Erna's Elderberry House...Damn Good!

Erna's Elderberry House is a definite 5 Smack experience! My parents, Jan and Larry, go on to say that it is better than Napa Valley's The French Laundry! So if you have the dough, and you are in Oakhurst, you have to go to this fine restaurant. Here is the menu that we had:

Amuse Bouche - Roasted Veal Sweetbread on Summer Squash Pudding with Asparagas, Opal Squash and Carrot reduction. Paired with Boncillou Cuvee Lerose, Corbieres 2004

Marinated Gulf Shirmp, Tomato Risotto with water chestnuts, Pecorino Romano and Chinese Long Beans in a Yellow Bean-Leak Broth. Paired with Fort Ross Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2002

Whie Corn Soup with a Wild Mushroom Dumpling and White Truffle Emulsion. Paired with Marc Kreydenweiss Les Charmes Gewurztaminer, Alsace 2003

Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin, Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Lamb's Quarters, Red Wine-Torpedo Onion Jam, Lacito Kale and Bok Choy with Lavender-Beef Jus. Paired with Westbrook Wine Farm Fait Accompli, Madera County 2003

Salad of Baby Field Greens, Arugaula and Lentils, Roasted Red Peppers and Savory-Champagne Vinaigerette (and tapanade).

Pecan Waffle with Blueberry Sorbet and Dark Chocolate Mouse. Paired with Rudolf Muller Riesling Eiswein, Rheinessen 2004


This place is a winner...and quite beautiful with excellent service. A must try!


-JB

Australia - My Next Meal Episode #008

On this week's episode, Justin and Renee discuss their trip to Australia. We hear the sounds of the Flying Fox and the Kangaroo Island Penguins.

Renee and Justin review several restaurants in Australia...four in Sydney and one (a Bed and Breakfast) on Kangaroo Island. Special thanks to Norm, Madge and fellow Los Angelenos, Kristen and Jeff for helping out with the podcast!

bills - a breakfast spot in Sydney, quite popular with the locals. This place loves the fat! But it was a little much for my taste (can you believe that). I give it two and a half smacks.

Tetsuya's - one of the most highly rated and expensive restaurants in Sydney. Little plates of food meant to impress...but we were more impressed with the wine pairings. Two and a half smacks.

Billy Kwong - a high end Chinese restaurant in Sydney. We were tired when we went here, but it is worth a trip. Very good and unusual dishes to be had here. But get there early...there is a line to get in and they do not take reservations. Three Smacks!

Bungalow 8 - a seafood restaurant/bar on the wharf in Sydney...with club music to groove to. The seafood here is wonderful. The best dishes are the garlic shrimp and the bucket o' mussels. Four Smacks!

Correa Corner - an awesome bed and breakfast on Kangaroo Island. This was the highlight of the trip. The hosts, Norm and Madge, are wonderful people who will give you a stay to remember. The food is incredible! A must if you go to Kangaroo Island. Five Smacks!


-JB

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