'Best of the Northwest' Wine Dinner January 22, 2010

On Friday January 22, 2010 at 7:30 p.m., the Ocean Crest Resort will host a wine dinner entitled "Best of the Northwest." This dinner, unlike all of the wine dinners we have ever offered, will feature seven wines from seven different Pacific Northwest wineries. The event will be hosted by myself, Ocean Crest Resort Wine & Spirit's Director Stephen Pavletich.

The wines I've chosen to be featured at the dinner are some of the most important Pacific Northwest wines ever released. Included are both of the Northwest's only 100 point wines (the Charles Smith "Royal City" and the Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon) as well as the highest scoring white wine to ever come out of the region (the Chateau Ste. Michelle).


The seven wines to be featured at the dinner are, in order:

Chehalem "Ian's Reserve" Chardonnay 2006
Ken Wright Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006
Charles Smith "Royal City" Syrah 2006
Andrew Will "Sorella" 2006
Leonetti Merlot 2005
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Chateau Ste. Michelle "Ethos" Late Harvest White Riesling 2006


Reservations are required and space is extremely limited. Reservations can be made by calling the Ocean Crest at 800-684-8429 or by e-mail me at stephen@oceancrestresort.com.


The dinner is currently priced at $250.00 per person, but a final decision on price will be made once the menu for the dinner has been decided.

More details will be posted here on my blog as soon as final decisions are made.

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort

Boudreaux & Dunham Winemaker Dinner November 13

On Friday, November 13, the Ocean Crest Resort will host Boudreaux Cellars of Leavenworth, WA and Dunham Cellars of Walla Walla, WA for a joint winemaker dinner beginning at 7:30 p.m. Guests of honor for the event will be Rob Newson, Boudreaux Cellars Owner and Winemaker and Dan Wampfler, Dunham Cellars Winemaker. Cost of the dinner is $130 per person, plus tax and gratuity.


The wines to be featured at the dinner, in order, are:

• Course #1 2007 Boudreaux Unfiltered Chardonnay Bishop's & Celilo Vineyards
• Course #2 2005 Dunham Syrah Columbia Valley
• Course #3 2005 Boudreaux Merlot Washington
• Course #4 2005 Pursued by Bear Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
• Course #5 2005 Bourdreaux Cabernet Sauvignon Washington
• Course #6 2008 Dunham Late Harvest Riesling Lewis Vineyard

The Boudreaux/Dunham Winemaker Dinner has been sold out for weeks. We are now adding names to a waiting list.

To be added to the waiting list - or for any other matter - contact me personally by calling 1-800-684-8439 or by e-mail stephen@oceancrestresort.com.

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort

Camaraderie Winemaker Dinner Menu Announcement

Tomorrow evening, Friday October 9 at 7:30 p.m., the Ocean Crest Restaurant will be kicking off our 2009-2010 Northwest Winemaker Dinner Series with a five-course dinner featuring Camaraderie Cellars of Port Angeles, WA.

The evening's guests of honor will be Camaraderie Cellars Owner and Winemaker Don Corson and his wife Vicki. The dinner costs $100 per person and is currently sold out.

The five course dinner was designed by the Ocean Crest chefs to pair perfectly with five of the Corson's exceptional boutique wines.
Course 1:
2008 Viognier accompanied by
Thai Prawn Cocktail with Mango Relish

Course 2:
2005 Cabernet Franc accompanied by
Smoked Seafood Cake served on a bed of greens with Tsatsiki Dressing

Course 3:
2005 Merlot accompanied by
Charbroiled Pheasant Breast with Bing Cherry Treacle with Gorgonzola-Mushroom Risotto

Palate Cleanser:
Pink Grapefruit and Mint Gelee

Course 4:
2002 Grace accompanied by
Buffalo Tenderloin with Berry Demi-Glace

Course 5:
2002 Cabernet Sauvignon accompanied by
Chocolate-Earl Grey-Dried Cherry Torte

Sam McMillan will serve the dinner. I will act as wine steward and host.

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort

Chateau Ste. Michelle Late Harvest White Riesling 'Ethos' 2006

What is the single most important white wine from Washington State EVER?

Chateau Ste. Michelle's 'Ethos' Late Harvest White Riesling Columbia Valley 2006!


Why?

The Paul Gregutt Wine Enthusiast review:

"This is just this side of unctuous, a decadently ripe, rich and buttery late-harvest Riesling. The residual sugar is 23%, the alcohol is a moderate 8%, and the balance is impeccable. Beyond the fruit flavors of peach, apricot, banana, mango, papaya and melon, there is butter and butterscotch, trailing into sweet tea and honey. This wine moves gracefully across the palate, tossing new flavors into the mix as it dances to a multiminute finale."

Mr. Gregutt enjoyed the wine so much, he gave it the highest marks he has ever given a Washington white wine: 96 POINTS!

The Harvey Steiman Wine Spectator review:

"Has amazing balance and depth, splaying out its lime-scented apricot and honey flavors, then pulling it all together into a tremendously long, exquisitely balanced finish that hints at all sorts of spice and floral notes. An utterly seamless wine that has the balance to age gracefully. Drink now through 2026."

Mr. Steiman one-upped Mr. Gregutt's score and gave it the highest marks he has ever given a Washington white wine: 97 POINTS!

