Technically speaking, last night I really was in New Zealand, attending a charity wine auction sponsored by the Washington D.C. Rotary Club.  There was plenty of good food and wine to choose from, but only two wines stood out to me as being noteworthy:  The Lil' Rippa Pinot Noir and the Lil' Rippa Sauvignon blanc. 
The latter, a crisp Sauv. blanc loaded with crisp zestiness, was the perfect glass to kick off my evening of meeting a few of the members of the club.  The pinot noir was a wine I returned to after some eating and bidding on silent auction items, but it startled me with how dank and deep the aromas were.  Bacon fat and musty basement smells mingled with some fresh red berry... a for-sure A wine in my book.  Now I just need to find out where I can find it aroud here...shouldn't be too hard
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I'm just getting home from a night of bliss for my tastebuds.  The March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction was a buffet of flavors that showcased the culinary talent here in Washington, D.C.  I was able to sample many wines, from European to Australian, from both coasts of the US.  For me tonight, the food stole the show.  Many chefs siezed the chance to put their best plate forward, and many grateful guests were the beneficiaries of the ingenuity and perfect preparation of dishes from D.C.'s finest dining establishments.  If I'm getting ahead of myself, I have to admit that my excitement is taking control of my words.  My gluttony has been sated and I've met a ton of wonderful people, for after all, the event is put on in order to raise funds for the heath of babies.

In all the event is best described as a toast to life.  It is a gathering of people thinking of future generations, but also a tribute to the simple, yet essential pleasures in life: food and wine.

On the food end, I tried some pulpo (octupus) that teleported my tastebuds back to Spain.  This was thanks to the folks at Taberna del Alabarder, which I had never heard of (unfortunately), but now is a must-visit for me.  I also tried a rustic yet simple stew from Et Voilá.  It was the definition of délicieux.  I loved the guacamole from Rosa Mexicano... some of the best ever, and this is from someone whose favorite food is avocado.  Other spots that are now at the top end of my must-taste list are Dino, in Cleveland Park; The Grille restaurant/piano bar and Jackson 20, both in Alexandria; and The National Press Club down on 14th street.

As for the vino, it was hit and miss.  The wines I liked best were the Pinot Noir from Truchard Vineyards (CA), the Cab. Sauv. from Honig Vineyard & Winery (also CA), and my favorite for the night: Stalking Horse, Mclaren Vale Shiraz from Australia...it isn't too pricey at $20. I really liked this wine.  Also worth a try are the Gotham wines, which share the same owner as Stalking Horse Wines, but sell for around $13-$14.

My senses are still reeling with memory of so many scents and flavors.  It was a great event, organized for a wonderful cause, and I feel lucky to have been a part of it.

Cheers, D.C.
C.L.
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