Napa vs. Sonoma May Wine Dinner Pairs Silver Oak and Merryvale Varietals with Mod Med Cuisine

Wines from two of California’s renowned Napa Valley and Sonoma wineries are featured at the May monthly wine dinner presented at the Clearwater/Countryside Carmel Café & Wine Bar restaurant.

 Varietals from Silver Oak and Merryvale vineyards will accompany a special menu of Med Mod (modern Mediterranean) cuisine created by Carmel Café Executive Chef Steve Cook.

Anthony Nasso, a Court of Masters-certified sommelier, will offer insights into each selected varietal that will be presented from the two wineries that are located in neighboring Northern California wine regions.

The May wine pairing will be 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, at the Carmel Café in Countryside/Clearwater.

The wine dinner is $69.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Space is limited and reservations are required.

The four-course pairing menu is as follows:

Starmont Vineyard Rose of Cabernet 2010

Sea Scallop & Seared Pork Belly with Parsnip Puree

Pinot Noir

Napa: Merryvale Carneros Pinot Noir 2009

Sonoma: Twomey by Silver Oak Sonoma Coast Estate Pinot Noir 2009

Mod Med Swordfish-Pomodorone Tomato, Basil, Lemon Beurre Blanc

Merlot

Napa: Twomey by Silver Oak Merlot 2008

Sonoma: Sebastiani Estate Merlot 2009

Fig, Serano Ham & Danish Blue Lavash Crisp

Cabernet

Napa: Silver Oak Estate Cabernet 2007

Sonoma: Silver Oak Alexander Cabernet 2007

Braised Short Ribs, Creamy Polenta, Tomato Tapenade

For reservations at the Clearwater Carmel Café, call 727-724-4228.

Mod Med is Carmel Café’s signature cuisine that is served in both small and large plates. It represents a modern interpretation of foods and flavors traditionally associated with Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Greece and Morocco.

Diners may also choose from a global selection of wines designed to easily mix and match with the Mod Med menu. Wines can be customized according to serving size, with many available in three-, six- and nine-ounce pours or by the bottle.

The MenuPad app developed exclusively for Carmel Café enables guests to customize their dining experience using tableside iPads to review photos and descriptions of the dishes, control the timing of their dining experience and find the perfect wine pairings for their selections.

Both Carmel Café & Wine Bar locations are open for lunch 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Dinner hours are 5 - 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 – 9 p.m. on Sunday.  Both locations offer brunch from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Carmel Café & Wine Bar in Countryside is at 2548 McMullen Booth Road (Northwood Plaza) in Clearwater.  The Carrollwood location is at 14306 North Dale Mabry Highway (Landmark Plaza) in Tampa.

For more information, go to http://www.carmelcafe.com.