Renaissance Dallas North

Would you say that Tequila is similar to Pinot Grigio? You might be interested to know that you can substitute Pinot Grigio for Tequila in just about any recipe. Pinot Grigio has that clean crisp almost citrus character that reminds me of Tequila. Ty Thoren, now Executive Chef at the Gaylord Resort in Grapevine, Texas, was the Executive Chef at the Renaissance Dallas North when we did this great dinner.

First Course
Tequila (or Pinot Grigio) grilled Jumbo Gulf Prawns
With Pepper Slaw and Cilantro Pepper
Served with Messina Hof Pinot Grigio

Roasted Duck and Fois Gras Strudel
With Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Cherries and Zinfandel Glace
Served with Messina Hof TexZin

Second Course
Tangerine Mint Sorbet

Third Course
Pistachio Encrusted Sea Bass on a bed of Lobster Mash Drizzled with Roquefort Cream
With Fried Sweet Potatoes
Served with Messina Hof Private Reserve Chardonnay

Fourth Course
Baby Asian Greens with Turnip Sprouts, Hot House Tomatoes, Smoked Mozzarella
With Toasted Walnut Vinaigrette
Served with Messina Hof Barrel Reserve Pinot Noir

Fifth Course
Glazed Poached Pear with Vanilla Meringue and Wild Berry Ragout
Served with Messina Hof Angel Late Harvest Riesling

From every chef that I have ever worked with I have learned something new to take away. Ty was extremely creative. Because he knew how much I loved strudel from my German background he did the duck strudel but also taught me how to make a breakfast strudel using all breakfast ingredients in the strudel pastry. That was the first time I had enjoyed a breakfast strudel and have served it many times since.

Besides the strudel, the WOW in this menu for me was the salad with the Pinot Noir. Red wine with salad is most challenging and requires great care to pair the vinaigrette with the acid and flavors of the wine. When done correctly, these pairings are some of the most dramatic flavor combinations.