Dinner at the Shetler's

Chinese food done Shetler style, which is to say "gourmet Chinese food." As always Mark went over the top and Melissa decorated to the max. It was beautiful. Each setting had a menu of course, but each setting also had our names in Chinese. They called for Pinot Noir, not my favorite, but appropriate for this meal. I struggled to find a Pinot I'd like.

We were greeted by their two Corgi puppies, Valentino and Eleanor.

We started with Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Then the platters started coming out: Orange Chicken

Kung Pao Beef

Shrimp Fried Rice

Garlic Noodles

Ginger Scented Brown Rice

And finally all set up on my plate...

The final touch: Sweet White & Wild Rice with Fresh Mango and Fried Wonton Crisps

And of course the wine! We chose a Pinot Noir in a non-traditional region, Mokelumne River. When we complained about having to bring a Pinot, the Milliare Winery suggested their Pinot which was grown in the foothills. Miraculously, we won again. The Shetler's came in second place with SCV, 2011 Bodega Ridge Block, Pinot Noir. The Wades came in third with a yummy Joseph Phelps, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

Switzerland at the Wade's Residence

First thing to greet us was a darling rustic table laden with cheese fondue and yummy things to dip in it…pearl onions, Swiss sausage (which were strange looking), Brussels sprouts, and pickles. An old painting done by Denise’s father was a quaint backdrop. They even had meat and cheese laid out to look like a Swiss cross.

As always her table setting was adorable.

Our salad was fabulous. I really liked the combo of flavors from the oranges, avocados, and fennel.

At this point I was struggling with liking all three pinots! Strange isn’t it? I think the food matched the special characteristics of the pinot well.

The main course was Zurcher Geschnetzeltes Rosti (German for sliced meat Zurich style). This is a slightly crunchy potato pancake, with thinly sliced veal and mushrooms in a rich cream sauce.

Dessert was of course fondue… Swiss-chocolate with strawberries, bananas, chopped up croissants, and homemade marshmallows.

I have to admit when they told me I had to bring a Pinot Noir I was not thrilled. Typically I don’t like pinot, unless it’s super expensive and then it’s just okay. So I sent Joe to Trader Joe's to buy a recommended bottle.The Shetlers took home the coveted gold plastic medal with a 2012 Sonoma Loeb. The Wades came in second with Moniz Family, 2012. We came in dead last with 2013 Meiomi. I did like ours best without food pairing, but it didn’t hold up to the meat dish.