The Carlton Restaurant

We will turn our attention to Italy when Roland Marandino, the Wine Ambassador for Cecchi Winery and Sartori Winery visits The Carlton Restaurant to present a “Best of Italy” Wine Dinner.  It is always fun to pair wines with Italian offerings because Italian wines are built for the table – complementing the cuisine.

We have three wines rated over ‘90″ points including a blockbuster Amarone/Chianti comparison course.  This is an evening that will please the palate and Roland is sure to entertain and educate you about the world of Italian Wine!

“BEST OF ITALY” WINE DINNER

With Roland Marandino, Wine Ambassador for Cecchi & Sartori
Culinary selections by Executive Chef Mark Swomley
Thursday, April 15, 2010, 6:30 PM
$99 per person excluding gratuity

SARTORI FERDI BIANCO VERONESE’07

KIWI GLAZED STUFFED SHRIMP
With Mascarpone-Ricotta Figs, Micro Green Salad,
Champagne Vinaigrette and Macadamia  

CECCHI MORELLINO di SCANSANO RISERVA’05

GRILLED WILD MUSHROOMS
Served over Root Vegetable Strudel with crisp Pancetta,
Sherry Butter and Parmesan Arregiano

SARTORI REGOLO ROSSA VERONESE’05

VEAL RAGOUT
Slowly braised Veal, Plum Tomatoes, Spring Vegetables & Chorizo over Caccereccia Pasta with Fontinella and Dijon Cream.   

SARTORI AMARONE CORTE BRA’03
CECCHI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA di FAMILGIA’06

TENDERLOIN BRUSCHETTA
Peppercorn crusted Tenderloin served over grilled Crostini with Arugula, Balsamic, Roma Tomatoes and fresh Mozzarella

SARTORI RECIOTO di SOAVE VERONESE

PANNA COTTA
With Balsamic Strawberries & sugared Tuille

Enjoy extensive sample offerings from Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington state’s Founding Winery and a key player in obtaining federal recognition of the Columbia Valley as a unique wine growing region or American Viticultural Area (AVA).

Market Watch named Chateau Ste. Michelle the Wine Brand of the Year in 2008 and Wine Enthusiast named it the “American Winery of the Year” in 2004.  Once again, all of the wines have been rated above “90″ points and we reaching into the cellar to taste the 1997 “Reserve” Chardonnay and the 1995 “Artist Series” Meritage – a “91″ point blockbuster that cost over $60 in Pennsylvania when I purchased it many years ago!

“CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE” WINE DINNER

With Chateau Ste. Michelle’s John Sarich
Culinary offerings by Mark Swomley
Wednesday, April 7, 2009 – 6:30 PM
$109 per person – excluding Gratuity

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “HORSE HEAVEN” SAUVIGNON BLANC’08

TUNA THREE WAYS
Tartare, Tuna Napa Spring Roll & chilled Wasabi-Pea crusted and served with Mango Scallion Relish, Yuzu Glaze, Pickled Ginger & Soy Crème

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE-DR. LOOSEN RIESLING “ERIOICA”‘05

CRAB & ARUGULA SALAD
Jumbo Lump Crab, Baby Arugula, toasted Almonds and Cranberries served in a crisp Parmesan Basket with Citrus Vinaigrette and reduced Balsamic 

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “CANOE RIDGE” CHARDONNAY’06
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “CANOE RIDGE” CHARDONNAY’07
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE COLUMBIA “RESERVE” CHARDONNAY’97

LOBSTER WELLINGTON
Tender Lobster roasted in Pastry with fresh herbs and Boursin Cheese.  Served with Spring Vegetables and served with Tomato Basil Beurre Blanc 

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “CANOE RIDGE ESTATE”‘CABERNET’06
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “ARTIST SERIES” MERITAGE’95

FILET MIGNON
Herb seared and served with Roast Pepper-Prosciutto Bread Pudding,
Roast Squash, Red Dragon Cheese and Garlic Butter

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “LATE HARVEST” CHENIN BLANC’06

GRILLED PEACH SHORTCAKE
With Chocolate Mousse, Mandarin Orange Syrup and Caramel

Don’t forget to join us tonight, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. for our very special Brancott Wine Dinner!

