Montauk Pioneer - July 4, 2008 - MYC Wine Dinner Review

The Artist Wine Dinner Series at the IGY Montauk Yacht Club continued last Thursday June 25th with a dinner presentation titled "A Spanish Culinary Influence." Once again Keith Battaglia, the Montauk Yacht Club, Director of Sales and Marketing, played host to the series he created to merge the tremendous facility, The Montauk Yacht Club, (which is celebrating its 80th year), with the talents of its Chef Jared Potter, the local art scene (this time in the person of Barbara Pintauro-Lobosco) and a presentation of the wines of Atlantic Wine and Spirits, which was presented in fine fashion by Sommelier Ginevra Altonara. Once again the dinner was well attended and started off with an outdoor cocktail party with Romany Kramoris of the Romany Kramoris Gallery in Sag Harbor presenting both Barbara Pintauro-Lobosco and her beautiful landscapes to the guests who were sipping Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc along with Terrazas De Los Andes Malbec. Adding to the fine Montauk setting sun background which the MYC is known for were the "Passed Tapas" that Chef Potter had passed around. The Empanadas of steak and Chicken with salsa Fresca along with fresh Corvina Seviche served with Endive Spears. It was at this function that the newly arrived IGY star Erika Austin was introduced to the gathering having just arrived in Montauk via Chicago, New York City but roots in Dallas, Texas. Her stunning presence added to the glamour of the cocktail hour. At the conclusion of the cocktail hour Keith explained the magnificence of the extensive renovations the crown jewel of Carl Fisher's Montauk that being the Montauk Yacht Club, is still undergoing. All were invited to check out the newly designed guest rooms that are magnificent. With music on Sunday afternoons Keith is introducing many vehicles for local Montauk resident and visitors to enjoy the distinctive ambiance that is conveyed by the tone of the Montauk yacht Club. For an appetizer Chef Potter presented a dusted scallop duo of Piquillo pepper and wild mushroom. Then the resident Sommelier gave a very lively explanation of the qualities of South American wines and their Spanish ties to Europe. The wine Caliza, Marques de Ginnon was everything the Sommelier said it could be and even more. It is a wonderful experience to watch guest, tourist, boaters and dignitaries dine with one another at the Artist Wine Dinners. It's a great social event and well worth the $80 price tag per person considering by the end of the evening each guest has the equivalence of one and half bottles of fine wine plus the elaborate 5 course meal by a Chef who has cooked for Presidents.

The salad was an ever pleasant grilled Saffron Caesar salad with jumbo lump crab. The look of the patrons as they tasted the crab was one of pure culinary pleasure. Again the ever informative Sommelier Ginevra Altonara portrayed her knowledge of what makes a great chardonnay dazzle the wine drinker. Then we sampled the presented Terrazas Reserve Chardonnay and understood what she was talking about. Its chilled brilliant attentive taste accented the taste buds to Chef Potter's salad creation. For an "Intermezzo" to cleanse the pallet Mojito Granite was served and it was well received by the guest.

The entrée for the evening was an apple and Chorizo stuffed pork tenderloin with Madeira Sauce presented with a whipped butternut squash and bundied asparagus. The pork was so tender that it melted away right in your mouth along with the apple and chorizo stuffing. Again Sommelier was up to prepare the dinner guest about the special qualities of the Summa which is a unique blend of cabemet,Syrah and Petit Verdot. It was an excellent choice. Having attended the two previous Artist Wine Dinner's one thing I learned is the time and dedication that Chef Jared Potter puts into the top desserts. The caramel flan with champagne macerated raspberries bought his art to even a new high level. The dessert wine presented by Ms. Sommelier Ginevra Altonara was a delightful Casa Lapostolle Cuvee' Chardonnay.

There are three more Artist Wine Dinners left in the series. The next scheduled one is to be on Thursday July 31, with the theme of "Americana" That will be followed by the theme of the "Pacific Rim" scheduled for Thursday August 28th. The last one which will be on September 25th is titled "Oktoberfest." For information and reservation call 888 MYC 8668 or visit the website www.montaukyachtclub.com. When visit the spacious scenic bar order the specialty drink, the "Yachtini." Keith Battaglia is proud of his staff. Get down there!