Feast

We have wanted to try Feast, a new place down the street from us, since it opened about two months ago. It has gotten great reviews, (here and here) but both times we tried to get there in the past, (admittedly on Sundays for lunch) they were closed. So when I received an e-mail from them last week mentioning their tasting dinner, I called Doreen and we decided to go. She was able to convince some friends to join us, and we headed down to that old house on lower Westheimer.

We arrived shortly after 6:30, and were shown to the back room. Our friends were already there, as were three other tables with four people each. The room decorated in sort of English Pub, all wood furniture and wood floor. It got to be sort of loud when everyone in the room was talking. That didn’t bother us so much, and we set back and added to the cacophony.

It turned out they were pouring wines from a small wine importer who does not deal with retail outlets. (but since Feast does not serve hard liquor, they can sell wine retail. Liquor laws are such a mess). We had the option to pick up any of the wines we liked at a very modest markup. (We have too much wine at home, but Brad and Peggy got some)

The first wine was a pink wine from Provence – a Bieler Rose. As our amuse bouche we had a set of three crostini on homemade bread: Russian Salad (potatoes and peas in mayonnaise) topped with white anchovies; Pork Rillettes (braised pork); and steak tartare. They were all good, but perhaps not transcendent. The bread was especially nice, and the rose (a nice, dry, pinkie) complimented them nicely.

The first course was the highlight of the evening – Scallops St Jacque (Scallops on the shell with mushrooms, cream, and Brandy). I thought I had died and went to heaven. This was accompanied by a Portuguese white – Feital Alvarinho/Trafaduro “Auratus”. It had a richer, heavier body that most Spanish Albariños I am use to drinking. An excellent pairing. We asked for bread to sop up the excellent sauce. I could have eaten many more of these little fellows.

An observation: Both the pours and the “little dishes” were quite generous. For $65/person this was an outstanding bargain. Nobody walked away hungry, or sober (if they chose to finish all the wine! Luckily my wife drove the short six blocks home)

Next up was a beautiful paella – shrimp, chorizo, and chicken served with a White French Burgundy from Meursault. (Fichet Bourgogne Blanc). I though the shrimp were just a tad overcooked, but the rice, chorizo, and chicken were great. I like paella, and this is why. All the flavors meld together nicely. And it is just so cool to look at.

We then graduated to the meat dishes, first Pork Cheeks, Pierogies, and Red Cabbage served with a Descendients J Palacios Roble “Petalos Del Bierzo” from Bierzo Spain. Another braised pork dish. I just cannot get enough of them. Nice, tender, tasty cheeks. The Pierogies were also great. (I think someone’s grandmother made them). Big, bold, dark wine. I have not had it before and enjoyed the new taste sensations.

Following the pork was Braised Beef with Chocolate, steel cut oats and roasted root vegetables. Served with an Altos del la Hoya Monastrell. Anything with root vegetables and chocolates can’t be bad. And the wine was even bigger than the last one! Inky black.

Finally we ended with Rhubarb Crumble with Custard and Elio Perroine Moscatoe D’Asti “Sourgal” from Piedmont Italy. A great end to an excellent meal.