On September 26th, I attended a Spanish wine dinner at Meigas featuring wines from Grupo Bodegas Olarra and flamenco dancers brought in from New York. For those who haven’t yet had the pleasure, this elegant Spanish restaurant is located in the restored trolley barn at 10 Wall Street in Norwalk, which also houses offices and apartments.
After one enters the front door, one proceeds down a gracious curved staircase to the lower level, where one can access the restaurant.
Anyone unable to handle the stairs can enter via the patio,
which was where wine dinner guests wound up shortly after their arrival.
I wasn’t the only member of the media present, and frankly, my Canon EOS 10 and I felt a bit outgunned (especially by anyone who can shoot with her eyes closed).
Soon everyone was sipping a sparkling NV Conde de Subirats, Cava Brut, Penedes, poured here by lovely server Vanessa Lago, who hails from the equally lovely Galician seaside town of Lira (where I once ran into her at a carnival).
Guests mingled and noshed hors d’oeuvre like lobster croquettes and oxtail croquettes,
duck confit ravioli,
and octopus with potato foam, Spanish paprika, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and a touch of balsamic vinegar.
After some time, everyone headed back inside. Regular patrons were already ensconced in Meigas’ main dining room,
while wine dinner guests rapidly filled the private dining room.
Pictured are guest speaker Carlos Rodriguez of Grupo Bodegas Olarra (left) and Grapes of Norwalk president John Caplan, whose shop carries the featured wines. Rodriguez would prove to be a most entertaining and knowledgeable wine guide throughout the evening.
Also helping to educate guests were Nidya García and Robert Wood, wine advisors for Grapes of Norwalk, who clearly practice what they preach.
At Grapes of Norwalk, it’s clear that you’re in good hands.
And here are some of the wines that guests would sample.
Our first course, grilled halibut with a foamy white bean emulsion and a saffron emulsion, was not only delicious but one of the more attractively plated items I have encountered lately.
It was paired with a 2007 Valserrano Blanco, Rioja, a bright and intense Viura with lovely acidity on the back end.
Our second course featured tasty Serrano ham with Spanish olives.
Accompanying this fine ham were two terrific red wines, a 2002 Ondarre, Reserva, Rioja that scored 92 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and a 2004 Añares Reserva, Rioja.
Our third course showcased beautiful, blushing pink slices of roasted duck breast in an orange-and-port reduction with an asparagus risotto.
Accompanying this dish was a beautiful 2001 Summa Reserva, Rioja. After the duck, we savored a cantaloupe sorbet palate cleanser.
Our fourth course featured herb-encrusted rack of lamb in a black-and-blueberry-red-wine reduction made with the aforementioned Ondarre Reserva.
A 2004 Cerro Añón Reserva, Rioja paired with this dish beautifully.
Our fifth course was a Mahon, Manchego and Idiazábal cheese plate with membrillo (quince paste) and candied walnut.
Playing off these flavors was a rich 2004 Mayor de Ondarre Reserva, Rioja that had just scored 93 points in Wine Spectator.
Finally, we had reached our dessert course. A 2008 Silvano García Muscatel, Jumilla was luminous accompaniment to a dessert trio which included a chocolate almond croquette with lemon gelatin and coconut foam, an apple fritter, and flan with orange foam.
After trying so many wines, some of us thought it advisable to conclude the evening with a little espresso.
Now I would like to introduce readers to the Meigas team. From left to right are Meigas owner Carlos Hernandez, new Galician chef Lisardo De Leon and manager Miguel Palacio. These gentlemen are so hot you have to keep a fire extinguisher by them.
And here’s a shot of Meigas partner Mario Aguilar (left) with wine speaker Rodriguez.
Finally, I will conclude with photographs of the flamenco singing and dancing which entertained fortunate guests throughout this memorable evening.
Meigas, 10 Wall Street, Norwalk, 203-866-8800
Grapes of Norwalk, 10 Cross Street, Norwalk, 203-434-9463
Grupo Bodegas Olarra, 646-346-0205
Looks very good
I have been a friend of Miquel’s for a long time and had the pleasure of dining in your restaurent a couple of times when I was visiting from Florida. I have only wonderful things to say about your menu, style, and service. You are trully a 5-star restaurant and I totally enjoyed dining there each time……and, of course, Miquel, couldn’t be MORE charming!