Robin wrote this good review of the Wine Meet-Up Group Party at Le Cafe de Paris in Boise yesterday. The photo here is of some of the appetizers we had. (Here’s a link to a good Slide Show.)

“Christian presented some diverse and reasonably priced wines from Mediterranean France – new to many. From the refreshing 2011 Picpoul Blanc- a perfect wine for oysters and other shellfish to an oak aged white with great body – Doria 2009 from Luberon in the Languedoc, great with the artichoke dip. A beautiful 2012 100% Aramon Rose’ paired nicely with pate’ and will satisfy many summer culinary creations. The 2004 La Mascaronne from Provence shows the new blending styles of a Cabernet mixed with Rhone grapes – all the rage now for a serious lamb dinner wine and finishing the tasting with the huge 2008 Orca from old vines in Ventoux is a great match for BBQ’s yet to come.

A bit crowded, but just the right mix of interesting people at our end of the table. The appetizers were creative crostini with a fresh tomato and basil mix, wonderful bread from Gaston’s Bakery in the basement with a hot cheesy artichoke and spinach dip, I enjoyed a slice of Mathieu’s especially flavorful pate’ with cornichons and mustard and who stole my cheese? By the time the cheese plate arrived at our end of the table, there were a few craisins and nuts and only two skinny slices of Brie!

We ordered a salmon plate and a roast stuffed pheasant for dinner, but it took such a long time to arrive, that our seats had become nearly numb from the very uncomfortable chairs. We had out meals boxed ‘to go’. We love Mathieu and his concept of fine French dining, however he needs to buy some more comfortable chairs and stabilize the rocking tables.”