Show 448, October 23, 2021: Dennis Murphy, Winemaker & Proprietor, Caprio Cellars, Walla Walla, Washington Part One

Dennis Murphy of Caprio Cellars

Caprio Cellars is a small producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc located in the heart of Walla Walla Valley, WA., one of the premier wine-growing regions in the world.”

“Winemaker/Owner Dennis Murphy purchased the land where Caprio Cellars stands in 2003. Previously wheat fields, Dennis set out to make it the site of his first vineyard. This dream came to fruition in 2005 when the first plantings went in. Dennis named this vineyard “Eleanor” in homage to his late grandmother Eleanor Caprio. The first harvest took place in 2008, and once the first wines were bottled, the operation was given the name Caprio Cellars. Inspired by Dennis’ Italian ancestors’ connection to wine as an essential part of daily life, Caprio Cellars aims to carry on the tradition of establishing a culture of wine like that of Dennis’ Italian heritage while also contributing to the emerging tradition of Walla Walla winemaking.”

“The team at Caprio Cellars believes in the transformative power of hospitality and a shared spirit of generosity. Their aim is to cultivate a wine culture that brings together fellowship, the senses, and discernment – creating a space for the social experience of sharing wine and learning how to appreciate it over time while always serving great food and wines in the European tradition.”

Proprietor Dennis Murphy joins us to uncork all that is Caprio Cellars.

Show 448, October 23, 2021: Dennis Murphy, Winemaker & Proprietor, Caprio Cellars, Walla Walla, Washington Part Two

Dennis Murphy of Caprio Cellars

Caprio Cellars is a small producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc located in the heart of Walla Walla Valley, WA., one of the premier wine-growing regions in the world.”

“Winemaker/Owner Dennis Murphy purchased the land where Caprio Cellars stands in 2003. Previously wheat fields, Dennis set out to make it the site of his first vineyard. This dream came to fruition in 2005 when the first plantings went in. Dennis named this vineyard “Eleanor” in homage to his late grandmother Eleanor Caprio. The first harvest took place in 2008, and once the first wines were bottled, the operation was given the name Caprio Cellars. Inspired by Dennis’ Italian ancestors’ connection to wine as an essential part of daily life, Caprio Cellars aims to carry on the tradition of establishing a culture of wine like that of Dennis’ Italian heritage while also contributing to the emerging tradition of Walla Walla winemaking.”

“Few Walla Walla wineries own estate vineyards. Caprio Cellars is one of them. The Caprio Estate is comprised of three sites: Eleanor’s, Octave and Sanitella. These sites are in the heart of the Walla Walla Valley and enjoy ideal sun exposure and vine-loving soil, yielding grapes of the highest quality and complexity for their estate wines. The Eleanor site consists of two acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and one of Merlot. Octave’s 22-acre hillside vineyard was planted in 2007 and consists of 16 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, two acres of Merlot, two acres of Cabernet Franc, and one acre of Malbec. The newest, high elevation vineyard, Sanitella, in the SeVein, has Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.”

“Caprio Cellars is known in the Walla Walla Valley for their state-of-the-art tasting room and unparalleled hospitality. The entire Caprio team has a background in hospitality, and their ongoing commitment to the relational aspect of their business only adds to the experience of Caprio Cellars wines.”

“In addition to an always complimentary tasting fee, the Caprio Cellars Kitchen offers seasonally inspired plates to accompany every wine tasting. Executive Chef and Walla Walla local Ian Williams strives to source local, organic, and sustainable ingredients for every delicious plate. The Caprio Cellars Tasting Room is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. by reservation only. Caprio Cellars also hosts special events and regular winemaker dinners.”

Proprietor Dennis Murphy continues with us while enjoying a glass of his 2018 Eleanor Estate Red Blend.