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History and The Carlton are happy to announce a Wine Dinner featuring New Zealand’s Brancott Winery on Friday, Feb. 19. Brancott Winery is one of New Zealand’s’ oldest and literally put New Zealand on the world wine Map.  They’re a sustainable winery that has vineyards in Marlborough, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Canterbury and Otago. We will feature eight wines – three rated over 90 points – served around Chef Mark’s creations.  This dinner celebrates the moving exhibit on “Whales” that will be at the Carnegie Museum until May. Everyone attending will receive two free tickets ($30 value) to see this outstanding exhibit!  Click here for the full dinner menu. Seafood substitutions are available for meat courses for those observing Lenten traditions.  All of our Wine Dinners are available at a reduced price without wine selections.

Please join us on Friday, March 12 for our “Best of California” Wine Dinner showing the wines from the outstanding portfolio of Vintage Imports.  We will be sampling wines from Monterey, the Central Coast, Russian River Valley, Napa Valley and Paso Robles with three courses of wine comparisons.  Most of our offerings this evening are expensive and highly rated.   Talbott’s Kali Hart Chardonnay is a rated 90 points and has become the favorite wine by the glass sold at The Carlton.  Hansel’s Cahill Lane is a small production Pinot Noir that sells for $47 in Pennsylvania and has been rated “93″ by Stephen Tanzer.  The Cabernet course with Frank Family Vineyards ($49 in PA.) and the “91″ rated Cade Cuvee Napa ($68 in PA) should be a blockbuster comparison.  Lee Kuehn will be Vintage’s expert host for this great evening! Please call us to make your reservations.

“VINTAGE IMPORTS”
“BEST OF CALIFORNIA” WINE DINNER
With Vintage Import’s Lee Kuehn
Culinary offerings by Mark Swomley
Friday, March 12, 2009 – 6:30 PM
$109 per person – excluding Taxes & Gratuity

BOGLE CALIFORNIASAUVIGNON BLANC’08

LOBSTER & CLAM CHOWDER
With Smoked Salmon Pancetta Croquette, Red Pepper Coulis and Manchego Cheese

SAMANTHA STARR MONTEREY”RESERVE” CHARDONNAY’07
TALBOTT MONTEREY”KALI HART” CHARDONNAY’08

SEA BASS
Broiled and served with grilled Vegetable Relish,
Sweet Pea-Ricotta Puree & Smoked Tomato Cream

CALERA CENTRAL COASTPINOT NOIR’07
HANSEL RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY”CAHILL LANE” PINOT NOIR’07

ROAST VENISON
Honey & Oat Crusted and served with Cider braised Cabbage,
grilled Corn Pudding, Pinot Noir Reduction and toasted Walnuts

FRANK FAMILY NAPACABERNET SAUVIGNON’06
CADE NAPA CABERNET SAUVIGNON “CUVEE NAPA”‘06

FILET MIGNON
Caramelized Onion Brioche crusted Filet  with Dijon Crushed Potatoes,
Broccoli with Parmesan Cream and Mushroom Demi Glaze.

EOS ESTATE PASO ROBLES “TEARS OF DEW” MOSCATO’08

LEMON CHIFFON CAKE
With Caramel Apple and Crème Englaise
With sweet Mascarpone and Caramel Glaze

Amy’s Army ~ The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ~ The Carlton
Team up for a  5th Wine Dinner – February 26th 2010

The award winning Carlton Restaurant and the culinary  inspirations of Executive Chef Mark Swomley is matched up with 9 very rare and  fine wines in a 3 course feast. Seating is limited to 18 guests, so reserve  your seat early because they will go fast. Net proceeds to be donated to the  Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Amy’s Army is proud to be  a Co-sponsor and assist in the quest for a cure and to raise awareness for the  National Marrow Donor Program in the ongoing search for a match.   Cost is $350 per person.

Chateau  Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2006 – WS 94 Release Price  $105
Densely layered, showing peach cobbler,  graham, heather, chamomile, almond and brioche flavors thatglide along the creamy-textured palate, with a long, smoke-tinged finish. Best from 2010  through 2021. –JM

Louis Latour  Corton Charlemagne 2006 – WE 95 Release Price $89
Power, density, huge richness – all the attributes you would  expect from a Corton-Charlemagne. With this being 2006, the ripe tropical  fruits are crispened with acidity which cuts through the impressive opulence  and ripeness.

