On Nov. 5 and 6, The Peninsula Beverly Hills is hosting a four-course Joseph Phelps Vineyards Wine Dinner, where diners will be able to meet Kathleen Dirickson (the winery’s National Manager) as well as taste several Joseph Phelps wines paired to a fall menu prepared by Peninsula Executive Chef James Overbaugh.

The night’s dishes will include Dungeness crab chowder with carrots, basil and Dungeness crab soufflé paired to a 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (93 pts. Wine Spectator); and roasted loin of venison with persimmon carpaccio, grilled bok choy, roasted turnips and fingerling potatoes paired to a 2005 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (93 pts. Wine News) and a 2006 Insignia (94-96 pts. Robert Parker, 94 pts. Wine Spectator).

This extravaganza for the palate will take place at the acclaimed Belvedere at the Peninsula, a Mobil Four Star and perennial AAA Five Diamond Award winner. The evening costs $98 per person, quite a value if you consider that the Insignia alone typically retails for $200 a bottle.

Information and full menu are below. Capacity is limited, and reservations are required. A superb, reasonably-priced evening of fine dining and excellent wines in a world-class setting doesn’t come along too often, so secure your seat today!

Joseph Phelps Vineyards Wine Dinner
Nov. 5 & Nov. 6, 2009
6pm-10:30pm
$98 per person
Call 310-975-2736 to make reservations.

The Belvedere
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 551-2888
www.peninsula.com

Menu (course / wine)

• Dungeness Crab Chowder with Carrots, Basil and Dungeness Crab Soufflé / Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’07 Sauvignon Blanc
• Grilled Spanish Mackerel Fillet with Sweet Corn, Matsutake Risotto and Almond-Marjoram Sauce / Freestone Vineyards ’06 Ovation Chardonnay
• Roasted Loin of Venison (Sliced Filet Mignon available as an option) with Persimmon Carpaccio, Grilled Bok Choy, Roasted Turnips and Fingerling Potatoes / Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’05 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’06 Insignia
• Guava-Peach Soup with Oatmeal Streusel, Chamomile Cream, Coconut Sorbet and Mint / Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’08 Eisrébe

It’s not every day one gets to spend a couple of hours enjoying the perks of a AAA Five Diamond, Mobil Five Star hotel. This summer, that day happens to be Thursday, at the acclaimed Peninsula Beverly Hills. From May 7 through Labor Day, the renowned luxury hotel hosts a weekly Happy Hour from 5-7pm in its newly renovated Roof Garden. During Happy Hour, drinks (cocktails, wines by the glass, beer) are half price, and valet parking is complimentary. Yes, thanks to the Peninsula, the words “discount,” “free,” and “Beverly Hills” can all be used in the same sentence.

You’ll realize that this is another level of Happy Hour from the moment you step out of the elevator and onto the patio. $4 million still goes a long way, and the high end touches, from the JANUS et Cie furniture to the heated limestone floor, all enhance the experience. The Roof Garden is laid out with quiet conversation in mind; on one end is an intimate fire pit area, on the other a mini-walled garden. There’s also a pool, but that’s discreetly screened off and limited to hotel guests. And of course, there are panoramic views of Century City to the west and downtown to the east. Now, before this turns into a Condé Nast Traveler article, on to the cocktails…

L: Pomegranate Mojito | R: Speckled Jalapeño Margarita

First up was the Speckled Jalapeño Margarita, made with Patron Reposado Tequila, fresh citrus juices and Grand Marnier. A jalapeño garnish added a touch of whimsy to the presentation. While I love all things spicy, it’s not to everyone’s liking and in cocktails can detract from their enjoyment. Here, the muddled jalapeño pepper added just enough of a spicy kick to get my attention without being overpowering. The citrus flavors were nicely balanced, slightly tart but mellowed by the smoothness of the cognac. All in all, it’s a nice twist to a familiar drink, and a cocktail well-suited to its surroundings. From the appetizers list, the Mini Halibut Tacos should pair nicely with the margarita.

Not to be outdone was the Pomegranate Mojito, another riff on a classic cocktail. Bacardi rum, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and mint leaves were combined, strained into a glass, and topped with citrus foam. The foam added texture, the pomegranate provided striking color and subtle flavor, and the lime and mint hinted at the original mojito. From taste to presentation, it’s a perfect melding of cocktail and setting and sure to be a favorite throughout the summer. I’d probably select the Citrus-Marinated Kampachi to go with this refreshing cocktail.

Other signature drinks include the Mugatu (Veev Açaí Liqueur, crushed strawberries, limes and mint with a splash of club soda) and the White Peach & Pear Martini (Grey Goose Pear Vodka, white peach pureé and fresh basil). The bar program was created in-house at the Peninsula, and is unique to the Beverly Hills property. The high quality and seasonality of the ingredients also means that not all of the menu items will always be available. Not that I’ll need encouragement, but it’s reason enough for repeat visits to explore the Roof Garden’s latest offerings.

Summer Cocktail Hour
5pm-7pm
Thursdays, May 7 to Labor Day

The Peninsula Beverly Hills
9882 Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 551-2888
www.peninsula.com