Mauritson Wine Dinner at Rumrunners in Cape Coral

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Mauritson Wine Dinner at Rumrunners in Cape Coral

Clay Mauritson, Vintner

Ralph, Jeff, and Todd

Until owners/chefs Ralph Centalonza III, Jeff Gately and Todd Johnson open Rumrunners South in Naples, I'm happy to join those who appreciate the best, and continue to drive 1.5 hours from Naples up to Rumrunners in Cape Coral.

This terrific trio paired with Clay Mauritson of the noted Mauritson Wines from Heladsburg, CA to craft a wonderful 5 course Mauritson Wine Dinner on April 4, 2018.

First course was Seared Lemongrass-scallion Crusted Red Snapper, ginger-pineapple beurre blanc, and caramelized plantain, paired with an exquisite wine - 2014 Mauritson Sauvignon Blanc.

I bought a bottle to take home, it was that good!

2nd Course was my favorite duck- Crispy Jurgielewicz Duck Breast served with sweet potato cannelloni filled with confit, ricotta and Shiitake mushrooms, finished with cherry jus, accompanied by the 2014 Dry Creek Zinfandel.

Duck Breast

3rd Course was the oh- so-tender slow-roasted Niman Ranch Porchetta pork belly rolled with loin, ground shoulder and Iberico cured ham, with parsnip puree & fig, joined with the 2014 Rockpile Jack's Cabin Zinfandel.

Porchetta

The 4th Course featured what I think is the best cut of beef, the Spinalis cap of the Ribeye. This Sous Vide Black Angus Ribeye "Cap"came with charred farmers carrots and a rich root beer gastrique. The 2012 Rockpile Cabernet Sauvigon was later purchased by a few people, it was that great!

Dry- Aged Spinalis portion of the Ribeye

The pairings were spot on, as was pacing of the courses. We saved room for the 5th course; Chocolate Mousse with banana caramel sauce, a superb passion fruit curd, garnished with brûléed bananas and a petit macaron.

The waterfront setting, five excellent courses, and four wonderful wines was nicely priced at $100 plus tax and tip. As i met other diners, I learned that a half dozen or so diners drove the 1.5 hour trek from Naples to join with perhaps 60 other diners for this Wine Dinner. All left very, very happy!