Alta Vista winery have started offering gourmet picnics for a lunch in the garden with a difference, Gwynne Hogan takes a peek into the picnic basket...
Tired of gorging yourself on slabs of beef the size of small mammels? Last Saturday (14 Jan), winery Alta Vista launched a new gastronomic fare that proves as a refreshing relief from the "traditional" Mendocino 5 course meal, although just as elegant and as filling. Opening on January 23rd, Le Parc within the compounds of Alta Vista will be serving up Bento Box style picnic lunches, complete with wicker picnic baskets, wine aplenty, and colorful blankets perfect for a post-wine-tour siesta.
The menu is the brainchild of internationally qualified yet low-profile chefs/owners of Brindillas Restaurant in Lujan, Mariano and Florencia Gallego. The husband and wife team have worked in and managed two different Michelin rated restaurants, first in Spain and then in Japan. After the earthquake, the couple returned to Mendoza to begin their own project, and Brindillas was born. Now adding another notch to their elaborate repertoire, they have begun working with Alta Vista
on Le Parc.
Once up and running, le Parc will be open to 30 lucky diners per day. Lunch includes a picnic basket with two meal boxes and two dessert boxes inside. Each box contains a cornucopia of tasty treats with the added plus of my favorite dining style—you get to try everything on the menu having to decide! Highlights include the mushroom and caramelized onion puff pastry, a mini tomato, olive, mozzarella and basil salad, and crispy focaccia with sautéed eggplant, olive oil and goat's cheese. In total each guest will taste three appetizers, three salads, three sandwiches and three desserts. The meal finishes with bittersweet chocolate and an espresso, the elegant denouement to a unique and complex dining experience.
The price is $300 pesos for two and includes the meal, wine, chocolate, coffee and a bottle opener. For more information or reservations email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (261) 4964684. www.altavistawines.com
