Hot In Little Rock

Was your weekend as busy as ours?  With President’s Day long weekend, and Valentine’s Day on Sunday, our dance card was full!  Long time friends from Boston came for a visit, and of course we wanted to show off our city.  We went to the Art Center, the Clinton Library, Heifer International, Central High School, and gave our friends a tour of the city.  We also ate well at 1620, Ashley’s at the Capital, and the Art Center.  Last night, however, we wanted to just cozy in, eat at home and watch the Olympics.  So we did.

The meal was simple.  Our spouse started a pot of polenta and our friends took turns stirring it.  (It has to be stirred by everyone who is going to eat it, you know.  It is tradition.)  Meanwhile we sliced shitaki and crimini mushrooms; chopped half an onion, and mashed three garlic cloves.  We sautéed these all at once in a combination of olive oil and butter.  After adding half a cup of Pinot Noir we finished with a touch of nutmeg, salt and pepper.  When the polenta was ready we topped it with the ragout of mushrooms and added a pat of butter.  With a green salad and crusty bread it made a fine supper.  Oh, and the chocolate bourbon cake for dessert didn’t hurt, either.

We drank the rest of the Pinot Noir, of course.  We have enjoyed Gnarly Head Zin, but had not tried their Pinot Noir until last night.  It was a 2008 and made in the American style.  The color is garnet.  On the nose there were dark cherries and some spice.   On the palate there was more cherry and the addition of raspberry.  Full bodied, easy to drink, and delicious with the polenta and mushrooms.