Sommelier Fireside Wine Dinner at Pinot Provence: “Italy vs Spain”
Joey Kleinhans of Wine Elite hosts a night of wines from Italy and Spain, perfectly paired with Pinot Provence’s award-winning cuisine.
The Sommelier Fireside Dinner returns to Pinot Provence in Costa Mesa for a night of comparing and contrasting two countries famous for producing wine. Two rivaling Mediterranean countries square off against each other in a five-course meal with wine pairings for “Italy vs Spain.”
Each course will feature a modern interpretation on classic dishes from both countries. Pinot Provence Executive Chef Alfonso Ramirez will serve elegant cuisine that will be highlighted with perfectly paired wines. While Chef Ramirez prepares the fine fare, certified Sommelier, wine educator and instructor Jorn “Joey” Kleinhans will play host for an interactive evening of wining and dining. Along with being a wine expert and connoisseur, Kleinhans is also the founder of Wine Elite, California’s largest high-end wine forum.
Wine Elite provides sommelier-guided wine tasting experiences, which are both fun and educational. Through Wine Elite, Kleinhans has hosted over 50 formal wine tastings and developed a large following throughout Orange County and beyond. No matter what your level of wine knowledge, Kleinhans is dedicated to providing insights that help enhance your level of wine enjoyment and appreciation.
Pinot Provence is part of the Patina Group of restaurants and is constantly hailed as one of the best French dining destinations in OC from critics and diners alike. The award-winning cuisine is served in stylish and chic surroundings from its restaurant located at The Westin South Coast Plaza. With world-class shopping just across the street at South Coast Plaza and the performing arts leader of OC, Segerstrom Center for the Arts a short walk away, Pinot Provence is an ideal destination for any occasion.
The first sommelier fireside dinner of 2014 will feature some incredible dishes and begins at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, January 15. The first course will be gambas al ajilo — Patagonian shrimp, garlic cream and garlic chops paired with 2012 Lechthaler, Pinot Grigio, Italy/2011 La Cana, Albarino, Spain.
The next course will be pappardelle and braised pheasant served with 2005 Chianti Classico Riserva, Nozzole, Italy/2010 Grancha, “El Chaparral,” Vega Sindoa, Spain. The incredible fare continues with a third course of pork cheek paella with Bilboa chorizo, braised pork cheeks and saffron rice paired with 2007 Allegrini, Palazzo della Torre, Corvina, Rondinella/2007 Monastreal, D.O. Jumila, “Juan Gil,” Bodega Hijos de Juan Gil.
The next course is veal osso buco with creamy polenta and wild mushroom with wine pairings of 2003 Barbaresco, Pelissero, Italy/2002 Rioja, “Roda I, Reserva,” Bodegas Roda, Spain. The fifth and final course is an artisanal cheese plate served with grappa, Sarpa Di Poli, Italy/Sherry, Lustau, Spain.
The Sommelier Fireside Wine Dinner is an incredible evening of delectable fine dining and wonderful wines. Not only is it the perfect opportunity to improve your palate and indulge in incredible cuisine, it’s a fun social experience and great chance to learn something new about both food and wine. The dinner is $120 per person. The Fireside Sommelier Wine Dinners are always popular, so space tends to fill up quickly. To ensure your seat, make reservations today by visiting the Pinot Provence website or call the restaurant at 714.444.5900.