting of shaved parmesan cheese brought in salty tones. The Matchbook Chardonnay that was poured with it was brisk and prevented any food comas from coming on.
An expertly prepared beef tenderloin was the star of the third course. The meat had a purple center, like the heart of a melon, and it shared the plate with luscious braised short rib and a crusty spaghetti squash and potato terrine. The Duxoup Syrah paired exceptionally well with this course. It smelled of caramel and translated the opened-up the flavors of each bite of food to reveal the inner sweetness of each ingredient.
For the finale, Chefs Ben and Tony sent out a gorgeous flourless chocolate cake that was more chocolatey and nutty than any candy bar. It was adorned with caramelized banana foam and grilled bananas as well as a cherry gastrique and walnut gremolata. It was paired with a local wine that reminded us the sweet tastes of summer that make living in Minnesota so worthwhile. The St. Croix Raspberry Infusion perfectly tasted of raspberries with just a hint of wine at the end.
Please watch our website for news on our next wine-pairing dinner!