Show 447, October 16, 2021: Francisco Migoya, Modernist Cuisine Head Chef on Modernist Pizza Part One

Francisco Migoya of Modernist Cuisine

Modernist Pizza by Nathan Myhrvold and Chef Francisco Migoya is the result of 200,000 hours of work by the talented team of culinary professionals and food scientists at Modernist Cuisine. “It’s the ultimate deep dive into one of the world’s most beloved foods. Over four years of research in the making, Modernist Pizza delivers the story of pizza as it’s never been told before. The book is the culmination of Modernist Cuisine’s findings and discoveries into the deliciously diverse world of pizza, including, for the first time, a chapter on travel.”

“Whether you’re a professional pizzaiolo or new to making pizza, Modernist Pizza is for anyone who enjoys a slice. The recipes in the book were developed using both professional and home ovens (and equipment). Filled with gorgeous photographs and helpful illustrations, you’ll find guides to help you choose gear, determine where to start with their dough recipes, and build your own pizzas.”

Modernist Pizza explores all aspects of pizza. Volumes 1 and 2 cover the science, history, fundamentals, ingredients, pizza travels, and techniques of making pizza. Volume 3 is dedicated to both traditional and innovative recipes for pizza found around the globe. A Kitchen Manuel (400 pages, wire-bound) makes the recipes portable.”

“Deep-dish pizza made with Neapolitan dough. A game-changing flavor-infused fiord di latte mozzarella. Ordinary canned soup, transformed into robust pizza sauce. The ultimate leftover slice. Backed by extensive experiments, Modernist Pizza contains new insights, techniques, and scientific knowledge that will take your pizza-making skills and creativity to the next level.”

“Francisco Migoya is the coauthor of Modernist Bread (2017) and Modernist Pizza (2021.) As head chef, he leads the Modernist Cuisine culinary team in Bellevue, Washington. An innovative pastry chef Migoya is the author of three books on his own. He has been recognized as a top US pastry chef and chocolatier.” Prior to joining the Modernist Cuisine team, Migoya was a professor at the Culinary Institute of America, where his areas of instruction included bread, viennoiserie, pastry, and culinary science.”

Chef Francisco Migoya joins us pizza peel in hand.

Show 410, January 30, 2021: L’Ecole No. 41 with General Manager Constance Savage and Winemaker Marcus Rafenelli Part One

L’Ecole N° 41 is a third-generation family-owned, artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on their label.  Founded in 1983, L’Ecole is the third winery established in the Walla Walla Valley.  Over the years they have become one of the most prominent and visible Walla Walla Valley wineries with national and international distribution.”

“Their focus is to produce ultra-premium, distinctive wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of L’Ecole’s Walla Walla Valley vineyards.  They are engaged in growing and making 100% of their wine.  Each bottle is handcrafted with a commitment to quality in the vineyards and the winery.  More than three decades of winemaking experience, ongoing investments in the Walla Walla Estate Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards, and long-term relationships with many of the most prominent vineyards in Washington State are central to L’Ecole’s well-known reputation for quality and consistency across their wine portfolio.”

Marty Clubb is the Managing Winemaker and Co-Owner of L’Ecole No 41 with his wife, Megan, and children, Riley and Rebecca. This family-owned winery was founded by Megan’s parents, Jean and Baker Ferguson in 1983 making it the 3rd winery in the Walla Walla Valley. In 1989, Marty and Megan took a leap of faith and moved to Walla Walla from San Francisco, where Marty assumed responsibilities as manager and winemaker of L’Ecole. Since that time, he has led L’Ecole to become one of the most respected wineries in America.”

Among many accomplishments Marty was instrumental in the founding of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and development of the Walla Walla Community College Center for Enology and Viticulture.

We’ll meet General Manager Constance Savage and Winemaker (and wine educator) Marcus Rafanelli to uncork all that is L’Ecole.

Show 410, January 30, 2021: L’Ecole No. 41 with General Manager Constance Savage and Winemaker Marcus Rafenelli Part Two

Marcus Rafanelli of L'Ecole No. 41 Winery

L’Ecole N° 41 is a third-generation family-owned, artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on their label.  Founded in 1983, L’Ecole is the third winery established in the Walla Walla Valley.  Over the years they have become one of the most prominent and visible Walla Walla Valley wineries with national and international distribution.”