Kistler “Hyde  Vineyard” Chardonnay 2006 – WA 93-95 Release Price  $70
“Lemon grass, orange blossom,  marmalade, and nectarine characteristics along with notes of buttered citrus,  peach, and wet stones are found in the 2006 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard. A  full-bodied, beautifully textured style suggest this beauty will drink nicely  for 5-7 years.” RP

LOBSTER  TRIO
Butter roasted  Petite Tail with Crab Whipped Potatoes
Lobster &  Caramelized Leek Ravioli with Smoked Tomato Cream
Chilled Lobster  Salad over Napa Slaw with Champagne Vinaigrete

Course  2
Joseph Phelps  Insignia 2002 – WS 96 #1 wine of the year 2005 Release Price  $150
A rich, polished, seductive style with  layers of complexity built around a dense, concentrated mix of currant,  blackberry, plum and exotic mocha- and cedar-scented oak. This mouthcoating  young wine is powerful yet elegant and deftly balanced, finishing with a long,  succulent aftertaste. Best from 2008 through 2014. –JL

M Chapouiter  Ermitage Le Pavillon 1999– WS 92 Release Price $330
A balanced gem. Aromatically reserved and full-bodied, it  unfolds mineral, wet earth and black fruit. Plenty of refined, ripe,  well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity. Firm finish has a long aftertaste.  Best from 2003 through 2010. –PM

Chateau Lynch  Bages 2000 – WS 96 Release price $125
This  is a superstructured wine with loads of plum, blackberry and licorice.  Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Gorgeous. Tight. Needs  time.–Lynch-Bages non-blind vertical. Best after 2010. –JS

Chateau la  Nerthe Chateauneuf du Pape 1998 – WS 90 Release price $35

Juicy and  forward, this is in prime drinking condition, offering dark, alluring plum,  fig, spice and licorice flavors, with a fleshy, structured finish. Drink now  through 2012.. –JM

Banfi Poggio  all’ Oro Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1993 – WS 93 Release Price  $125
This red from Italy is big, chewy and  delicious. Opens with beautiful, multidimensional aromas of ripe berries,  mushrooms and chestnuts, while on the palate, it’s full-bodied and very  velvety, with a long, long, fruity finish. Best after 2002.  –JS

NY STRIP STEAK
Cracked Pepper and Mustard Seed grilled and served  with Roast Pepper & Chorizo Bread Pudding,
Balsamic Glzed Asparagus, Cabernet Demi Glaze and  Maytag Blue Cheese

Course 3

Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2001 – WS 100 #1 wine of  the year 2004 Release Price $80
Like lemon  curd on the nose, turning to honey and caramel. Full-bodied and very sweet,  with fantastic concentration of ripe and botrytized fruit, yet balanced and  refined. Electric acidity. Lasts for minutes on the palate. This is absolutely  mind-blowing. This is the greatest young Sauternes I have ever tasted. Best  after 2010. –JS

WHITE  CHOCOLATE BABANA CRÈME BRULEE
With  Chocolate Glaze Macadamia and Cherry Mint Relish

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History and The Carlton are happy to announce a Wine Dinner featuring the wines from New Zealand’s Brancott Winery on Friday, February 19.   Brancott Winery is one of New Zealand’s’ oldest and literally put New Zealand on the world wine Map.  They are a sustainable winery that has vineyards in Marlborough, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Canterbury and Otago.

We will feature eight wines – three rated over 90 points – served around of Chef Mark’s creations.  This Wine Dinner celebrates the informative and moving exhibit on “Whales” that will be at the Carnegie Museum until this May.  Everyone attending this dinner will receive 2 free tickets ($30 value) to see this outstanding exhibit!

“BRANCOTT WINERY”
In Partnership with Carnegie Museum of Natural History
With Fraser Mackenzie, International Market Manager, Pernod-Ricard
Culinary offerings by Mark Swomley
Friday, February 19, 2009 – 6:30PM
$99 per person excluding Tax & Gratuity

BRANCOTT MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC’08

LOBSTER & CRAB SALAD
Chilled Jumbo Crab & Lobster Tail with Almonds, Grapes and Radish
in a Honey Crème with Organic Greens and Black Currant Syrup

BRANCOTT MARLBOROUGH “RESERVE” SAUVIGNON BLANC’08
BRANCOTT MARLBOROUGH “ESTATE B” SAUVIGNON BLANC’07
BRANCOTT MARLBOROUGH “ESTATE B” SAUVIGNON BLANC’08

PAN ROASTED SALMON
With Apple & Spinach Risotto Cake, Caramelized Onion-Snap Pea Sauté,
Apricot Stilton Cream and Micro Arugula

