There are certain combinations that have an indefinable magic which could not be duplicated if one of the parts were to be supplanted by a substitute. For instance, what would sports writers have done if the early Chicago Cubs had broken up the greatest double-play combination in baseball history, Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers and Frank Chance? Would there have been a poem about, "Tinker to Evers to Heinie Zimmerman"? We think not! What about, maybe, Bing Crosby and Leo Gorcey in the "road pictures"?... pastrami on white?...the Atchison, Topeka and Cleveland Railroad? Huh?

Well, it's like that with Deborah Cahn and Ted Bennett, the dynamic duo of Navarro Vineyards. Together since the 1960's, and working as a team, they turned a marginal, Mendocino County sheep ranch into a homestead, a lifestyle and a thriving vineyard and boutique winery operation that now produces highly acclaimed, delicious and often, hard to find wines.

On August 1st, 2004, Cahn and Bennett brought some of their magic to the Plaza Café when they hosted our Navarro Wine Dinner, relating wonderful stories about their life, their travels and of course, about the special wines they produce. The other great combination at work, here, was the perfectly paired cuisine of Chef Gulija and the outstanding vintages listed below. There wasn't a vacant seat in the dining room.

More information about Navarro and their truly great wines is available at www.navarrowine.com

The Navarro Wine Dinner Menu

Plaza Café Assorted Canapes
2002 White Riesling (Anderson Valley, CA)

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Tuna Tartare with Cucumber Gelee, Summer Radishes and Hoisin Sauce
2002 Gewurztraminer "Estate Bottled" (Anderson Valley, CA)

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Orzo with Butter Poached Lobster, Avocado Butter
and American Osetra Caviar
2002 Chardonnay "Premiere Reserve" (Anderson Valley, CA)

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Sauteed Diver Sea Scallop with Foie Gras, Corn Polenta
and Pinot Noir Sauce
2002 Pinot Noir "Methode Ancienne" (Anderrson Valley, CA)

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L.I. Duck Confit with Zinfandel- Barbeque Sauce in Chili Corn Crepe
2001 Zinfandel "Old Vine Cuvee" (Anderson Valley, CA)

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'Peaches and Cream'
2001 White Riesling, Cluster Select (Anderson Valley, CA)
The First Impression - Shown here, from left to right, are the masterfully presented canapés the guests were offered during the reception phase of the event. 1-Crisped Goat Cheese on a Disc of Watermelon with a Balsamic Glaze. 2-Grilled Shrimp with Local Cherry Tomato and Chorizo on a Rosemary Skewer. 3-Local Lobster and Corn Salsa served in a Cornmeal Cone and topped with Mini-Scoop of Sweet Corn Ice Cream. 4: This is actually the Tuna Tartare appetizer course described above. 6-Freshly Shucked Oysters swimming in a Spicey Gazpacho and served on porcelain spoons.
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