“Their focus is to produce ultra-premium, distinctive wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of L’Ecole’s Walla Walla Valley vineyards.  They are engaged in growing and making 100% of their wine.  Each bottle is handcrafted with a commitment to quality in the vineyards and the winery.  More than three decades of winemaking experience, ongoing investments in the Walla Walla Estate Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards, and long-term relationships with many of the most prominent vineyards in Washington State are central to L’Ecole’s well-known reputation for quality and consistency across their wine portfolio.”

Marty Clubb is the Managing Winemaker and Co-Owner of L’Ecole No 41 with his wife, Megan, and children, Riley and Rebecca. This family-owned winery was founded by Megan’s parents, Jean and Baker Ferguson in 1983 making it the 3rd winery in the Walla Walla Valley. In 1989, Marty and Megan took a leap of faith and moved to Walla Walla from San Francisco, where Marty assumed responsibilities as manager and winemaker of L’Ecole. Since that time, he has led L’Ecole to become one of the most respected wineries in America.”

Among many accomplishments Marty was instrumental in the founding of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and development of the Walla Walla Community College Center for Enology and Viticulture.

General Manager Constance Savage and Winemaker Marcus Rafanelli continue with us to uncork all that is L’Ecole. We suggest the 2019 Chenin Blanc Old Vines, Yakima Valley.

Show 356, January 18, 2020: Bruce Cakebread, Cakebread Cellars and Mullan Road Cellars Part One

Bruce Cakebread of Cakebread CellarsCakebread Cellars in Rutherford, Napa Valley, has been a pioneering and prominent California winery since 1973. A newer venture for Cakebread is Mullan Road Cellars of Walla Walla in Washington State producing Bordeaux blends. The first release was in 2012.

“Bruce Cakebread, representing the 2nd generation of Family ownership, has worked alongside his father since the founding of the family winery in 1973. He officially joined the winery in 1977, and after graduating with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California at Davis, in 1979 he took over as winemaker, overseeing all vineyard and cellar operations for the next twenty years. In 2002, Bruce became the winery’s President and Chief Operations Officer, also leading international distribution efforts, and today he serves as co-owner and a board member.”

“We are very fortunate to have an excellent collection of vineyards as well as long-term relationships with some of the best growers in Napa Valley,” says Bruce. “Great vineyards, plus the fact that we’ve had only four winemakers over the past forty-five years (Jack, myself, Julianne Laks, and now Stephanie Jacobs), have allowed us to produce world-class wines of extraordinarily consistent quality and style.”

“Bruce has served on the Viticulture and Enology Executive Leadership Board at UC Davis, as a member of the Executive Committee for the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, as a member of the Napa Valley Vintners Board—which he chaired in 2010 and 2013—and as Chair of the Napa Valley College Foundation Board.”

Bruce Cakebread joins us to pull the cork on Cakebread Cellars.

Show 356, January 18, 2020: Bruce Cakebread, Cakebread Cellars and Mullan Road Cellars Part Two

Bruce Cakebread of Cakebread CellarsCakebread Cellars in Rutherford, Napa Valley, has been a pioneering and prominent California winery since 1973. A newer venture for Cakebread is Mullan Road Cellars of Walla Walla in Washington State producing Bordeaux blends. The first release was in 2012.

“Since its founding in 1973, Cakebread Cellars has developed a reputation for producing world-class wines. Its success is built on quality, consistency and continuity, characteristics which apply equally to the grapes, the wines, the people and the operation of the winery. The Cakebread family remains committed to creating fine Napa Valley wines.”

AVEO Table + Bar sat the Monarch Bay Resort in Dana Point is hosting an exclusive evening with Cakebread Cellar Vineyards. “AVEO is proud to offer its first winemaker dinner of 2020 on Thursday, January 23rd at 6 p.m. Winery co-owner and chief winemaker Bruce Cakebread will be present to connect with guests and unveil a new red blend. Executive Chef Jason Adams and Chef de Cuisine Donald Lockhart are preparing a five-course dinner paired with exclusive bottles from Cakebread Cellars including the all-new Mullen Road Blend from Columbia Valley.”