BRANCOTT “UNOAKED” CHARDONNAY’07

SEARED SCALLOPS
Served over Brioche Crostini with Baby Fennel-Carrot Salad,
Citrus Vinaigrette, Manchego Cheese and Strawberry Balsamic Jam

BRANCOTT MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR VI’08
BRANCOTT MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR “RESERVE”‘08

RACK OF LAMB
Spicy Dry rubbed Lamb Rack oven roasted and served with
Wild Mushroom Ragout, Puree of Parsnip, Pinot-Veal Glaze and toasted Pecans

VALLEY OF THE MOON PORT’02

CHOCOLATE PROFITEROLS
Chocolate Cream stuffed Pastries with Caramel Glaze and Macadamia

On Wednesday, December 9 (the eve of The Carlton’s 25 birthday) we will welcome Stan “the Wine Man” for the next installment of his “Best of Italy” series featuring great Barolo’s!  This Barolo “blowout” will showcase eight wines that are rated between “91″ and “96″ points!  Stan’s dinners have been popular for years and it is fitting that he is on hand to take part in our birthday celebration!

“BEST OF ITALY”
“BAROLO” WINE DINNER
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 – 6:30 PM
With Stan “the Wine Man” Lalic

Culinary offerings by Mark Swomley
$109 per person – excluding Taxes & Gratuity

ERNESTO PICOLLO GAVI DI GAVI RUGHE’08

TUNA TARTARE
With Almond-Napa Slaw, Rice Wine-Peanut Vinaigrette & Yuzu Jam

SAN BIAGIO BAROLO ROCCHETTIVINO’05
SAN BIAGIO BAROLO PRIA CAPALOT’05
BRUNA GRIMALDI BAROLO VIGNA REYNOLA BADARINA’05

BRAISED SHORT RIBS
Served in Herb Roasted Zucchini with Caramelized Onions,
Carrot-Parsnip Sauté, Pan Jus and Fontinella

SAN BIAGIO BAROLO SORANO’05

VEAL SCALLOPINE
With Brioche-Pancetta Stuffing, Ricotta-Leek Risotto Cake,
Tomato-Herb Reduction, Parmesan Areggiano and grilled Scallions

BERGADANO BAROLO SARMASSA RISERVA’03
GIOVANNI ROGGERO BAROLO RISERVA’03

BEEF WELLINGTON
Beef Tenderloin, Wild Mushrooms & Boursin Cheese roasted in Pastry
and served with Cabernet Glaze and Tomato-Pepper Coulis

LUIGI VIOLA MOSCATO PASSITO’07

APPLE CIDER DONUT
With sweet Mascarpone and Caramel Glaze

Here are The Carlton’s Quick Picks for the week of November 30.

Remember, you can always find more events on the Post-Gazette’s Event Calendar as well as the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Calendar.

These are just a few of our favorites!

1. Ice Skating at the Rink at PPG. The Rink at PPG opened last week during Light Up Night and it is a must for both those living in the city and those just coming to visit.  The Rink is open every day (hours vary) and it’s a great activity if you’re bringing the whole family, a few friends or, of course, a date!  Skate here once and I know you’ll be making it a weekly, or maybe even daily, habit!If you need to warm up after, stop by the Carlton for a warm cup of soup!
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2. Best of California Wine Dinner – Join us at The Carlton on Tuesday, December 1 for our Best of California Wine Dinner!  We’ll be welcoming Post-Gazette columnist Brian O’Neill as our special guest for the evening.  Click here to see the full menu or call us today to make your reservation!
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3. 65 Roses Sports Auction. Join Pittsburgh Steeler Brett Keisel and some of his fellow Steelers on Thursday, December 3 at McFadden’s to raise funds to fight Cystic Fibrosis. Walk away with one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia and meet some of Pittsburgh’s greats, including local celebrities Steve Blass, Greg Brown, Randy Bauman and the Pirate Parrot.
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4. Break with Santa. Take the kids to Macy’s Saturday morning, December 5 to have breakfast with Santa! This is a great way to get the family out to see the jolly guy in a different setting – over breakfast!  Breakfast starts at 10:00 a.m. To RSVP, call (800) 206-1995.
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5. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks. See two of the hottest teams in the NHL under one roof! Head over to the Mellon Arena on Saturday, December 5 to see our Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Chicago Blackhawks at 7:30 p.m.  Stop at the Carlton for a pre-game drink or meal before you head over – we are only a few short blocks away from the Arena!  If you’re not going to the game, head over and watch it with us in the Lounge!  Remember, we have Happy Hour prices all day, everyday in the Lounge Area!

