(l-r) Jonathan Edwards, winemaker, Jonathan Edwards Winery, chef Steve Rosen, Octagon, and Michael Allen, general manger, Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, hosted a wine-pairing dinner on February 24th.
story & photo
by Don Church & Tony Schillaci
Who could be luckier than devout foodies and wine lovers at the first of a series of wine-paring dinners in the AAA 4 Diamond award-winning Octagon restaurant in the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa? And whose wines could stand up to the glorious food, served in such a smartly casual ambience, than North Stonington’s master winemaker Jonathan Edwards.
Michael Allen, the Marriott’s general manager, joined Jonathan in hosting the evening’s food and wine fest on February 24th. It began with a memorable reception featuring the Jonathan Edwards (JE) 2008 Estate Connecticut Gewurztraminer, along with chef Steve Rosen’s hors d’oeuvres – apple and goat cheese tarts, Thai-spiced scallop seviche, brioche toast with foie gras butter and pear jam and bresaola with marinated grapes on focaccia. Jonathan noted that “Our Connecticut Gewurztraminer is not as sweet as most, and it easily pairs with a great variety of foods.”
The welcoming and expert staff, headed by Lorraine McBride, then served a four-course dinner, each one accompanied by one or two wines made by Jonathan Edwards Winery. Its hill-top location in North Stonington is on of the most scenic places for year-round wine tasting and the many special events.
Throughout the dinner, a brief commentary about each course and wine pairing was offered by Michael, Steve and Jonathan. Michael noted that the Octagon’s exclusive “house red and house white” are, in fact, made by Jonathan Edwards Winery.
After the first course of a warm Porcini mushroom, fried potato and smoked bacon salad in a lobster sauce was presented, guest Joan Gordon noted that the dish was “too pretty to eat,” yet, along with the other guests, she enjoyed it paired with JE 2008 Estate Connecticut Chardonnay and a JE Napa Valley Chardonnay. The vineyard makes wines from grapes that are grown in North Stonington, as well as, from grapes from the Napa Valley of California, both harvests are personally supervised by Jonathan.
Lorraine charmingly quizzed the guests on what they thought the “sprouts” atop the salad could be. After guesses of “lemon grass,” “chives,” and “mild scallions,” Lorraine surprised everyone by revealing they were corn sprouts. These refreshing and tasty morsels could make a welcomed addition to salads – a uniquely New England treat.
Guest Joe Fugere, Mystic, commented on the second course: seared duck breast marinated in grape must with walnut risotto and caramelized green cabbage…”probably some of the best duck that I have ever had….delicious and great with the wine” – a glass of JE Napa Valley Merlot.
While resting between courses, Michael noted that the Octagon is one of the few restaurants to have a Cruvinet. “The Cruvinet unit extracts the [damaging] oxygen from our premium wine bottles, allowing us to offer wines by the glass which are normally unavailable to taste. Up to 24 premium wines can be offered to our diners by the glass, and the life of a bottle of wine can be extended for up to two weeks.”
The entrée, a grilled prime Copper Ridge club steak (grass feed and the best beef we’ve tasted in Connecticut) with a rosemary bordelaise, truffled mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus was paired with a JE 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon… a real treat, because that vintage year is now “sold out,” according to JE’s regional sales manager Mark Scherer. But, not to worry, the winery still offers other Cab vintages that are “just as excellent” as the 2006.
For dessert, Steve’s invention du jour was an Ibarra Mexican chocolate and fig cake with smoked red chile caramel sauce and almond brittle! Chile and caramel? Yes! It works! With the rich chocolate treat was a glass of JE 2006 Sierra Foothills Zinfandel Dark – which is actually a port, but cannot be called “port” due to EU restrictions. Nonetheless, we felt that a port by any other name tastes just as sweet. And the Octagon at the Mystic Marriott is welcome to use that quote if it helps customers to try this exceptional dessert wine.
For upcoming events, wine dinners, getaways, and spa packages, Michael Allen suggests you visit www.marriott.com/gonmm, and read upcoming issues of the Resident.You won’t want to miss any of these special occasions, especially at a restaurant this prestigious. Wine Spectator Magazine says, “Its wine cellar is one of the best in the world.”
Lifting a glass of Jonathan Edwards wine at the Mystic Marriott’s Octagon pairs up well with the finest steaks and freshest seafood. It’s a highly recommended way to welcome Spring. Cheers!
Referee Benji Esteves picks up the count over the fallen Juan Urango as Devon Alexander looks on from a neutral corner at Mohegan Sun Arena
by Alex Pierpaoli
photos by Rich Esposito
Devon Alexander unified the WBC & IBF 140 pound titles in beating Juan Urango by eighth round TKO at Mohegan Sun Arena. Alexander, of St. Louis, used smart, aggressive boxing to checkmate the wild-swinging, hard-charging Colombian, Juan Urango, stopping him for the first time in his 25 bout career. The Alexander-Urango fight was featured live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark to cap an eight bout card promoted by the fight game’s own P.T. Barnum, Don King.
In a sport that sees fewer and fewer American stars each year, Devon Alexander stepped forward as a fighter to watch with his brilliant performance versus Urango. Alexander-Urango pitted two southpaws against each other but it was clear from the outset that Alexander’s speedy right jabs were getting to the target before Urango’s wide right hooks and plaguing the Colombian who tried repeatedly to get his offense started. Alexander, unlike other similarly-styled boxers, uses upper body movement to avoid blows rather than distance and stayed close to the danger zone and well within Urango’s punching range while using constant but incremental side-to-side movement to force the aggressive Urango to pursue him. Alexander’s skillful use of distance kept the fight exciting and competitive. And although Urango was able to connect with power shots in rounds three, five and six, he was never able to hurt or stun Alexander, despite winning as many as four rounds on one judge’s scorecard.
