by Steven Doyle
If you keep your eyes focused on the pages of craveDFW we will show you the way to many enticing events, dinners, and otherwise tasty treats that are “can’t miss” opportunities. Last week we chatted about several off the radar occasions such as this, and the Cakebread dinner at Bijoux was certainly one of them. The event sold out, so it was a hot ticket to be sure, but for those that attended it was a beautiful evening.
Interesting enough when owners of Bijoux, Scott and Gina Gottlich prepare a menu they begin with the wine first. That must be the joys of being a talent husband and wife chef-sommelier duo. Both talented in their own right, both tops in their game. We were delighted to be invited guests.
Joining team Bijoux for the evening was Beat Kotoun (pronounced “Bay-aht”) who is certainly one of the more animated figures in wine today. See that name, make a reservation, it will be a joyous occasion. Mr. Kotoun spoke between courses, explaining each wine beautifully, but then acted as busboy and server displaying his full line of front of the house talents. He also represents Cakebread worldwide and considered the most knowledgeable in his field, but it is nice to known that a gentleman has back up plans for his career.
Each year a similar gathering dines with the Gottlich’s and Kotoun, possibly due to the foreshadowing that Kotoun will bring along something particularly special to the party in the form of reserve wine. The 2011 chardonnay reserve from Carneros Valley was a huge hit for the evening, as was the 2012 Two Creeks Vinyards pinot from Anderson Valley.
Watch these pairings in action:
This fun amuse was served with a 2012 Cakebread chardonnay from Napa Valley
Perhaps one of the simpler preparations of the evening, but a crowd favorite, a butternut squash soup with smoked lobster and creme fraiche, paired with the 2011 chardonnay reserve we bragged about earlier.
The most talked about dish as we all attempted to breakdown the flavors that paired so well with the 2012 Two Creeks pinot, the duck confit ravioli served with a parsnip puree and dried fruit was a smash.
The wagyu beef cheeks wee so elegantly tender served with baby cipollinis and a sauce Bernaise paired up with a 2012 Mullan Road Cellars blend by Dennis Cakebread from Columbia Valley, Washington.
Cheesecakes made from Texas goat cheese served up with Cakebread Napa 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, delicious and decadent.
I am positive that both Gina and Scott Gottlich would love to create your own pairing at Bijoux which is located at 5450 Lovers near Inwood. Think French contemporary, a rare dining experience in Dallas today.
