Proprietor's Reserve

Front

I got an email from Proprietor's Reserve asking the following question to win a free seat for Jaffurs Winemaker dinner that night.  Name one of the two varietals of wine that Santa Barbara County is most known for? Having visited recently, I answered right away (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) and got two seats for the price of one ($50 per seat regular price)!

Cozy setting

The menu was as follows:

2009 Thompson Vineyard Grenache Blanc

Honey Goat Cheese | Grilled Bosc | Prosciutto | Garlic Asiago Crostini

  

2010 Santa Barbara County Viognier

Seared Shrimp + Scallop | Herbed Baby Greens | Toasted Hazelnut | Grilled Yellow Squash | Red Bell | Brown Butter Vinaigrette

Salad and crostini

2009 Santa Barbara County Grenache

Chicken Normandy | Green Apple | Dried Cherries |Toasted Pecan | Thyme Wild Rice

Chicken Normandy

2010 Santa Barbara County Syrah

Braised Pork Roast | Boysenberry Syrah Reduction | Sweet Potato Mash | Sage Butter

2010 Thompson Vineyard Petite Sirah

Grilled Chicken | Andouille | Crimini | Artichoke | Roasted Red Bell Pepper | Tarragon Cream | Crusty Bread

Lemon Crème Brûlèe | Mixed Berries | Chambord Sauce

Creme Brulee

We arrived a few minutes late to find a group of people who have gathered outside the shopfront. It was a small cozy place with strategically thought out layout. The first and second course had already been served when we were seated along with a couple who were regulars. It began with a brief introduction about the Proprietor's and then on to Jaffurs before we began our courses.

The food was intricate and delicious, pairing wonderfully with the wines. What I was most impressed with was how personal it was. The winemaker of Jaffurs Matt Brady introduced each of the wines and Erin Sealy, who was the hostess (also the cook!) introduced the food in a fun way of going through her thought process of cooking and pairing with the wine. I would love to come back for more! More about the wines later!