Winemaker’s Dinner at Beachhouse

Chef Rodney Uyehara. Photo: Courtesy of Beachhouse at the Moana

A special  evening of wine and food will be presented on Monday March 16, 2009 at Hale Aina Award Best New Oahu Restaurant winner, Beachhouse at the Moana.  The evening consists of a wine reception at 6 p.m., and dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m with Winemaker Robert Cook, of Chalone Vineyard. Robert will be showcasing an array of outstanding wines paired with a delectable menu created by chef de Cuisine Rodney Uyehara. The dinner is priced at $95 per person plus tax and service charge.

Born and raised in Honolulu, and a graduate of Punahou, Senior Winemaker, Robert Cook first encountered Chalone on his 21st birthday in the form of a 1981 Pinot Noir. This led him to pursue the study of fermentation and enology at UC Davis. Fast-forward past years spent abroad and domestically honing his craft with some of the world’s best, he is now responsible for creating wines that express the unique character of the vineyards surrounding Chalone Vineyard. This is no small task, given almost forty years of winemaking at the only winery in the Chalone AVA in Monterey, California. The distinctive limestone and decomposed granite soils naturally limit vine vigor, limiting yields and intensifying flavor.

Here is a look at the menu:

Photo: Courtesy of Beachhouse at the Moana

1st Course
Seared Diver Scallop with crisp potato galette, citrus butter and Nalo herb salad; paired with a 2006 Chalone Pinot Blanc

2nd Course
Hamakua Mushrooms & Escargot with Pernod truffle cream in a puff pastry; paired with a 2006 Chalone “Estate” Chardonnay

3rd Course
Pas de Deux – New York strip with a peppercorn & brandy demi-glace, Australian lamb chop with a pomegranate reduction and parmesan mashed potato & baby vegetables; paired with a 2005 Chalone “Estate” Pinot Noir

Dessert
Chocolate & Kona coffee spring rolls with strawberry salsa; paired with a 2006 Chalone Cabernet Sauvignon

For reservations, please contact Pila Sunderland at pila.sunderland@westin.com. The price includes reception, dinner, and validated parking. For more information on Beachhouse at the Moana, call 808-923-2861.