Monday, January 21, 2013

Best Meals 2012 #4 Krug Dinner @ Michy's




 
       Krug Champagne



Sra. Martinez - Fresh Tapas - Design District



I decided mid way through the year that I wasn't going to do a best meal or best dish list this year because there were already way too many great ones in the mix. From the delicious and fun visiting chef Pop Up Series hosted by chef Michael Schwartz at Harry's Pizzeria, to the great monthly themed dinners hosted by chef Aaron Brooks at Edge Steak & Bar, to some wonderful wine and champagne dinners along the way and of course, the "underground and experimental" dinners we throw with some creative and talented chefs over at Cobaya Miami.

But some of these meals were truly exceptional and memorable. And I wanted to go back and give them the credit they deserve.

I must admit that ranking these meals was very difficult as all were truly outstanding. As with my normal "tiers", these rankings take all facets of the meal into consideration. While food is the primary component, phenomenal wine or simply a great time will bolster ones rating.

I intended on limiting the list to my Top Twelve for 2012 but it was impossible to cut down to 12. Thus, I went with my top Fifteen plus a tie.

Big thanks to all of the chefs, kitchen crews, managers, sommeliers, bartenders, servers and support staff for making 2012 another happy year for my belly!!

Rankings:

#5   Brad Kilgore "Anatomy of a suckling Pig"


Michelle Bernstein
             
When I received an email regarding a dinner with two of my favorite things, Krug and Michelle Bernstein I popped my cork!  In all seriousness, I'm a huge fan of both and this was a match made in culinary and bubble heaven.  They were my fourth best meal of 2012.

I knew going in that the food was going to be outstanding as usual.  I also knew that we were in for a real treat because we were going to be able to taste Krug Vintage 1998, Vintage 2000, Rosé 2000 and the Grande Cuvée.  What I didn't know was that we were going to be joined by the engaging president and CEO of Krug, Maggie Henriquez.

It was an intimate group at Michy's, limited to 15 to 20 seats maximum and I was fortunate to get a seat directly across from Maggie.  Not only did she educate us on every aspect of the pours and Krug in general but she made sure that our special Krug glasses were always full.  The cost of this affair was a steal at $125.00.  I easily drank $125.00 worth of the 1998 alone!  Spending the evening with Maggie was a lot of fun and drinking the free flowing pours of the phenomenal Krug was a very special treat.  Hopefully, I will get to Champagne in the near future and accept Maggie's offer to visit the Chateau.      

Once again, I never got around to writing a post about this incredible dinner.  Thus, I've attached some of the tweets from the dinner.  My tweets were minimal that night because I wasn't putting down my glass.




Kusshi Oyster Chawanmushi with dash gelée and caviar.
paired with Krug, Vintage 1998.


                                          


Off the charts start to @KrugChampagneUS dinner @MichysMiami kusshi oysters chawanmushi with caviar & insane 98 Krug.


                                         


Seared Foie Gras with strawberries and graham cracker cake.
Paired with Krug, Vintage 2000.


                                                      


Course two even better. seared foie, strawberries, graham cracker cake w 2000 Krug.




Grilled Veal Loin with crispy sweetbreads, English pea ravioli, spring asparagus and baby carrots.
Paired with Krug, Rosé, Vintage 2000.


                                                          Krug Rose Brut, Champagne, France label



Coconut Pana Cotta with hibiscus and citrus salad.
Paired with Krug, Grande Cuvée

Amazing end to a great dinner. Coconut panna cotta with Krug Grande Cuvée

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