[LLaffinPlace]

Day 3, Part 3 - February 8, 2002: Artist Point Restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge (#2)

We arrived at APT at about 8:35 PM and requested Beth as our CM/server. She had a table free. We had checked on her work schedule night before last when we were here to make sure she would be working when we returned. Why? Well, we had had Beth as our server in 2000. When we visited APT in 2001, we had another server, but Beth recognized us and stopped by to say hello and ask us how we were enjoying our vacation. She even remembered that Bob's nephew had been in a band that performed here! So that's why we made a special effort to get her as our server--we were impressed!

1st Course
[Bob] Corn Chowder with Smoky Bacon and Tillamook Cheddar
[L] Savory Rabbit Sausage with Frisee', Roasted Red Pepper and Grain Mustard Vinaigrette (Kiona Merlot 1998, Washington State)

2nd Course
[Bob] Pan-Seared Veal Tenderloin Stuffed with Forest Mushrooms, Sage Polenta, and Porcini-Cognac Cream (Argyle Pinot Noir 1999, Oregon State)
[L] Grilled Filet of Beef with Roasted Garlic-Dungeness Crab Sauce, Broccolini and Crushed Fingerling Potatoes (Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1998 Yakima, Washington State)

3rd Course
[Bob] Kiona Ice Wine 2000
[L] Simply Chocolate... Chocolate Cake Glazed with Ganache, Grand Marnier Sauce, and White Chocolate Covered Brandied Cherries
Graham's 30 Year Old Tawny Port
Decaf Coffee

It's hard to know where to start! The breads--molasses and potato--came with salmon pate' (marvelous! [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] ) and onion garlic butter. We ordered appetizers and main courses, and I asked for my wine to be brought with the appetizer; Bob wanted his with his main course. The rabbit sausage was wonderful, and the mustard and the merlot were perfect companions. And, no, I didn't think of Thumper once.... [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

After the veal and beef arrived, Beth brought a sample of the Kiona Cabbernet unsolicited, and once I tried it, I asked for a glass with which to finish the beef. Another superb food-wine pairing! The beef was done to perfection. And I was so pleased to have "discovered" the Kiona winery and their wonderful wines! With dessert, Beth brought me the port saying, "Nothing goes with chocolate like port." I'll say! Woohoo! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] The "Simply Chocolate" is indescribable, but hardly simple.

What a stupendous meal. And to top it all off, Beth brought me a "Magical Moments" Certificate inscribed, "Finding Kiona in the Pacific Northwest". When I turned it over, I found she had affixed the label from the Kiona Cabernet wine bottle! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] Big tip!

It goes without saying that I went to bed very, very happy that night. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Coming up: How Sturdy Are Your Branches?

[ 03-02-2002, 08:36 AM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]