Please join us on Tuesday, December 1 for a “Best of California” Wine Dinner with a very special twist.   Some of my favorite wines – including Talbott’s “Kali Hart” Chardonnay, Duckhorn’s Golden Eye Pinot Noir and Caymus Special Select Cabernet (rated 95) will be enjoyed around five outstanding courses!  The twist will be welcoming Post-Gazette columnist and “The Paris of Appalachia” author Brian O’Neill as our special host!  Brian’s literary talent is regularly on display on the second page of the Post Gazette.  His recent book has received much critical acclaim and is a must read for anyone that loves Pittsburgh or enjoys his prose!  All attendees will receive their own copy of the book (a $17 value) and more will be available to purchase for holiday gifts!

“BEST OF CALIFORNIA” WINE DINNER
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 – 6:30p.m.
With Brian O’Neill, Post-Gazette columnist &
Author of “THE PARIS OF APPALACHIA”

Culinary offerings by Mark Swomley
$109 per person excluding Tax & Gratuity

FORTRESS LAKE COUNTYSAUVIGNON BLANC’07

SHELLFISH COCKTAIL
Chilled Chardonnay poached Lobster, Shrimp and Sea Scallop
with Citrus Orzo Salad, Cranberry Cocktail Sauce and Lemon Zest

TALBOTT MONTEREY “KALI HART” CHARDONNAY’08

SEA BASS
Pan seared and served over Garlic-Herb Flatbread
with Balsamic tossed Arugula, Tomato Basil Butter and Crab Relish

TARRICA MONTEREY PINOT NOIR’07
DUCKHORN ANDERSON VALLEY “GOLDEN EYE”‘06

VENISON LOIN
Oven roasted and served with a sweet Chorizo Corn Cake, whipped Acorn Squash,
cracked Pepper-Bourbon Glaze and crumbled Blue Cheese

BEAULIEU VINEYARD NAPA “TAPESTRY RESERVE”‘05
KENDALL JACKSON “SPECIAL SELECT” CABERNET SAUVIGNON’05
CAYMUS NAPA “SPECIAL SELECT” CABERNET SAUVIGNON’05

FILET MIGNON
Served with creamy Fingerling Potatoes,
Veal stuffed Cremini Mushrooms, Rosemary Demi-Glace and fresh Thyme

EBERLE MUSCAT CANELLI’08

FRESH BERRY-BUTTER PECAN SHORTCAKE
Homemade Shortcake topped with fresh Berries, Butter Pecan Mousse and Triple Berry Syrup

Don’t forget that tonight’s Wine Dinner wraps up our Fall Wine Dinner Series!  Tonight we are grateful and excited to have the Freeman Winery at The Carlton!

Ken Freeman will introduce his prestigious small production Russian River Valley Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs to a Pittsburgh audience!  Ken has enjoyed a super successful career in business, but was able to realize a dream when he and his wife purchased a small Russian River Valley winery in 2001.  Today, his exclusive and highly rated wines are found at the finest restaurants and he has been heralded as one of the top Pinot Noir producers in the world!

Here’s the menu:

“FREEMAN WINERY” WINE DINNER
Friday, November 6, 2009 – 6:30 p.m.

With Ken Freeman
Culinary selections by Executive Chef Mark Swomley
$109 per person excluding gratuity

FREEMAN RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY RYO-FU CHARDONNAY’06

HONEY GLAZED SALMON
With creamy Leeks, whipped Carrots, Apple Butter & fresh Thyme

FREEMAN SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR’06

ROAST GAME HEN
With Butternut Squash Ravioli, sautéed Pearl Onions, Veloute and crisp Arugula

FREEMAN RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR’06

CHILLED PEPPER CRUSTED TUNA
Seared rare and served with Basmati, Pickled Ginger and Mango Vinaigrette

FREEMAN RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY “KEEFER RANCH”‘07

PLUM & WASABI ROAST DUCK
With Scallion Pancake, dark Soy Glaze & Lemon Daikon Salad

ROYAL TOKAJI “FIVE PETUNAS”‘03

BANANA CASHEW WONTON