Wine Pairings for Your Favorite Fall Dishes

You may think it's time to put away those crisp whites in favor of the deeper notes and flavors in their red counterparts; however, your go-to bottle choice depends on the age old question, "What's for dinner?" Depending on your main course, the wine selection could be equally varied.

If you're looking for a great pairing for a hearty stew, cool-weather casserole, or beef dish, you're probably going to go red. While the steadfast Cabernet is generally a suitable choice for pairing with your savory fall feasts, we encourage you to branch out with a Syrah or a Malbec this autumn.

Syrah (also known as Shiraz) originated in France's Rhône region centuries ago. Increasing in popularity lately, Syrahs are generally full-bodied with common characteristics including cherries/berries, plum, chocolate, cloves, licorice, espresso, and black pepper. Richly sweet and just a bit spicy, Syrah is an ideal pairing for smoked/grilled meats, stews, and even lightly-spiced wild game dishes. It's also a great wine for those on a budget, because there are many approachable Syrahs and Shirazes on the market for under $30 a bottle.

Malbecs also originated in France, but in the Bordeaux region. Malbecs tend to be a little bit drier than Syrahs, but are equally tasty. With similar fruity notes, such as plums and berries/cherries, Malbecs can also have the spicy characteristics of black pepper, smoke, and earth. Gaining in popularity are Malbecs from Argentina, as they are one of the key wine varietals produced there. For your spicier fall meat dishes, try a Malbec pairing, as they work well with not only grilled fare, but ethnic dishes as well. From Mexican to Thai, Indian to Italian, the Malbec is a versatile and affordable choice.

If you're not feeling red and would like to enjoy a white on those warm fall afternoons, don't put away that corkscrew just yet. Dive back into France's Rhône Valley grapes and try a Rhône-style white blend. With higher ABV's than your typical white wine, you can expect fall-friendly notes of peach, apricots, pears, and of course apples perfectly balanced with herbs, such as lavender and sage. Also a versatile option, try decanting first and then pairing with your favorite cream or cheese-based pasta dish, broiled cauliflower gratin, or even your favorite nut-coated fish and poultry dishes.

We hope this gets you started on building your autumn cellar -- À votre santé!

A Crêpe a Day

When you say crêpes, most people think pancakes, but true French crêpes aren't just a vehicle for sweet toppings. Crêpes are also a savory option when filled with more substantial, dinner-worthy fare. While we certainly believe that fruit and cream sweet crêpes are worthy of their own meal, we also wanted to show the beauty of the crêpe's versatility!

Whether strawberries and cream, apples and caramel, fresh blueberries, Nutella/chocolate or even Crêpes Suzette, sweet crepes can be filled with pretty much any sweet topping or filling you dream up. But did you know that savory crêpes also lend themselves just as equally to the same variety of options? From bacon and mushroom or turkey and tarragon to spinach, tomatoes, ham, and cheese or the even spicier olive and chicken curry, you can certainly fill your crêpes with any substantial, dinner-worthy fare you dream up.

The best part of crêpes is the ease at which they can make the journey from ingredients to enjoyment! They are pretty simple to prepare, but if you're serious about crêpe making, do yourself a favor and invest in a crêpe pan and crêpe spreader. No matter your technique, the recipe is generally six ingredients: flour, salt, eggs, oil (or butter), milk, and water. Whether sweet or savory crêpes, you'll be following the same recipe; however, as with Crêpes Suzette, you'll also add orange zest.

If you're interested in giving crêpes a whirl, but don't feel like making your own, it's a good thing there are plenty of places to check out this French staple. From crêperies who offer both sweet and savory options to breakfast restaurants that offer the sweet variety on their morning menus, there's even a Crêpes Stand in the Mall of America!

Do you have a favorite crêpes restaurant, recipe or topping/filling? Let us know in the comments. We'd love to hear from you!

September Client Appreciation Event Recap

Last week, we again had the pleasure of participating in our Corporate Client Appreciation Event. For the third year running, we partnered with our sister restaurant, Woolley's Steakhouse, as well as our lovely neighbors, the Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport and the Embassy Suites Bloomington West, in what's become tradition.

This year, it wasn't our turn to play host as we had in the past, but we were still able to pitch in on one great event! With our co-hosts, we invited our corporate meeting and event clients to a showcase of some of the best that the industry as well as our properties have to offer in one gigantic display of our gratitude.

Of course, our awesome Embassy Weddings' team was also on-hand to lend their expertise in helping display some up-to-the-minute trends as well as to just show off our team's capabilities. This year, the theme of the event was "Around the World".

Each and every guest was presented with a passport that allowed them to "travel around the globe", as they visited different meeting spaces in the Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport, each uniquely themed for the event. We even brought Craft Mobile Kitchen, a new Food Truck, into the fun! Guests were rewarded with delicious, expertly prepared cuisine and activities/entertainment that matched the "location" of each area.

We're so thankful that Andrews Photography captured the whole event for us. To review the full gallery, we invite you to CLICK HERE.

For everyone that attended and helped with the event, our utmost thanks! We are so grateful and lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful clients, team members, vendor partners, and ultimately friends. Without any one of these things, none of the rest would be possible. 

Until next year!

Bring Your French Class to Chez Daniel!

With all of the kids back to school, now is the perfect time to schedule a field trip to Chez Daniel for your French class!

Chez Daniel provides an unforgettable learning opportunity for students taking a French language course in middle or high school. Instructors of French language classes are welcome to contact us to schedule a field trip to Chez Daniel, where students will be served an authentic Parisian feast by French-speaking servers.

During their visit, students will be encouraged to use their knowledge of the French language to communicate with their waiters and each other. French class trips to Chez Daniel allow students to experience the French language and culture in an unforgettable way.

Our executive chef, Pierre Jean, was actually born in France and works diligently to present a menu of traditional French favorites. From Croissant, Crepes and Quiche Lorraine to French Onion Soup, Boeuf Bourguingnon, and Bouillabaisse, Coq au Vin and Croque Monsieur, students and chaperones alike will be delighted with the variety, choices, and utmost quality of the dishes presented.

Make sure you finish your meal with our signature dessert, Profiteroles (cream puffs filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with hot fudge and raspberry coulis)!  

For more information or to book this much loved and remembered field trip for your students, please contact our Catering Manager, Sheri DeGeorge, at 952-967-8704 or sdegeorge@embassybloomington.com.

Venez Chez Daniel avec votre classe et régalez vos èleves avec ma cuisine Française!

- Pierre Jean