I attended the Lexus Grand Tasting at Pebble Beach Food & Wine today. Let’s just say I am already looking forward to next year’s event! First off, many thanks to Foodbuzz for sponsoring me to attend this fabulous event! It may have been wet, windy and chilly outside but inside the Grand Tasting tent the energy was alive and appetites were burning. The fragrant smells, good-looking dishes and wonderful sights pleased the hungry attendees, myself certainly included.

Soy Braised Pork Belly, Garnet Yams & Port-Blackberry Reduction by Mark Ayers of Pacifics Edge

From the scallop ceviche tacos, to the cheddar and apple pork belly, to the berry panna cotta – the foods and drinks were delicious, colorful and innovative.

2004 Louis Roederer Rose Champagne, Reims France

My favorite was the Vietnamese-style Halibut served over Vermicelli with Fresh Dill, Scallion, Peanut & Pineapple- Anchovy Sauce (pictured below). This dish was created and served by Chef Charles Phan of The Slanted Door in San Francisco. I also really enjoyed Mixed Berry Cups by Driscolls, Berry Panna Cotta, and Smoked Tea Cured Wild Salmon with Duck Liver Parfait, Apple Gastrique & Smoky Raisins. The latter was created and served by Tony Baker of Montrio Bistro.

Northern Vietnamese Halibut, Vermicelli with Fresh Dill, Scallion, Peanut & Pineapple-Anchovy Sauce by Charles Plan of Slanted Door

Smoked Tea Cured Wild Salmon, Duck Liver Parfait, Apple Gastrique & Smoky Raisins by Tony Baker of Montrio Bistro

2006 Dierberg Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley CA

2008 Testarossa Palazzio Pinot Noir of Los Gatos

Of the drinks I sampled, my favorites were

the 2004 Louis Roederer Rose Champagne of Reims,

2006 Dierberg Pinot Noir of Santa Maria Valley,

2008 Testarossa Palazzio Pinot Noir of Los Gatos,

and of course Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Rose.

Thanks again, foodbuzz!!!