Devon Alexander connects with a left to the mid-section of Juan Urango at Mohegan Sun.
Urango was bleeding from the nose and an abrasion above his left eye in round two that appeared to have been caused by a snappy right hook by Alexander. The right uppercut was another power punch that Alexander had success with from the start. Landing from long range or in close, Alexander strafed Urango with the nasty uppercut which Alexander admitted later he and trainer Kevin Cunningham had worked to perfect in training camp.
Their work paid off.
In round eight, Alexander connected with a picture-perfect right uppercut that caught Urango on the face just as he was throwing a left hand power shot and the Colombian slugger was instantly flat on his back as the crowd of 3117 let out a collective gasp. Urango was up at eight and ready to continue but in true professional fashion, Alexander rushed forward and finished things off with another well placed combination including another uppercut which dropped Urango again. Referee Benji Esteves stopped the bout at 1:12 of round eight.
Afterwards, Alexander, now 20-0 with 13 kos, hinted at an upcoming bout with former 140 & 147 pound titlist Zab Judah, who was ringside for the Main Event. Judah knocked out another St. Louis native, former welterweight champ Cory Spinks in Missouri in 2005 and promoter Don King looks to be setting the stage for Alexander to try and avenge Spinks’ defeat to Judah in the coming months.
After his performance versus Juan Urango, Devon Alexander certainly looks up to the task. During the in-ring post-fight interview with HBO’s Max Kellerman, broadcast to the arena on the PA system, Alexander made it clear what he thought about a fight with Brooklyn’s Judah.
“Zab’s the past tense,” Alexander said. “I’m the present tense.”
In defeat Juan Urango returns to Colombia with a record of 22-3-1 (17).
Heather Donnellan, Events Manager, Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce
Quack! Quack! Spring must be here! The adorable rubber ducks are on their way back to downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck for the 12th Annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race will be held on Saturday, April 24th
20,000 yellow rubber ducks will be released in the masses into the Pawcatuck River to race for over 90 valuable prizes. This community event is the largest charitable fundraiser in the two-state region. Over 40 local schools and non-profit organizations are participating to raise money for their worthy causes.
Beginning at noon, area visitors and the community are invited to enjoy the fun and festivities including duck games, moonwalk, Ollie’s Rock Wall, great food, and much more! At 2pm hundreds of spectators will watch as 20,000 yellow rubber ducks are released in the masses off the Pawcatuck Bridge, taking the plunge into the waters of the Pawcatuck River. The Grand Prize is a trip for a family of four to Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, including airfare, hotel, and park passes. Over 90 additional prizes will be awarded to the winning ducks, which include tickets to local attractions, YMCA memberships, and gift certificates to local restaurants and merchants. Sponsor a duck for only $5 through your local school, non-profit organization, local business, or online at www.westerlychamber.org.
Enjoy a pleasant afternoon in downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck to see why this town is one of the greatest places to visit with more than 60 eclectic shops and charming restaurants. Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful Wilcox Park, a 14-acre arboretum. Immerse yourself in area art at the numerous galleries and antique shops. You will truly see what makes this town special and unique.
The Pawcatuck River Duck Race is produced by the Greater Westerly Chamber Foundation. For more information regarding this fundraiser, please contact Heather Donnellan at The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce at 401-596-7761.
Sincerely,
Heather Donnellan
Events Manager
Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area
Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to Rose Buckingham, Norwich, Brian Main, Stonington, Aimee Vincente, Westbrook, and Kristin Pezzolesi,Waterford! They are the second four winners of the Resident’s Ski Contest. They won a mid-week Ski & Stay Package to Waterville Valley Resorts in New Hampshire compliments of the Resident! Previous winners were: Richard Dixon, Old Mystic, Bill Dutton, Gales Ferry, Michelle Girard, New London, and Justin Ballotte, Waterford.
There is plenty to look forward to in the up-coming months at the Pavilion Restaurant. You can be sure to see corned beef and cabbage on our special board this ST. Patrick’s Day along with great drink specials and Irish sing-alongs.
We are also excited to announce our Friday Cruise Night is returning in April. Come and see dozens and dozens of amazing cars. We have began Karaoke every Friday and Saturday night at 9:30pm.
We have it all at the Pavilion Restaurant. With the weather finally breaking it’s a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Hit a bucket of balls at our driving range and then relax outside on the patio with a cold beer or a delicious hot coffee drink.
We serve lunch and dinner every day and breakfast on Sunday mornings. Our food is delicious and one of the most amazing things about The Pavilion Restuarant is that it is incredibly affordable. Executive Chef Martinez puts out flavorful homemade dishes with a menu to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Our burgers are 100% USDA Black Angus Beef and we have a great selection of sandwiches, fresh seafood, steak and Italian specialties. Look at our updated wine list to compliment your dinning experience.
The Pavilion books weddings, baby showers, family parties and even field trips. We are more than just a restaurant.
The view is priceless, the dishes are flavorful, and the golf is always fun.
The Pavilion Restaurant is located at 15A Frontier Road in Ashaway right off Rt. 3.
