The Art of Wine & Food Aligned at Kitchen 4140

The word is out at the most respected wineries in Napa and Sonoma.   They must collaborate with the wunderkind chef in San Diego, Kurt Metzger of Kitchen 4140.  It started with the recent cork-popping of the fabled Hall Wines of Napa Valley, paired with what Metzer describes

 as “ingredient inspired and ingredient-driven” cooking.  There is a kind of pure, simple, classic style about his creations.

Word quickly spread about this “kitchen style” of dining with entrees like grilled tenderloin with a king garlic shrimp crown, sided with point Reyes blue cheese and horseradish potato.  I was fascinated by a smoked Burrata  cheese salad, with arugula and blueberry gastrique.  The wait help came by and actually “smoked” it at the table.  Hall Wines took on the challenge and poured a luscious WALT 2011 Pinot Noir from Sonoma which was vibrant and opulent, coating the palate to blend with this food creation.

Recipes are always changing at Kitchen 1440.  “There’s a lot more I can do here,” Metzer says, and he is doing another wine event, this time with Chalk Hill in a six course dinner, showcasing a different wine with each serving, Thursday September 12 at 6pm at $100. per person. Dinners are Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 9pm, along with a Sunday Brunch from 9 to 2pm.  Call 858-483-4140 for more event dates, or visit www.kitchen4140.com

The Season of the Grape Stomp 

September is California Wine month and life is a tub of grapes with stomping, frolicking happy faces at your favorite winery.  Orfila Winery in Escondido just had theirs with overflow crowds, live music, a feast, and some new wine releases like their complex and delicious 2010 Full Fathom Five  This is an estate blend of Cabernet, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah. ($35.).

Up in Temecula wine country, a full month of Wine Stomps dominate the landscape including:

LORIMAR-5th annual Stomp and Festival 4-8pm Sat. Sept. 21, including dinner and 2 drinks.  $65.pp.

Details at 951-694-6699.  SOUTH COAST-Blessing of the Wine, Grape Stomp and Harvest, Sun. Sept. 22 all day.  BBQ, tractor rides, live music, grape stomping.  $55. ea.  Call 951-587-9463.  LEONESS-Grape Stomp, Sun. Sept. 22 6 to 9:30pm.  Wine, food, dancing, stomping, surf and turf buffet $89. pp.  Call 951-302-7601.  PONTE-Grape Stomping Festival, Sun. Sept. 29 (check time) dinner BBQ, $95. ea.  Call 951-694-8855.  CALLAWAY-Sat. Sept. 28, 5:30 to 9:30pm.  Grape stomp competition and dancing.  Full fresco buffet.  $79. pp.  Details at 951-676-4001.  WILSON CREEK-Sip, Savor, Stomp, Sun. Oct. 13, 5 to 9pm.  Hay rides to reception, live music and dancing, grape stomping.  $85. admission. Call 951-699-9463.

For other harvest action, visit www.temeculawines.org.

– Marina Kitchen next to the San Diego Convention Center is celebrating California Wine Month with a Scribe Wine Dinner Sat. Sept. 21 from 6 to 9pm with the winemaker present. Special entrees from Chef Aron Schwartz. $90. pp. RSVP at 619-699-8222.

– Europa Village in Temecula invites you to La Tomatina, a replica of Spain’s famous food fight. Food to dine, glass of wine, guitar music and a t shirt to catch the massive tomato fight.  $49. ea.  Call 951-216-3380.

– Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has its Port Tasting Wed. Sept. 18 from 5 to 7pm.  A port expert will pour.  RSVP with $25. payment in advance.  Call 760-745-1200.

– Visit the 18th Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. This free admission street fair happens Sun. Sept. 22 from 10am to 5pm.  German live dance and dancing. Family fun zone, 200  booths and authentic food and drink.  Details at 760-753-6041.

– West Steak House in Carlsbad will host a six course wine paring dinner with the famous Napa Valley Cakebread Wines, Tues. Sept. 24 from 6:30pm.  Cost is $150. pp.  For an RSVP call 760-930-9100.