May Musings

May has been a tasty month.  A friend, who also has a May birthday, and I celebrated our special days at McCrady’s.  Once again, the four course chef’s tasting menu did not disappoint!  Lee was in the mood for Merlot and we couldn’t resist ordering the Velvet Devil.  The Velvet Devil is made by  Charles Smith, an interesting character who is making wines for people who want to drink them right away. While Lee sipped Merlot, I had a glass of a sparkling rosé.  The amuse bouche was a lovely presentation of pickled oysters on the half shell (divine – we asked if we could order a dozen!) served with white asparagus topped with caviar and a tiny edible bloom.

Pan Roasted Grouper

Dishes of note included the Carolina Calico Scallops and Stone Crab served with popcorn drizzled with miso (Really-you would not believe how tasty the popcorn was).  The fish courses were both standouts, seared Cobia with asparagus and wild beach herbs and pan roasted Grouper served with vegetables and braised chicken.  Our server, Gina, was absolutely superb.  She kept attentive watch over our table and the timing of the courses was impeccable.  Kudos to McCrady’s for providing another memorable dining experience.

Debbie Marlowe of the Wine Shop of Charleston held her annual Party on the Porch last Saturday and as always, it was quite an event.  The wines that were showcased were superb and with her special discounts that day, who could resist stocking up?  Among my favorites was Sant’ Evasio Gavi di Gavi, a lovely Italian white with floral notes and wonderful body.  It is a summer wine that can stand up beautifully to food and is accessibly priced at about $12.  I also loved the 2010 Bench Cabernet Sauvignon.  It is a small production wine out of the Alexander Valley in CA that is big and juicy, with dominant flavors of blackberry and spice.  This wine is a bargain at under $20.  An Italian wine new to me is made from the Arneis grape and this particular bottle was Cordero de Montezemolo 2011 Langhe.  It is dry but full of fruit flavors dominated by peach and apricot.  I paired it with Butternut Squash Ravioli with Orange Butter Sauce and Toasted Pecans – divine.

I love receiving your comments.  Let me know what you’re drinking this summer.

Cheers!