Holiday Dinner at Viognier

Dinner on New Years Eve 2009 was deliciously spent at Viognier Restaurant in San Mateo. We were very impressed with the service and the meal, but we haven't had occasion to return until now. When the invitation for Ray's company holiday dinner announced the location would be Viognier, I knew it would be exceptional.

After a pleasant cocktail hour, we were seated at circular and rectangular tables around the restaurant. My drink of choice was a pleasant cabernet sauvignon. Unfortunately I don't know it's origin. It was nice but not exceptional so I'm less bothered by the lack of information.

The bread basket included thin baguette slices heavily perfumed with asiago cheese. Salty soft butter accompanied the basket.

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For the 3-course dinner we selected from two options per course. For the first time in the history of our marriage, Ray and I matched on two of the three. Salad or soup?

Butternut Squash Soup

Our soup arrived garnishes only: diced asian pear, maple creme fraiche, and micro greens.

The soup was poured individually for an elegant presentation.

A lovely soup with a nice balance of sweetness and flavor without being too 'squashy.'

Veal Ribeye

The first entree option was a Veal Ribeye, garnished with bacon, spaetzle, cabbage, and a red wine jus.

Roasted California Halibut

My fish sat afloat in a meyer lemon-basil broth with large butter beans and swiss chard. The fish was wonderfully moist and smooth.

Valhrona Chocolate Dome

With choices of a pumpkin cheesecake or chocolate, we both went for the chocolate. The dome was bathed in chocolate and crowned with crispy rice cereal. The little dots of caramel sauce were heavenly. I certainly wished for more to balance to complement the chocolate; otherwise it was an exceptional dessert.

The interior of the dark dome was a paler milk chocolate. The flavor was incredible, it's been a long time since I've had such a true, deep chocolatey dessert.

Which is why I finished mine....and part of Ray's! Ah well, it's the holidays and these dinners are rare.

May you share as festive a meal with your loved ones this holiday season!

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