A Lobster Throw Down in Edna Valley

Last night we attended a remarkable dinner at the Domaine Alfred's Chamisal Winery in Edna Valley. (Memo to self: Clean iPhone camera lens. Do not put finger in front of lens when taking photo!)

At 5PM, about 130 guests arrived at the winery. We stood outside the winery building drinking bottomless glasses of Chardonnay and Rose" and partaking of an endless supply of oysters and hors d'oeuvres. After a while, a team of chefs began to put potatoes, corn, sausages, and artichokes into a line of large stainless steel pots full of boiling water. Finally, about a dozen live lobsters were dumped into each pot.

Not long after, we were asked to enter the winery and take our place at one of three very long tables covered with heavy white paper. The head chef began to dump the contents of a pot onto one table, walking along it until the pot was empty. Then he continued with another pot. After three pots had been emptied, the whole length of the table was covered with lobsters, shrimp, corn, sausages, potatoes artichokes. Then he threw out the second and third tables. When we sat down, we discovered that there was exactly one lobster per person and more of everything else than anyone could eat.

There was one lobster cracker per person but, no silverware. We ate everything by hand. That lent a certain air of informality and conviviality that was amplified by endless bottles of 2007 Pinot Noir and 2008 Chardonnay that soon appeared. By coincidence we were sitting next to a couple from Morro Bay who had gone to John's brew pub in San Luis Obispo a couple of times.

When dinner was finished we all drifted back outside where some really excellent gelato was served (along with more wine for anyone still thirsty.)

Cases of wine were being sold at 30% off. I have heard good things about 2007. Earlier in the evening, Domain's Alfred's wine maker predicted that the 2007 Pinot Noir would probably be the best in California history. Our resistance was weakened. So we brought home a case of 2007 Pinot, It is good now and should reach its peak in 8 years.