So last weekend I attempted to create my first wine pairing dinner. I decided not to cheat and use a web page or use a cookbook that had the food/pairing done for me. So I chose my menu and let me start by saying why did I decide to do Asian Fusion...couldn't I have tackled something easy like Italian where all the food goes well with red wine. But no Asian Fusion it was! So the menu consisted of smoked salmon/cucumber rolls for appetizers, carrot and ginger soup and short ribs. I had a friend who is an amazing dessert chef bring the dessert...the thought of tackling another course was a little overwhelming for me. I chose to pair the food with wines that were not overwhelming so I did a Gnarly Head Pinot Grigio with the salmon appetizer....this was perfect...light, crisp and not overwhelming. The 2nd course soup was paired with a La Crema Chardonnay....ok, I wasn't thrilled with the taste of the chardonnay. The ribs were paired with a Parker Station Pinot Noir which was spot on...must have been since we went through 3 bottles of it.

I know that we are often our own worse critics, but I definitely learned a few things about wine/pairing dinners. Some of you may say duh...but I am learning as I go.

1. Don't plan to start serving the food at the time you tell everyone to be there. My timing was definitely off since I was trying to coordinate 6 people. So the soup wasnt as hot as I would have liked.

2. Take pictures...if I am writing a food blog I should have photos of the food I make. I was especially impressed with how the ribs looked on the plate...thanks Jen for your serving assistance.

3. Taste the wine you are serving before your dinner. I picked the wine by the varietal I thought would go best with the food but I found that the chardonnary I chose just didnt have the taste I was hoping. And yes this rule also allows you to drink more wine in the days leading up to the dinner.

4. Be careful of salt. I found that everyone has a different ideal for salt and I found my soup to be a little salty.

I have to say it was a fun time and it was a great way to experience good friends and food. We had a lot of fun drinking the wine, talking about the food and discussing wine. I can't wait to do it again as I figure  it will only get better the more I do it.

Here is the recipe for the ribs if anyone wants to try it. Super easy recipe just make sure you have time to stay at home while they sit in the oven.Emeril's Asian Ribs

I also have to say I am very thankful that I didn't have a hangover the next day as I had 5 of the greatest girlfriends at my door at 0900 on Sunday ready to take me on an adventure. We discovered a great restaurant in Santa Barbara on State Street in Santa Barbara....called Blush...definitely recommend the outdoor patio. Thanks ladies for a great time.