Bye Bye 2008…

We didn’t make too much plan this year for new year’s eve, not after the last few months. Unlike 2007 New Year’s Eve when we spent it among thousands on the Vegas Strip, a quiet evening to welcome 2009 is all we were looking forward to this time. By the way, the picture on the header is from last year when we were freezing ourselves waiting for the firework on Las Vegas Blvd.

I was debating about cooking at home or eating out. At the end, I didn’t feel like going through the hassle, instead I selected a local restaurant, Catalina Restaurant. It is a small place, about a mile away from the beach house. It is contemporary clean line décor, fewer than 20 tables. The staffs are very friendly. They had a special pre-fix menu for the evening, but we could have ordered from their regular menu if we choose to. We opted for the New Year special 5 courses menu. Then Tom added the wine pairing to go with the dinner, so no need to concern about choosing anything.

Chilled Oyster, Domestic Cavier – only complaint is that there was only one per
person. What do you mean by only one???

Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino County

Warm Walnut Crusted Goat Cheese, Roasted Beets, Wild Arugula, Raspberry Vinaigrette – I don’t normally like goat cheese, but this one is so mild, even I
can consume half of the crusted disc.

Sanford Chardonnay, Santa Barbara

Roasted Lobster, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Salsify, Lobster Emulsion – this was the best dish out of all the courses (all of them are excellent, this one is exceptional). We were practically chowing down this one the minute the waiter put it down!

Mondavi Solaire Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast

Ostrich Fan Filet, Wilted Spinach, Blue Cheese Gnocchi, Pinot Noir Sauce – I never had ostrich before and didn’t think it would be a red meat, but it is. It tasted like beef filet and cooked like one too. I think they do have to keep it rare so the meat doesn’t take too much chewing. The portion was big, I couldn’t finish mine. The blue cheese gnocchi was good, but very strong aroma. One was enough for me, especially when there is a piece of meat waiting on the plate!!!

Battaglini Zinfandel, Russian River Valley

Cherry Sake Sorbet – this was the intermezzo. It was refreshing even though I couldn’t taste any sake. It may have something to do with the various wine I have consumed so far!!!

Chateau Doisy-Daëne Sauternes

Molten Chocolate Cake, Burnt Marshmallow Topping, Graham Crackers – oh, the other best part. In combination, you can make your own s’more or eat them individually! The chocolate cake was good. I was definitely more into the burnt marshmallow, didn’t think marshmallow along can taste this good. I think they made this in the restaurant.

Champagne Toast

We didn’t linger long after the meal. Gosh, we had too much alcohol and food. It is a good thing that the restaurant is only a mile away. We couldn’t even stay up for the countdown (we already saw the one in NY when we were eating). Yes, we passed out!!! And no hang over the next morning.