Pipers’ Winemaker’s Dinner a pre-Valentine’s Day treat

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, February 17, 2007
Submitted by Jeannine Piper

Pipers’ Village Inn hosted its first-ever Winemaker’s Dinner on Friday Feb. 9.

The evening started in the tea room of the Inn, where diners and guests mingled and tasted their first glass of wine. We then proceeded to the Victorian Dining room and living room, bedecked in luxurious red and white linens for the Valentine’s celebration. The warmth of the fireplace, the flickering candles and beautiful flower bouquets created a romantic ambiance.

Peter Pitts of Sante Wines featured wines from Konzelmann. Damon Mosholder, the chef of Carmelo’s Coat of Arms, was assisted by Gordon McCombs, kitchen manager of the Brick Yard. Both were outstanding. The grilled duck salad with raspberry vinaigrette had a subtle clean flavor, cooked to perfection. It was paired with Merlot, which enhanced the light flavor of the duck.

The bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp was a hit, with the addition of a unique corn pudding. The Pinot Blanc was such a perfect balance with the shrimp that the guests felt compelled to refill their glasses till they finished the last bite. The sesame crusted Sturgeon with lemon honey glaze was a first for most. They loved the sweet, mild flavor paired with a dry Riesling. The pork loin stuffed with herbed goat cheese roasted red pepper and spinach with cognac gorgonzola cream sauce was paired with Pinot Noir and created a succulent blend of richness.

To top off the night, a poached pear was served in a phyllo cup with a ginger pear glaze. It was matched with a late harvest dessert wine that completed the evening with a bang. The portions were generous and there was plenty of wine to go around. Many people spent the night in the beautiful rooms of the Bed and Breakfast on South Fifth Street and rose to enjoy breakfast and conversation. It was an overall success.

The next dinner will be held on Friday Feb. 23. Matt Robare, the chef of Waterstreet Landing, the owner of Chateau Des Charmes and Peter Pitts will be headlining.

Hostess Jeannine Piper would like to give Damon a special thanks for all of his hard work and superb presentation and also to Gordy for his helping hands. “It was a great experience,” she reflected.

To make reservations or inquire about the next winemaker’s dinner, call Jeannine at 946-5547 or visit: www.pipersvillageinn.com.