Last weekend, in celebration of our 44th wedding anniversary our Son and Daughter-In-Law treated us to a Barbecue and Wine Pairing Dinner at the Five Star Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary, NC. Executive Chef Scott Crawford and their Sommelier put together a menu that solved the problem of what wine to serve with any of our favorite BBQ choices and the Chef grilled four excellent meats. So if you want to serve wine instead of iced tea, lemonade or beer at your next cookout, I highly recommend the following pairings. This was the menu.
Baby Back Ribs with Garlic-Soy & Vinegar Barbecue Sauce
Riesling, Smith-Madrone, Spring Mtn. California
Boneless Chicken Thighs with Tomato Barbecue Sauce
Pinot Noir, Wild Rock, Central Otago, New Zealand
Smoked & Chipped Pork Butt with Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Nero D’Avola, Cusumano, Sicily, Italy
Beef Short Ribs with Caramelized Onion Barbecue Sauce
Syrah, Laurence Feraud, Chateauneuf Du Pape, France
Campfire S’Mores
Merlot, L’Ecole 41, Columbia Valley, Washington
The early part of the evening was spent on the patio where Chef Crawford told us about his grilling techniques and sauces used on each of the meats. The happy couple are enjoying this immensely, expecially the one with the camera.
To add to the fun, I got to spend a little quality time with the Chef.
Michael and Kristen know us well and knew that an event like this would be one that would appeal to both of us. They are also food lovers and have an interest in good wines and beers. Michael has been making his own beer and it is excellent.
It was a hot and sultry night so after the grill demonstrations we moved back into the hotel. The service was flawless and elegant but never stuffy.
Unfortunately, for you, I was having too much fun to take pictures of all of the courses. I have to say that the Riesling served with the Baby Back Ribs was perfect and the Pinot Noir served with the chicken was light and refreshing. But my favorite food was the Smoked Pork Butt with one of the best cornbreads that I have ever tasted.
The Beef Short Ribs were also good and the Syrah suited their richness well.
What could be better for a cookout than campfire s’mores. Chocolate and merlot always makes a good pairing and this dessert and wine did not dissapoint.
Chef Crawford will be sending me his recipes soon. I will post a link to them when I receive them. We had an unforgettable evening. Thank you to the staff of The Umstead Hotel and especially to Michael and Kristen for arranging this. If you are in the area, The Umstead will be having other wine pairing dinners in the future.
What a great anniversary gift! The food looks sensational, and I bet you learned quite a bit about the flavor profile of the food and wine from the pairings.
Yum and YUM! It sounds like the perfect anniversary gift for the two of you! The food and wine pairings sound wonderful.
Your son and daughter in law, know exactly what to gift to you!
Hugs,
Penny
What an amazing dinner and gift. I know you enjoyed it so much. Thanks for sharing the information and I will look forward to the recipes. Love & blessings from NC!
This was a thoughtful and memorable anniversary gift, Paula!! I enjoyed this post. I was determined that I would learn a bit more about wines and wine pairing this summer and I have failed! lol! I do like my Pinot Grigio with most anything. but I am trying to appreciate red wines a little more.
The menu sounded lovely and how nice this chef seems to be! Beautiful restaurant!
xoxo
Jane
What a wonderful evening you had. We are celebrating our 44th in August. Lovely meal, lovely anniversary couple and lovely son and daughter-in-law! God Bless.
what a amazing gift, i love all the pics, everything ,looks delish!!
sweetlife
Wow, this sounds fantastic!! What a fun and yummy gift. Everything looks and sounds wonderful.
This is defintely my kind of event too. Happy anniversary, so glad you had an inspiring day.
Your devotion to your blog and followers is stunning. On such a perfect night, you take us along to share your beautiful family and exquisite dining experience. BTW, loved the new dress. Thanks for another exhilarating blogging adventure. I’m eager to see those recipes! My compliments to the chef and to you.
Oh, My!!! What a lovely, loving celebration! The idea and the execution were flawless, it seems, and very much enjoyed by all—the very perfection of a party.
I cannot imagine NOT loving the evening, and I don’t even LIKE wine.
Many happy more!!
rachel
Happy Anniversary! What a tasteful and memorable gift. I am so happy for you that you were able to enjoy such a thoughtful and perfect evening.
Happy Anniversary Penny and David. What a fabulous gift. I know you had a wonderful time.
Sam
Hi Penny,
Happy Anniversary! Looks like you had a very nice time. It also looks like you are having a wonderful summer! I am behind in my blog reading as well since I have my children home and I am enjoying them so much. I will pop in when I can!
Robin
Happy Anniversary Penny & David. What a fun evening at the Umstead Hotel!! I live in Cary, my husband works at SAS but do believe I have not eaten dinner at the Umstead! I have enjoyed Tea Time, but not dinner. I would love to go to a event like this…
How fun and what a great gift!! Happy Anniversary!