Harvey House Dinner at Hamel Family Wines, part of SoCo Wine Celebration
In the heart of Sonoma Valley, Hamel Family Wines set the stage for an unforgettable evening, featuring the culinary talents of Hamel's Executive Chef, Thomas Mendel, and Joe Papach, Chef and Co-Owner of Harvey House. This extraordinary dinner was part of Sonoma County Wine Celebration's Dine-Around Showdown series.
The evening began with a selection of hors d'oeuvres by Chef Thomas Mendel, recently recognized as Best Young Chef, USA. The hors d'oeuvres paired perfectly with the 2022 Estate Sauvignon Blanc.
As guests settled in for the seated dinner, the first course paid homage to a classic from Alice Waters’ famed restaurant, Chez Panisse: Baked Goat Cheese and Garden Lettuces. It was paired with the 2017 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. Shaina Robbins Papach, Co-Owner of Harvey House, previously worked as a chef at Chez Panisse, bringing a personal touch to this simple yet refined dish.
Chef Joe Papach took guests on a culinary journey to one of New York City's top dining spots, Gramercy Tavern, where he once honed his craft. The hot smoked Mt. Lassen trout paired with cipollini onions and soubise captured the essence of his time there. The course was complemented by Hamel's 2020 Armor Plate Zinfandel, whose bold, spicy notes provided a striking contrast to the smoky trout and the onions' natural sweetness.
The pinnacle of the evening was the True Eye of the Rib, a luxurious course worthy of its pairing with not one, but two extraordinary Hamel wines – the 2020 Isthmus Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2018 Nuns Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich and tender, the rib was served with classic accompaniments like creamed spinach, pomme purée, and sauce bordelaise. The robust Cabernet Sauvignons from Hamel’s cellar enhanced the meat’s savory, decadent profile, with the wines’ tannins offering structure and balance.
To conclude the evening, Chef Papach brought guests back to The Harvey House with a stunning peaches and cream pavlova. Paired with Hamel's luscious 2016 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, the dessert was light and ethereal, the perfect finale to a night filled with bold flavors. The wine’s sweetness complemented the peaches beautifully, leaving diners with a lasting impression of the evening’s flawless harmony between food and wine.
This dinner was a testament to the talent of both chefs and the exceptional quality of Hamel’s wines. Together, Thomas Mendel and Joe Papach crafted an unforgettable experience, blending their distinct culinary styles with the estate’s remarkable wines. For wine and food enthusiasts, evenings like this showcase the magic that happens when great minds and great wines come together.
