Friends in Friday Harbor Celebrate a Half Century!

One of the hard-working Coho crew recently had a very significant birthday.  You might ask, “How do those who love food and wine and work in the culinary business celebrate?  Well, we invite like-minded friends and eat and drink, of course.  For this momentous occasion we developed a menu of small plates paired with special cellar-dweller wines.  Thank goodness these special celebrations only happen twice a century!  

Menu

Crostini

Fava Bean Purée and Quail Croft Farm Goat Cheese

Ferrari Brut Trento NV, Italy

Monte Rossa Prima Cuvee Brut DOCG Franciacorta, Italy

Tuna Tartare

Ahi Tuna with Avocado on a Bed of Spring Greens and Sesame Seeds

JJ Prüm Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese 2006 – Germany

Pacific Oysters

Baked with Parmesan, Fresh Herbs and Cultadello

Kistler Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, “Les Noisetiers” 2007 CA

Veal Cutlets

Sicilian Spiedini stuffed with Parmesan, Pine Nuts, Raisins, Basil and

Breadcrumbs served with Sweet Potato Risotto and Gently Wilted Pea Shoots

Marcarini Barolo “Brunate” 1997 – Italy

States Inn Pork Tenderloin

Indonesian Pork Satay with Brazil Nuts on a bed of Sardinian Couscous

J.F. Cohe-Dury Bourgogne Pinot Noir 1995 – France

Firesteed “Citation” Pinot Noir 1998- Oregon

States Inn Lamb Chops

Hazelnut and Herb Encrusted served with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Kale

Gamba Zinfandel Russian River Valley – Moratto Vineyard 2007 – CA

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley – 1994 – CA

International Cheese Plate with Muscat Grapes

Château Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley – 1999 – CA

Cake

Six layer Cake with Mixed Berries, Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream

Warre’s Vintage Port 1994

While the meal had a diverse sampling of wines from all over the world, the California wines were well received. Not sure whether the fact that more than half  our guests were originally from California might have a little something to do with it.  These are classic California Wineries that have been making quality wines for decades.  Château Montelana was established in 1882.  Robert Mondavi celebrated his first harvest in 1966. The Gamba family has 6 generations of experience making wine – 70 in California  - and Kistler is the veritable ”new kid” – producing wines for the past 30 years.   Here are some tasting notes from the three we enjoyed and are still readily available at your local wine shop

Gamba Zinfandel Russian River Valley – Moratto Vineyard 2007 – CA

This is a classic, bold and intense wine from a legendary Russian River Valley hillside vineyard. It is packed with mouth-coating flavor and silky richness, offering blackberry preserves, black cherry and allspice.  The family’s old world roots are evident in the wine.  $40

Kistler Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, “Les Noisetiers” 2007 CA

This wine has uncompromising mineral and soil character with notes of toasted grains, marzipan and brown spices, and minerals. Paired beautifully with the oysters.  $60

Château Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley – 1999 – CA

Château Montelana is a traditional Bordeaux blend – 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. The nose is full of blackberry jam with a hint of coffee, spice and smoke on the finish.  Perfect with cheese or a big juicy steak.  $105

Special Celebration with Friends!

One of the hard-working Coho crew recently had a very significant birthday.  You might ask, “How do those who love food and wine and work in the culinary business celebrate?  Well, we invite like-minded friends and eat and drink, of course.  For this momentous occasion we developed a menu of small plates paired with special cellar-dweller wines.  Thank goodness these special celebrations only happen twice a century!  

Crostini

Fava Bean Purée and Quail Croft Farm Goat Cheese

Ferrari Brut Trento NV, Italy

Monte Rossa Prima Cuvee Brut DOCG Franciacorta, Italy

Tuna Tartare

Ahi Tuna with Avocado on a Bed of Spring Greens and Sesame Seeds

JJ Prüm Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese 2006 – Germany

Pacific Oysters

Baked with Parmesan, Fresh Herbs and Cultadello

Kistler Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, “Les Noisetiers” 2007 CA

