For about the past decade on our anniversary (this was number 22) we go to Sanford's Restaurant and get their Surprise Tasting Menu with wine pairings. We only go there once a year, but Ralph, our waiter, recognizes us and knows why we're there.
The meal is always fantastic, and this year may have been the best of all.
Here's our menu:
Surprise Tasting Menu
March 14, 2014
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Amuse Bouche :: Smoked Trout Custard with
Pickled Egg and Toasted Mustard Seed
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Pickled
Blueberry Salad with Beauty Heart Radish, Wisconsin Goat Milk Brie Crouton
2011 Pinot Noir - MacMurray Ranch, Central Coast, CA
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Grilled Red Grouper with Celery Root Puree,
Black Truffle Vinaigrette
2012
Chardonnay – William Hill – Central
Coast, CA
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Portuguese Shellfish Stew – Seared Scallop, Octopus and
Shellfish Chorizo Stuffed Pork Shoulder,
Potatoes and Kale
2011 Vouvray –Domaine Bourillon
– Demi-sec, France
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Chargrilled
Quail with Ravioli of Pheasant and Confit Chestnut, Parmesan and Brown Butter
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon – Raymond –
“R” Series, CA
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Chargrilled
Elk with Elk Short Rib Arancini and Pumpkin Caponata
2009 Tempranillo -- Rioja
– Conde de Valdemar Crianza, Spain
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Mango
Passion Fruit Soup, Coconut Lime Sorbet
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Buckwheat
Cake with Berry
Compote, Pine Needle Ice Cream, Pine Needle Powder
NV Muscat – Yalumba-Museum
Reserve, SE Australia