Montauk Pioneer - August 8, 2008

Dusk was setting at the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina, and what better atmosphere for a luxurious meal than their back patio overlooking the beautiful ships at sunset?

Besides the great hors d'oeuvres by Chef Jared Potter and his staff there were paintings set up by Sag Harbor artist Ted Asnis. This was one of their popular Art/Wine Dinners, in a series that the yacht club features the last Thursday of each month, through October. "We like to pair fine Long Island wines with the wonderful art of this area, and enjoy both along with our own special menu," said Keith Battaglia, Marketing Director of the Montauk Yacht Club. He was on hand to welcome about 60 guests to this special dinner, along with public relations consultant Ken Ellens, and Catherine Seiersen of Island Global Yachting, the parent company, of Fort Lauderdale.

Romany Kramoris, who has her own gallery in Sag Harbor, and who helped inspire the idea for these Art/Wine dinners, was also there, along with artist Ted Asnis.

"One of the important things about Ted's work, is that he captured the fields, farmland, and architecture that is rapidly disappearing from out area," she said. "He captured the era of days gone by, with the family farms of the old families like the Halseys, the Whites and others, that are being sold off and developed."

Kramoris explained that another theme of Asnis is horses, in action on the polo field, and competing, as well as in portraits.

Jim Silver, Sommelier of Bedell Cellars on the North Fork, spoke about the fine assortment of wines he was featuring for this evening's five-course dinner. He explained that his vineyard has the first female winemaker hired by a Long Island winery-Kelly Urbanik, and at 27, she is also the youngest.

"At Bedell, we believe in blends, and she is helping to create some outstanding wines at our vineyard," said Silver. "Tonight you will try some of our unique, special wines, including our Champagne with California Pomegranates, and out famous Bedell Cellars Muse 2005, which is our finest Merlot."

Also in the crowd of guests were many of the boat owners of the Montauk Yacht Club, including Maria and Dominick Marinelli, Michael and Marian Conde, and Arlene and Howard Lash, who were chatting with the yacht club's dock master, John Muray.

We all went inside to the elegant dining room, overlooking the harbor, to feast on appetizers of Seared Jumber Lump Crab Cake with Smoked Salmon Mousse, which was delicate, extremely tasty, and melted in my mouth. It was paired with Bedell's crisp, fresh Domaines CC Rose 2008 wine, for just the right combination!

Our next course was a Boston Bibb Lettuce with Fresh Tomato, Grilled Corn, Carmelized Balsamic Onions and Virginia Ham Vinaigrette-the perfect summer salad. It was paired with a Bedell Cellars Taste White, 2007, and this wine was smooth and light.

The entrée arrived with an elegant surf and turf combination of Filet Mignon and Stone Crab Claw with Bing Cherry Jus. The meat was butter-tender, and the crab was succulent and rich. It came with yummy Twice-Baked Potatoes and a Summer Vegetable Medley.

The dessert was a Warm Bourbon Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, and the hot and cold combination was great with this decadent dish. Throughout the dinner Chef Jared Potter popped in to greet the guests, who all raved about his talents.

Don't miss the next Art/Wine Dinner at the Montauk yacht Club, on August 28, when they feature "Pacific Rim," and special hotel rates will also apply to the upcoming sinner series which goes on through October. Bon Appetit!