Veal Cutlets

Sicilian Spiedini stuffed with Parmesan, Pine Nuts, Raisins, Basil and

Breadcrumbs served with Sweet Potato Risotto and Gently Wilted Pea Shoots

Marcarini Barolo “Brunate” 1997 – Italy

States Inn Pork Tenderloin

Indonesian Pork Satay with Brazil Nuts on a bed of Sardinian Couscous

J.F. Cohe-Dury Bourgogne Pinot Noir 1995 – France

Firesteed “Citation” Pinot Noir 1998- Oregon

States Inn Lamb Chops

Hazelnut and Herb Encrusted served with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Kale

Gamba Zinfandel Russian River Valley – Moratto Vineyard 2007 – CA

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley – 1994 – CA

International Cheese Plate with Muscat Grapes

Château Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley – 1999 – CA

Cake

Six layer Cake with Mixed Berries, Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream

Warre’s Vintage Port 1994

While the meal had a diverse sampling of wines from all over the world, the California wines were well received. Not sure whether the fact that more than half  our guests were originally from California might have a little something to do with it.  These are classic California Wineries that have been making quality wines for decades.  Château Montelana was established in 1882.  Robert Mondavi celebrated his first harvest in 1966. The Gamba family has 6 generations of experience making wine – 70 in California  - and Kistler is the veritable ”new kid” – producing wines for the past 30 years.   Here are some tasting notes from the three we enjoyed and are still readily available at your local wine shop

Gamba Zinfandel Russian River Valley – Moratto Vineyard 2007 – CA

This is a classic, bold and intense wine from a legendary Russian River Valley hillside vineyard. It is packed with mouth-coating flavor and silky richness, offering blackberry preserves, black cherry and allspice.  The family’s old world roots are evident in the wine.  $40

Kistler Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, “Les Noisetiers” 2007 CA

This wine has uncompromising mineral and soil character with notes of toasted grains, marzipan and brown spices, and minerals. Paired beautifully with the oysters.  $60

Château Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley – 1999 – CA

Château Montelana is a traditional Bordeaux blend – 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. The nose is full of blackberry jam with a hint of coffee, spice and smoke on the finish.  Perfect with cheese or a big juicy steak.  $105

PRESS RELEASE

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

May 3, 2010, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Coho Restaurant is pleased to announce the appointment of their new Executive Chef, J. Alphonsine Haslet-Phillips.  Haslet-Phillips began in March and has slowly been transitioning the menu to her fresh, lighter style of cooking.  “I wanted to work at a restaurant which had a philosophy that extended beyond the plate on the table, that cared about sourcing food for local, sustainably-grown seasonal ingredients.”

Haslet-Phillips developed her Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cooking style while working at notable Seattle-area restaurants Le Pichet, Dandelion, and Dinette.  In her most recent position as Executive Chef/Kitchen Manager at the West Seattle restaurant Circa, she expanded on her principle  philophsy of developing approachable and deeply flavorful mealsthat mask the individual ingredients.

“We are very fortunate to have Haslet-Phillips’s expertise and deft hand leading up Coho’s kitchen,” says Anna Maria de Freitas, one of Coho’s owners.  “Alphonsine  loves being able to experiment with fresh, local ingredients that highlight the season; and every plate of food that goes out that door reflects her delicate touch and skill in spontaneous creativity.”

In addition to her professional employment, Haslet-Phillips has taught for  Beecher’s PureKids Flagship Program in Seattle, instructing grade-school children on whole foods, nutrition, and food advertising, as well as training students at Seattle Girls School in regional Italian cooking.  She has volunteered for numerous non-profit organizations including New Beginnings, helping women and children suffering from domestic abuse to transition to healthy, independent homes. 

The Harrison House and Tucker House Inns and Coho Restaurant are three historic properties on San Juan Island conveniently located a few steps from the Friday Harbor Ferry Landing.  The properties provide an exemplary guest experience: privacy, beautifully appointed rooms and personalized guest services offered by a friendly staff.  With six guest rooms, seven suites and two cottages to choose from, the Inns have a variety of options to fit the most discerning traveler.  Coho Restaurant serves Island grown Pacific cuisine with an international flair. Coho’s wine list was awarded a 2009 Award of Distinction from Wine Spectator. 

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