Fish with Friends

Over the weekend I partook in one of the most exciting events Charleston has to offer, it is the annual food and wine festival. (http://www.charlestonwineandfood.com/new/) It is in its fifth year and I go as often as possible. It has grown and changed a lot through the years but this year it feels as if it has really come into its own. It is one of the countries top events for food and wine and its an amazing opportunity for the city. Charleston is well respected for its eateries and hospitality so pairing them with new and interesting wine and wine makers is a stroke of genius. We chose a chefs tasting on Friday night at a restaurant called Fish a restaurant none of my friends nor I had ever been too. Fish is a locally owned restaurant on King Street in downtown Charleston and it's head chef is Nico Romo, he was very recently bestowed the distinct honor of Master French Chef. (http://charlestonwineandfood.com/new/index.php/personalities/category/charleston_chefs/?category=charleston_chefs) His guest chef and his own personal GOD was Jose Gutierrez of River Oaks (http://www.riveroaksrestaurant.com/)  The dinner included five courses paired with wonderful wines from the recently damaged country of Chile and the Montes Vineyard. The Chilean wines and the story of the vineyards made it much more touching as they just recently suffered a devastating earthquake. The Montes Vineyard was damaged and they sadly lost a lot of there amazing wine. We actually had the honor of having one of the last cases of their Gewurztraminer 2008 desert wine. The whole evening was special right down to the company, but the wine and the wine representative really made it a more memorable evening. The wine rep was Carlos Serrano of Montes Premium Wines (http://www.monteswines.com/) he was so very informative, articulate, and enjoyable and I learned a great deal from him and am thankful he was a part of the experience.
We also learned a great deal about the chef of Fish including his becoming a Master French Chef and passion for sustainability from our charming server. My one friend was so excited about what she was learning that she sadly spilled her last glass of wine, (Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2008 from Casablanca, Chile) all over me and the table... Don't worry it came out and either way no damage done as its just a piece of cloth! One of the appetizers we were served was mini frog leg gougere buns, I have never eaten frog legs, probably never would have if it was not for this experience, and I can assure you I most definitely never will again. All I can or will say is they DON'T TASTE like CHICKEN.