What's Your Favorite @ Tchoup Chop?

[tarheelmjfan]

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is Icewine???

PlutoLuvr already answered your question, but I thought I'd add a bit more about my fav. wine. It is very sweet, & is basically a dessert wine. Although, I think DH & I may now start the same Christmas morning tradition. We prefer Inniskillin Icewine from Canada. The good stuff is VQA certified. This means the grapes haven't been artifically frozen. You can get a 1/2 bottle of Inniskillin around here for $50 to $70+. It's much cheaper to buy it in Canada. My DH & I were extremely upset with ourselves that we didn't buy more when we were in Vancouver last summer. At the price we pay in the US, it's more of a special occasion wine for us. Vacation is definitely a special occasion.

PlutoLuvr,
Tell me more about the Icewine (Eiswein) from Germany. We've never tried any from there. I've seen it a couple places & it appears to be cheaper than Inniskillin. Cheaper is good. Which winery should we look for?

 

[PlutoLuvr]

Tarheelmjfan, from what I've been told, it's been hot in Germany for the last couple years and it's hard to come by eisweins. My mother was able to score a case a couple years ago of Kendermanns Eiswein, which I split with her. She was able to get it from a distributor in London. I found it much sweeter than anything I've tasted out of Canada, but I generally find German wines sweet anyway -- perfect for my love of spicy foods! I can't remember any others right off, but I am going to a tasting tomorrow and I'll check with the owner of our wine warehouse to see if he can suggest any others out of Germany.

I had a glorious one from France a couple weeks ago from Graville-Lacoste. The wine maker was present and pouring -- although difficult to understand since I've forgotten all of my French. His name is Herve Dubourdieu. He's either sixth or seventh generation wine maker. He had an ice wine that was positively exquisite. I've been kicking myself in the butt for not buying a couple bottles. I will double-check on that one tomorrow, too, and pm you if that's okay with more specific info on getting a bottle.

Yes, you should try it for Christmas morning. It's heavenly!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

The crabcake appetizer was one very large crabcake (about 3" across, but thick and it seemed to be almost 100% crabmeat). DH and I usually split an appetizer and don't always get a dessert (if we do, we split it). Because there were so many things on the menu that sounded good, we each had an appetizer, entree, and dessert (no drinks). It was a very leisurely meal, but we were stuffed.

You could definitely split an appetizer if you're planning to have dessert, too.

I haven't had the lamb, but bleu cheese has a very distinct flavor, and it's an acquired taste, so I'd hesitate to order it if you know you don't enjoy it. Talk with the servers about options --- can it be left off or less used.

My mouth is just watering! Can't wait until November.

I got a little sidetracked, but finally made it back here. Thanks for explaining the crab cake. I think we'll definitely try that. You guys make everything sound good though. I wish I could remember what we all ordered that we weren't impressed with. Oh well, hopefully we were there on an off night.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Tarheelmjfan, from what I've been told, it's been hot in Germany for the last couple years and it's hard to come by eisweins. My mother was able to score a case a couple years ago of Kendermanns Eiswein, which I split with her. She was able to get it from a distributor in London. I found it much sweeter than anything I've tasted out of Canada, but I generally find German wines sweet anyway -- perfect for my love of spicy foods! I can't remember any others right off, but I am going to a tasting tomorrow and I'll check with the owner of our wine warehouse to see if he can suggest any others out of Germany.

I had a glorious one from France a couple weeks ago from Graville-Lacoste. The wine maker was present and pouring -- although difficult to understand since I've forgotten all of my French. His name is Herve Dubourdieu. He's either sixth or seventh generation wine maker. He had an ice wine that was positively exquisite. I've been kicking myself in the butt for not buying a couple bottles. I will double-check on that one tomorrow, too, and pm you if that's okay with more specific info on getting a bottle.

Yes, you should try it for Christmas morning. It's heavenly!

A PM would be great!!! We're always looking for new wines to try. Like you, we prefer sweeter wines in general. We don't go to many wine tastings, because we don't have a designated driver. Neither of us want to participate in the tasting w/o the other. We do take advantage of tastings on cruise ships whenever possible. I'm looking forward to hearing what you find out.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

The lamb sounds great also. We don't like blue cheese though. Is the taste really noticeable? It's funny that we are so adventurous in dining, but the very few things we don't care for seem to keep coming up with this menu. Odd!!!

Blue cheese has a very distinct taste and if you dont care for it this is the wrong dish to order. I love it and look for meals prepared with all types.

Keep in mind that Tchoup Chop has so many nightly specials aside from their vast menu that you should have any easy time finding something you love.

I'm enjoying the Ice Wine talk, still havent tried it yet!