For reservations & more info – 949.234.3900, Ext. 2

Bruce Cakebread has finished the decanting and now continues.

Show 303, December 22, 2018: 63rd Lawry’s Beef Bowl

Road to the Rose Bowl 50 Years of Lawry's Beef BowlIt’s the 63rd edition of the proud Rose Bowl Game (“The Granddaddy of All Bowl Games”) tradition that is the Lawry’s Beef Bowl staged over two nights (December 27th and 28th) at the original Lawry’s The Prime Rib on Restaurant Row in Beverly Hills. It’s fanfare and grand pageantry at its best.

For the 63rd festivities it’s the traditional matchup of PAC 12 Champ Washington Huskies battling (with knives & forks) the Big 10’s Ohio State Buckeyes. Curiously enough this is the first bowl game matchup between these two teams.

Ohio State has quite a tradition in the long history of The Beef Bowl. The only time legendary Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes allowed his Buckeyes to participate in Lawry’s Beef Bowl was in 1957, a few days prior to the co-national champion Buckeyes’ 10-7 victory over the Oregon Ducks in the 1958 Rose Bowl Game. (Coach Hayes insisted the team be fed on the practice field instead of coming to Lawry’s in Beverly Hills for the full experience.) Woody’s Rose Bowl Game record for the other six Lawry’s Beef Bowls that his teams missed was 2 wins and 4 losses.

Lawry’s Beef Bowl is one of only two pre-Rose Bowl Game team events endorsed by the Tournament of Roses. (The other team event is a visit to Disneyland).

Beef Bowl historian Todd Erickson plates the spectacle up for us with a side of creamed spinach.

Show 275, May 26, 2018: Chef / Proprietor Vincent Nattress, Orchard Kitchen, Bayview, Whidbey Island, WA

Vincent NattressChef Vincent Nattress actually grew up on Whidbey Island, WA and departed. In 2015 Vincent realized his dream of returning to Whidbey with his wife, Tyla, and creating a culinary destination there, Orchard Kitchen. It’s a teaching kitchen, destination restaurant and a five-acre organic farm in Langley, WA.

“An Omnivore’s dining destination with a farm-to-table ethos, our restaurant is located in the very heart of our organic farm. Collaborating with local farmers, vintners, cheesemakers, chefs and oystermen, we bring you an ever-changing, four-course menu showcasing the season’s best ingredients. We offer one seating for thirty-two guests at our community tables. We look forward to feeding you soon!”

Chef Vincent is also a proponent of “Whidbey Island Grown – Find the Freshest Our Island Has to Offer.”

In 2005, Vincent joined Meadowood Napa Valley as the Executive Chef with the express mandate of restoring the property to culinary glory. Vincent was a part of an amazing team, including Patrick Davila, Joseph Humphrey and Christopher Kostow, that set the stage for Meadowood to become a culinary Mecca.

We pull Chef Vincent away from a cooking class for a brief chat.

Show 275, May 26, 2018: Chef / Proprietor Tyler Hansen, the Oystercatcher, Coupeville, Whidbey Island, WA

Tyler HansenCentrally located on Whidbey Island, WA in Coupeville, the Oystercatcher has proudly served simple, good, food for more than 18 years. Chef Tyler Hansen (3rd chef/proprietor) and his team create a harmonious and authentic farm-to-table menu to showcase all what the island, and the region has to offer. They even make the extraordinary effort to bake daily all the breads used in the restaurant. The bread is so popular that it’s sold to other Island restaurants and retail markets.

“Historically the island provided an abundance of food, with the prairie serving as a sacred place for those who lived there. We honor that tradition at the restaurant today working with the farmers who continue to keep that heritage alive on the island.”

“Creating the entire experience from scratch is what makes the restaurant tick. The first wheat fields on Whidbey were harvested in September to mill the local flour for the bread. Being involved with the growing process to the finished product on the plate is the passion that drives the kitchen.”

Chef Tyler is about to go into his lunch service so he’d breaking away to chat with us.