Before I even thought about the relevance of wine and food,
Poseidon on the beach in Del Mar was my hangout. My radio buddies and I got all fired up around the big pit by the bar and the conversation about sports, music, radio and bikinis ramped up in the golden ‘80s.
The communal firepit is still by the bar, the outdoor dining patio is more attractive than ever, the ocean still spectacular and the Ranglas Family still owns Poseidon and the next-door Del Mar Motel, purchased in 1968. The setting has been perfected over the years, to where it is now a true “beach vibe.”
Some coastal dining sites are located to observe the beach scene but are walled out from the essence of what the shoreline offers. Poseidon flows out there with the sand and surf. Large retractable windows guarantee and open-air experience. You could be in Santorini Greece,Portofino Italy or Nice France with a setting like this.
I could go on and on about the ambiance of Poseidon, but we all know this restaurant could not live on the view. It’s the food and wine that make it happen.
I like an Executive Chef who wants his photo taken with a great glass of wine. He understands its relationship to his food creations. Chef Jamal of Poseidon is my man of the hour.
Raised with Moroccan cooking, he has flavored his Mediterranean creations with a classic French style and a series of high profile accomplishments. “We are offering a blend of food that can come together for some unique flavors, combining a strong seafood and farm bond,” he said. It shows in Poseidon’s Morrocan Lamb meatballs and my personal favorite, the Japanese Vegetable Crusted Chilean Sea Bass, which was pan seared and served with white truffle celery silk, heirloom cherry tomatoes edamame and lemongrass beurre blanc sauce. The perfect wine with this beautiful summer dinner entrée was the 2012 Ferrari Carano Chardonnay from Sonoma.
Stephane Turonbarrere is the general manager and wine buyer for Poseidon. He has just upgraded the extensive list with more California favorites, and has launched a Half Price Wine selection every Tuesday and Wednesday with the purchase of a dinner entrée. He has also added some Temecula wines, the neighbor wine country in nearby Riverside County.
San Diego’s Mediterranean waterfront dining comes together at Poseidon featuring fresh seafood and a fresh-air experience. Visit theposeidonrestaurant.com. Reservations are available by calling (858) 755-9345.
Paul Brown plays at Keyways Winery
Guitarist Paul Brown and saxophonist Michael Lington kick off a Silver Anniversary Keyways Wine & Jazz concert series, Sept. 20. Showtime for this rare combination is 6pm in the Rose Terrace.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with general admission $45. A special seating and meet the artists VIP ticket is $75 with wine and appetizers. Ticket information at tix.com or call Keyways at (951) 302-7888.
More Wine Bytes
Vintana & Lexus Escondido has a Corks & Canvas Wine/Art Event Sept. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. Ten artists will be paired with fine wine and a lesson on how to pair the two. Cost is $35. Call (760) 745-7777.
Firefly in Encinitas presents a Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley wine dinner Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. A four-course dinner with award winning wines is $125. RSVP at (760) 635-1066.
California Wine Month is celebrated at the Marriott Marina Kitchen next to San Diego Convention Center Sept. 17 and Sept. 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. Winning Sommelier Joshua Orr will do a wine education series with wine tastings and other benefits only $10. Find out more at (619) 699-8222.
The Masters of Food & Wine event is coming to the Park Hyatt Aviara Carlsbad Sept. 21 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Vivace Restaurant. It’s a celebration of Italian craftsmen with burrata, mozzarella, prosciutto, balsamic and olive oil, fine Italian wines and art followed by a reception and four-course dinner at Vivace. $125. RSVP at (760) 603-6907 or email [email protected].
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the leading wine commentators on the web. View and link up with his columns at tasteofwinetv.com. Reach him at [email protected].
