Page 3 - Dining Out - June 27, 2021

Restaurant Insider with Anne Lee
AL: You are the first I have met who has a degree in winemaking. What does that mean?
JS: It means that you take a lot of chemistry courses, basically the pre-med route. You have a lot of chemistry background with the grape-growing courses; horticul- ture, a great deal of plant science and understanding how things grow is a large part of what we do. This is an interesting degree
that allows you to focus on grape growing or winemaking, but it’s critical to have the knowledge of both. Especially as a winemaker, you really need to be as adept with the concept of growing grapes as you are with making wine.
AL: Let’s talk about some of the food items we tried.
JS: A lot of our wines are very food friendly, it is something that
we focus on and it’s inherent to the grapes and vineyards that we work with. Any of our wines would pair nicely with these dishes. The three I have chosen are on the wine list, so guests are welcome to order these dishes and pair them with my recommendation.
Ahi Poke ($22) with inamona, ogo, sambal, ginger and wonton chips is paired with our Hartford Court 2019 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, a blend of multiple vineyards, little special places that come together in one bottling. This has a fruit intensity. Russian River Valley is known for its fairly cool climate, a big maritime influence, lots of cold air and fog rolling in. That drives a fruit intensity in the wines with a bright acidity.
Garlic Shrimp ($29) is served atop creamy polenta and a fried lemon. We paired this one with our Hartford Court 2013 MacLean’s Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir — this is actually named after
1
the Hartfords’ son. This vineyard sits right in the middle of a for- est of redwoods, pines and scrub brushes, and the vineyard picks up some of its characteristics, so you will taste is a spicy character.
Braised Short Ribs (call for cost) are also served atop creamy po- lenta, roasted mushroom, pickled red onion, short rib sauce, crispy kale and everything-but-the-ba- gel topping. I chose the Hartford 2013 Outer Limits Vineyard “True” Sonoma Coast Syrah. This vineyard
is located on the Sonoma ridgetop, very close to the ocean. You will taste hints of black fruits, black cur- rent flavors and tannins. The dense and spicy syrah is a nice comple- ment to the short ribs.
AL: Where are you able to find these wines? JS: We focus on having a
presence here, as Don and Jenny spend a lot of time in the islands.
3
2
1. Braised Short Ribs (call for cost) 2. Garlic Shrimp ($29)
3. Ahi Poke ($22)
You can find them in many restau- rants such as the Surf Lanai here at The Royal Hawaiian. We also have a few brands that you can find in your favorite local wine shop.
AL: Any last words of wisdom?
JS: There is no right or wrong with wine and food pairings. It’s each individual’s opinion. It is what you like to drink and what you like to eat — it’s as simple as that.
Surf Lanai
at The Royal Hawaiian,
a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
2259 Kalakaua Ave. 808-921-4600 royal-hawaiian.com
Hartford Family Winery
8075 Martinelli Road, Forestville, California 800-588-0234 hartfordwines.com
Live Well, Feel Great with The Kahala Spa Specials
Feel relaxed and rejuvenated from head to toe with The Kahala Spa summer specials. Sink into ultimate relaxation and let us apply our signature Hemp CBD Recovery Remedy Treatment to heal your muscles and joints. Tone, tighten, and detoxify your skin with The Kahala’s Hawaiian Body Mask and Wrap, a heavenly exfoliation and hydration experience using the finest, natural ingredients. Finally, put your best foot forward with our Tropical Deluxe Pedicure.
The Kahala Spa’s Signature Hemp CBD Recovery Remedy Treatment 60 min | $185* (reg. $235)
Hawaiian Body Mask and Wrap
60 min | $175* (reg. $220) Tropical Deluxe Pedicure
75 min | $75* (reg. $95)
*Valid till July 31, 2021.
Reservations are subject to availability. Not combinable with other offers.
Book Now
L I V E T H E K A H A L A L I F E
739.8938 KahalaResort.com
Dining Out / June 27-July 3, 2021
/ 3