Boston's Sommelier Smackdown - Part II

 

 

It was a fateful Wednesday when Elite yelpers and guests new and old filled the walls of Gordon's Culinary Center to determine the winner of the 2008 Sommelier Smackdown! Contestants Michael Meager of Sel de la Terre and reigning champion Erin O'Shea of Eastern Standard scoured the vast racks in search of perfect spirits to compliment the lovely four-course meal as prepared Louis DiBiccari and Ian Grossman of Sel de la Terre.

The evening began with smoked sturgeon on a bed of cucumbers with grapefruit and shimeji mushrooms which was a Devon W favorite, while Cara P enjoyed the more rich pork belly and duck torte with rosemary apple compote. Damon I cleared his cheese plate and generously allowed me to devour half his fig and mascarpone dessert (yelp elite status forever)! As he noted: "It was a rare glimpse into the art of experts who've inspired me to drink more."

And inspired we were indeed! Anastasia R and Kelly G discovered white port courtesy of Erin, and many a yelper picked up a bottle of the Ridge 2005 Zinfandel as paired by Michael. Folks remarked that Erin's soft palate leaned towards the sweeter, more subtle wines while Michael chose more bold, generally drier sorts (picks here). The decision was tough but it turned out Erin pulled through and was named Champion of 2008!

Many, many thanks to Lindsay and David at Gordon's for hosting us in their beautiful facilities and creating such a unique, interesting experience! And of course chefs extrordinaire Louis and Ian, and Erin and Michael, cheers!

Get the play-by-play action or add your own two cents here! For shots of the delectable eats and sniffing and swirling, check out our Flickr set as seen through the eyes of Jeffrey H and the shots of bodacious Shannon B.

So many fun things on the horizon... Keep your eyes peeled!

Enjoy & SYOY,
Ligaya T