My partner, Tim Olson, and I have been invited to do a winemaker dinner at Stageleft restaurant in New Brunswick, NJ on Friday, May 20th. Francis and Mark, co-proprietors of Stageleft, have been big fans of Tim's winemaking style since his days at Tarius. They bought a good amount of our inaugural production, the 2002 Unti Syrah, and liked it so much they suggested we come out to New Jersey to pour the wine at a dinner for their customers. We, of course, said YES!! In addition to pouring the 2002 Unti Syrah, we will also be pouring our 2003 releases plus some older vintages from Tim's days at Tarius. It should be a lot of fun and I hope to see some of the local Vinocellar members at the dinner!

Here is the scoop. If you have questions about the dinner, it is best to contact Stageleft at the number below.

When - May 20th at 7 pm
Where - StageLeft Restaurant in New Brunswick, NJ (www.stageleft.com)732-828-2444
Cost - $125 per person
Menu:

Sparkling Wine (blind)
Hors d’Oeuvres

Syrah 2003; Olson Ogden; Sonoma, CA
Seared Rare Ono with Japanese Eggplant

Syrah “Unti Vineyard” 2003; Olson Ogden; Dry Creek Valley, CA
Syrah “Unti Vineyard” 2002; Olson Ogden; Dry Creek Valley, CA
Roasted Whole Poussin with Morels, Pistachio Pesto and Spring Peas

Pinot Noir 1999; Tarius; Santa Lucia Highlands, CA
Kobe Beef Flatiron Steak

Zinfandel “Korte Ranch” 1999; Tarius; Mendocino, CA
A Selection of Spanish Cheese Aged in Our Cellar

Port “Aldine Vineyard” 2000; Tarius; Mendocino, CA
Mixed Berry Sourdough and Raisin Bread Pudding

This sounds very interesting.....

Will check to see if I can make it. May be down at the shore that weekend.

Yes, it does. Some "issues" to work out (i.e. babysitting, work schedule, etc...). But, I am really interested.

Hear a lot of good thing about the Restaurant (been wanting to go there for years now). And, hear a lot of good things about your wine(s). A good way to taste these wines...

close to home. this could be a maybe.

I hope you can all make it...it would be a pleasure to put a Vinocellar name with a face

It will be my first time to the restaurant as well. Tim tells me it is excellent, so I am looking forward to trying out the chef's creation and seeing how they all go with the wine.

Btw, since all three of you are local...did you know that Francis and Mark of StageLeft do a radio show devoted to food and wine? I only know about it because Tim was a call in guest one Saturday to talk wine. I have not listened to their show but thought I would pass it along in case you are ever stuck in traffic between 11 am and noon

http://www.restaurantguysradio.com/

Well, I tried all that I could to make this event. Besides tasting these new wines, this is considered one of the better restaurants in NJ. But, just could not arrange for babysitting. Sorry to miss...

Sorry you can't make this one but if this has a good turnout I expect we will do another dinner in the near future at StageLeft.