By: Gina Lanaux

What I love most about a wine dinner is that I don't have to make any menu decisions. I just sit down and have delicious food and wine brought to me by a courteous server. I always enjoy interesting conversations with my table mates and also learn something new about wine. The Red, White, and Rose` dinner hosted by Scenic 98 Coastal, held at Char 32 in Point Clear was no exception. With five courses paired with French wines from Seth Hargett’s ABM Wines, it was a delightful Thursday evening. 

The setting was beautiful, with large tables adorned with black tablecloths as a canvas for centerpieces of palmettos, lemons, and beautiful ceramic barnacle-like candle holders made by potter Shelley Leigh. (She was featured in last week's newsletter) Visually stunning, the stage was set for a memorable meal. Upon arrival, we were offered an Old Scenic 98 Old Fashioned cocktail expertly crafted by Jonathon, the bartender at Char, using bourbon from Judge Roy Beans Spirits or a glass of cold champagne. I had a taste of both! 

The first course was Oysters on the Half Shell, from Admiral Shellfish Company on Fort Morgan Peninsula. Zeb wrote in an article published in the May 15th newsletter, “The salinity from fresh Gulf water ebbing and flowing with each tide gives Admiral Shellfish a distinctive salty flavor. 

It is also one of the widest areas of Mobile Bay with Dauphin Island and Bayou La Batre to the West, Bon Secour, and the Eastern Shore to the North. This creates strong wave action which tumbles the oysters naturally, giving Admiral Shellfish oysters a deep, meaty cup.” I got to experience firsthand this deep meaty cup, holding an incredible-tasting oyster. Paired with a 2022 Domaine D’elise Chablis, we were off to a good start. 

Next, we had a nice fresh salad with grilled Chilton County Peaches, bits of Pork Belly, crumbled cheese, and tomatoes paired with Domaine De Saint Ser Cuvee Prestige Rose` 2023. I could drink Rose` all day and this one was especially pleasing. Course three was a serving of Black Grouper stuffed with crab meat, served on Devotion Corn Maque Choux purchased from McKinsey Farm Market in Pt. Clear.

I am devoted to Devotion corn. and Char 32 is known for using seasonal produce in their dishes. A Pouilly Fume accompanied this dish and at this point, I had 3 wine glasses in front of me and couldn't decide which one to sip. Fortunately, Ryan Pope, our gentlemanly server, was quick to remove glasses and dishes, before bringing the next plate. 

He was a calming presence as the energy in the room went to a higher scale and the food and wine tasted better and better. A Gourney cheese-crusted filet of beef was served for the fourth course and Seth explained to most patrons who were waiting for a glass of red wine, that a Chateau D’Angel Caudios Blanc was complimentary wine for Beef. Who knew?! 

His recommendation was spot on and the beef was so tender and flavorful that this course was my favorite. The dinner ended with a rich chocolate pot de creme and the red wine everyone was waiting for, a 2019 Château De la Jaubertie Mirabelle Du. 

As the night was coming to a close, Zeb told the guests that the next wine dinner would be held in Pensacola at Dharma Blue on September 11th. The extremely satisfied guests raised their hands enthusiastically and promised to attend. 

Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life's most civilized pleasures." – Michael Broadbent: So true! Put the next dinner on your calendar and plan for perfect Epicurean Delights!