The Butcher's Table Restaurant

There’s a new star in town or should we say South Lake Union neighborhood of down-town Seattle, “The Butchers Table”! Their unique venue on Westlake Avenue presents an upscale/swanky yet casually inviting atmosphere offering a stunning combination of culinary excellence, service, and entertainment. Rarely, but once in a while, our first visit to a restaurant produces a "wow" factor experience, this was one of those across the board with superior service, kitchen and atmosphere. Their Mishima Reserve Beef takes center stage with a strong complimentary supporting cast. Fortunately they have valet parking, so check it out soon and tell the RJKirk sent you. Cheers!

Sails Restaurant @ Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas

The Sails Restaurant @ the Ritz Carlton, located at a breathtaking property on the southeast side of Saint Thomas at Great Bay is one of those special restaurants that we have had the good fortune to discover in our travels. Fresh seafood hours off the boat is offered in a casual resort atmosphere nestled between beach and pool. Mussa Bey, the chef, presents a seafood centric menu with both skill and enthusiasm. Dinner is exclusive to Tuesday & Saturday evenings, presenting great focus and staff attention as the sun sets and casual fine dining commences. If you find yourself on St. Thomas, don't miss this one and tell them RJKirk @ Café 1853 sent you, Cheers!

Teriyaki King Salmon

This is the type of Asian/Hawaiian fusion dish that just blows the doors off your taste buds, yes, no kidding! As an added bonus, the combination of 2 super-foods, Salmon & Avocado produce a ton of energy in the body thru these types of unsaturated omega 3 fats. We have a new gourmet level grocery store in our area, Metropolitan Market, and all thankfully we were able to procure all of the ingredients in one place, fantastic. So put some more fresh seafood and vegetables in your diet today and Enjoy! RJKirk

2014 Outpost True Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

With the 2014 vintage of their True Vineyard Cabernet Outpost Wines has produced what we consider a perfect wine and as confirmed by Robert Parker of the wine advocate. Congratulations to the Dotzlers and Thomas Rivers Brown! As we sip this 2014 True Vineyard Cabernet at Café 1853 courtesy of BoutiqueReds.com, we again note the big intense fruit, complexity and soft tannins with lingering finish matching our palate to a tee. Indeed, this release has achieved another level with perfect balance through the entire tasting spectrum. As always, all the best and Cheers! RJKirk

Classic Beef Stew

Café 1853 presents “Classic Beef Stew” with a twist! We produced this dish on the last day of spring, so appropriate after a particularly cold and wet Northwest winter. Yes, this is pure comfort food to fight off the damp and cold and restore a positive attitude! Pair your favorite big red wine and satisfaction is guaranteed. All the Best & Enjoy! RJKirk

Del Dotto Vineyards

Del Dotto Vineyards from Bob Kirkham on Vimeo.

While dining at Carmines Bellevue on Valentine's Day we opened a bottle of 2014 Del Dotto St. Helena Family Reserve Block 2 and were reminded of the several tasting experiences enjoyed at their wineries in Napa which you can enjoy vicariously through this video. All of Del Dotto's wines are powerful and elegant examples of the results that various outstanding wine source terroirs and wine making expertise are capable of producing. This particular example received a score of 98 from Robert Parker. So sit back and enjoy the show! All the best and cheers! RJKirk

North Block Hotel Yountville

When we visit the Napa Valley for wine tasting and reviews, we like to stay at the North Block, a boutique hotel located at the north end of Yountville, close to many of our favorite wineries. Enjoy this video review of their grounds, accommodations, staff and amenities and tell them RJKirk sent you. Cheers!

A Season of Fine Wines

BoutiqueReds.com from Bob Kirkham on Vimeo.

Just started a new blog at boutiquereds.com that focuses on exceptional wines from limited production wineries for those special occasions in your lives. Cheers! RJKirk