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

Join us as we welcome Matt Mitchell and sample some of the best offerings from the extensive Wine Portfolio of Jess Jackson.  In the past 25 years, Jackson has gone from being an obscure and struggling winery owner (Kendall Jackson) to one of the dominant players in the California Wine industry.

Today, Jackson Wine Estates operates 24 wineries and vineyards around the world, selling 5 million cases of wine a year!  All of our offerings are rated above 90 points. Cambria “Julia’s Vineyard” Pinot Noir earned “93″ points and was named Wine Enthusiast’s #1 Wine of the Year!  We open with a La Crema’s “90″ rated Chardonnay and our Cabernet course pits the “93″ rated Kendall Jackson “Hawkeye Mountain” versus the “92″ rated Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon.  Another great California lineup you do not want to miss!

“JESS JACKSON PORTFOLIO” WINE DINNER

With Majestic Fine Wines Regional Manager Matt Mitchell
Culinary selections by Executive Chef Mark Swomley
Tuesday, March 30, 2009
$99 per person excluding gratuity

LA CREMA MONTEREY CHARDONNAY’07

LOBSTER-CRAB & SCALLOP GNOCCHI
Jumbo Lump Crab, Lobster & Scallops served over homemade Gnocchi
with Spinach, Caramelized Onions and Tomato-Ketel One Cream

CAMBRIA “JULIA’S VINEYARD” PINOT NOIR’06

SHORT RIBS
Oven braised and served with Cauliflower Mousse,
Demi-Glace, Manchego Cheese and grilled Chard

ARROWOOD RUSSIAN RIVER”SARALEE’S VINEYARD” SYRAH’04

GRILLED RED & GOLD BEETS
Served chilled with Panko crusted Black Currant infused Chevre,
Triple Berry Vinaigrette, local greens and toasted Almonds

KENDALL JACKSON HIGHLAND ESTATES “HAWKEYE MOUNTAIN”’05
ARROWOOD SONOMA COUNTY CABERNET SAUVIGNON’05

VENISON LOIN
Seasoned with Cracked Mustard & Cumin and served with Sweet Corn Cakes, Fennel Sausage Ragout, Smoked Paprika Butter and crisp Arugula

CAMBRIA “LATE HARVEST” VIOGNIER’08

CITRUS CRÈME NAPOLEON
Crispy sweet Phyllo layered with Lemon Crème, Mandarin Oranges,
Cherries and Cinnamon-Mint Whip Creme

I am proud to host a $250 fundraiser and upscale Wine Tasting event from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 14 for Auditor General Jack Wagner as he begins his campaign for Democratic nomination for Governor of Pennsylvania.  My many years of involvement in the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association have put me in close contact with state and local public officials – giving me a unique perspective.  Jack is an honest public servant that is passionate about good government.  In my opinion, he is exactly the kind of person that we need to lead our state during these difficult times.  We will have over 40 wines available to sample accompanied by Chef Mark’s creations.  Please join us, spend some time with Jack and participate in the democratic process.  Perhaps you can help to elect a governor from western Pennsylvania!