Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy 1st Valentine's Day from the Walnofer's. No big night out on the town, no expensive gifts, just a little romantic dinner for two at restaurant Haus Wallnöfer.

Who needs to go buy flowers when you can go pick them outside your front door? Sufficient I think.

Here is our table at the family friendly Haus Wallnöfer. Since we knew the chef, we were treated to a very special, secluded table for two. Compliments to the Mrs. for the very elegant ice vase.

After a quick review of the wine list, we decided to start the night out with some bubbles. A Segura Viudas N.V. Brut Reserva Spanish Cava. I thought it would pair nicely with the first course.

First Course: Grilled Oysters on the Half Shell with a Blood Orange Champagne Mignonette Sauce.

2nd Course: Roasted Red Beet Salad with Beet Greens & Shallots Sauteed in Apple Juice and Ginger Ale and garnished with Blood Orange Segments and Glazed with Honey.
It was time for a wine selection for the main course. Reaching deep into the back of the cellar, out came this gorgeous 1999 Monte Rosso Louis Martini Zinfandel. Excellent choice I might add! Last year we celebrated with the 2005 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignion. Better hold with tradition.

3rd Course: Washington State Grass-fed Beef Tenderloin on a bed of Grilled Baby Spinach topped with Window-Box Micro Greens adjoined with Skewered Gulf Shrimp with a Oaxacan Mole Sauce (Mexican chocolate/chili sauce).

4th Course: L'Edel de Cleron (Brie) and Fleur des Alpes (Reblochon) with Toasted Cocoa-Dusted Pecans, Walnuts, and Hazelnuts, Chocolate Shavings, Blood Orange, and Homemade French Baguette.

5th Course: Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse with Hand-Whipped Chantilly in a Flute , a Chocolate Chip Cookie with Valentine Heart in Red Icing (not an artist!), and a Macchiatto with Chocolate Cabernet Liquor, Chantilly, Chocolate Shavings and Sprinkled with Cocoa Powder.

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Not a bad Valentine's Day celebration for a 1st V-Day in the valley as a married couple. Next celebration, Cuatro de Mayo!