Jeff Heineman

Hi, Jeff here.

To keep you all abreast of what we're doing here at Grapeseed, a quick note.

We have had two awesome "You be the Sommelier" Dinners now. and our guests have chosen the Pinots and Cabs that we serve by the glass. They have been a blast and we would like to see some Rockwell types at the next dinner in January when our guests will be selecting some wines for our Rhones section.

Our New Year's Menu is done and we have some space available, not 7:30 mind you, but some space. We are doing 5 courses for $80 including a glass of cava. Same price as last year but one extra course. here...

New Year’s Eve 2008 Menu

Amuse Bouche

Course One

A Course Guaranteed to bring you Luck, Good Health and Riches in the coming year

Hoppin’ John Cake, Pork Belly, Organic Greens

Course Two

Chestnut Soup, Roasted Turnips, Brussels Sprouts

Or

Grilled Shrimp, Tom Yum Broth, Daikon

Course Three

Homemade Gnocchi, Wild Mushrooms, Sherry Vinegar

Or

Homemade Orchiette, Chickpeas, Roasted Tomato, Lemon

Course Four

Grilled Lobster, Pink Lentils, Baby Bok Choy, Five Spice

Or

Pan Roasted Filet Mignon, Horseradish Mashed Potatoes, Oxtail Ragout

Or

Sauteed Grouper, Caribbean Fruits, Black Bean Broth

Course Five

Chocolate Cremeaux, Orange Caramel, Devil's Food Crumb, Maldon Sea Salt

Or

Warm Spicy Ginger Cake, Caramelized Cinnamon Ice Cream, Apple-Date Butter

Mignardise

$80 per person includes a glqass of Cava

Special Wine Pairings available $20 for 5 Tastes, $40 for 5 Glasses

Very Special Wine Pairings available $30 for 5 Tastes, $60 for 5 Glasses

And we start LUNCH on January 6th.

Jeff

I've been to Tivoli numerous times over the years, and remember some enjoyable dinners in the past, including a Thanksgiving dinner one year (which isn't saying much coming from someone who once had Thanksgiving dinner at the Brass Duck in Laurel).

Ahhh, The Brass Duck....such fond memories...

I worked for the same restaurant group that owns/used to own the Brass Duck. I actually trained there for four days in 1988, because it was the shining star of the restaurant group. Maybe the Brass Duck and EJs Landing in College Park deserve their own thread.

Hi, Jeff Heineman of Grapeseed here.

I have been lurking long enough I figure I may as well add something.

We are going to be starting something soon that I think will appeal to the hungrier oenophiles on this board. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, we will be hosting the first in our "You be the Sommelier " dinner series. We are doing Pinot Noirs first and it will run like this:

Several of our vendors will present their pinots just as they would present them to us. The price we would charge per glass will be included so that can be be a part of the decision making process. After tasting 4 or 5 wines per course, you will vote to decide which wines will be on our by the glass list for the next few months. Truly Democracy in action.

We will have 4 or more wines each from France, Oregon, California & a “wild card” selected by the vendors. These will be paired with five varietally appropriate courses.

I hope this will be a fun lively night (things are usually lively after 16 or so wines), that I can do again with other varietals. And if it works really well I can fire my Wine Director, Ernie.

It’s the Friday after Thanksgiving, so if you are going to be in town, plan on spending Friday night debating the merits of way too many pinot noirs.

$85 includes tax and gratuity.

Shameless Plugging can be fun.

Jeff Heineman