You can enjoy a bottle of the Ste. Michelle 'Ethos' Late Harvest White Riesling Columbia Valley 2006 at the Ocean Crest Restaurant for $75.00.


There is literally no better way to finish a fine meal than with this wine. And that is what we are going to do!

On Friday, January 22, 2010, the Ocean Crest Resort will feature a winemaker dinner unlike any other. Named "The Best of the Northwest," the dinner will feature six of the most important wines from Washington and Oregon.

The line-up of wines for "The Best of the Northwest" dinner includes:

• 2006 Ken Wright Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir (93 points - Wine Spectator)
  
• 2006 K Vintners 'Royal City' Syrah (100 points, Paul Gregutt of the Wine Enthusiast)
• 2006 Andrew Will 'Sorella' (95 points - Wine Spectator)
• 2005 Leonetti Merlot (95 points - Wine Enthusiast , 92 points - Wine Spectator)
• 2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (100 points - Wine Advocate, 96 points - Wine Enthusiast, 94 points - Wine Spectator)
• 2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle 'Ethos' Late Harvest White Riesling (97 points - Wine Spectator, 96 points - Wine Enthusiast)

Reservations can be made by phone by calling 1-800-684-8439 or by e-mail at stephen@oceancrestresort.com.

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort

Camaraderie Winemaker Dinner October 9

On Friday, October 9, 2009 the Ocean Crest Resort will host Don Corson - owner and winemaker of Camaraderie Cellars - and his wife Vicki Corson, as our guests of honor at our first winemaker dinner of the 2009-2010 season.

The dinner will feature a five course meal, prepared by Ocean Crest chefs Jess Owen, Nita Johnson and James Mullins, designed to specifically compliment five of Camaraderie Cellar's boutique wines. The dinner will be hosted by Ocean Crest Wine & Spirits Director Stephen Pavletich. The dinner will cost $100 per person and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

The five Camaraderie Cellars wines to be featured on the dinner are:

• 2007 Viognier (Yakima Valley, Crawford Vineyard)
• 2005 Cabernet Franc (Washington State)
• 2005 Merlot (Washington State)
• 2002 Grace (Columbia Valley)
• 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington State)

From the Camaraderie Cellar's web-page:

"Camaraderie Cellars is a craft winery that celebrates the bounty of life found in food, wine, hearth and table and the friendships grown in their sharing. Camaraderie Cellars' wines are counted among the 'must have' by all those who enjoy wine. Our commitments are to making world class quality wines, valuing our growers as true partners, and deepening our customer's enjoyment of wine and food. We hope you enjoy our wines and share our philosophy of sharing life's best gifts." - www.camaraderiecellars.com

To make reservations, please call 1-800-684-8439 or e-mail stephen@oceancrestresort.com.

This is an event you will not want to miss!

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort

A Day in Olympia

I didn't have to work today, my laundry was caught up and my household chores were done, so I decided to spend the day in Olympia.

My day was filled with many 'epicurean' adventures. Among them was a quick visit to Olympic Wine Merchants (101 Capitol Way N., Suite 106). As I entered the store I received friendly greetings from both employees. I was asked if there was anything in particular I was looking for and when I explained that I was simply "checking out their inventory" I was left to browse their shelves without interruption. The store was neat and clean and had a nice selection of both domestic and international wines. I spent most of my time browsing the Northwest section and was pleasantly surprised by the breadth of their offerings. Prices were slightly more expensive than what you see at Olympia grocery stores, but only by a few cents to a few dollars. I left with nothing, but I surely will return to spend money at Olympic Wine Merchants in the future.

I had lunch at Meconi's Italian Subs (1051 Capitol Way S.). As always, the service fell somewhere between unfriendly and horrible and the food was delicious. I had half of an Italian (salami and capicola with provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, black olive, pepperoncini, mayonnaise, Italian oil and oregano) and a fountain Diet Coke. The half sandwiches at Meconi's run between $3.99 and $4.69 and are easily as filling as a foot long from their competitors (one of which is directly across the street). I suggest, for the more adventurous among you, trying the egg salad and tuna TOGETHER in one sandwich. I had this a few years back and I swear it tastes as though it has been kissed by Jesus.

Jason, my sister Amy's boyfriend, joined me later in the day and we ended up at a quirky shop called einmaleins (121 State Avenue NE ~ www.1X1olympia.com). einmaleins describes itself as "Modern European lifestyle products for the Home, the Kitchen and for the Road." I picked out a book entitled "The Accidental Connoisseur: An Irreverent Journey through the Wine World" by Lawrence Osborne. The store clerk (possibly one of the owners) was very excited by my decision to buy the book. He exclaimed that the book is "genius." I can't wait to dig into it.

Jason and I stopped for 'dunch' - halfway between dinner and lunch - at the Urban Onion (116 Legion Way SE ~ www.theurbanonion.com). The restaurant changed hands recently, which worried me as I am literally obsessed with their lemon-tahini salad dressing and their grilled herb bread. We ordered a garden salad with lemon-tahini dressing a an order of the grilled herb bread. Both items (which we shared) were slightly different than I remember, but still very good. The biggest change of all was the quality of the service. In my opinion, Olympia is not known for its service and the Urban Onion, under its former ownership, was no exception to the rule. Well, things have certainly changed. Our server was friendly, informative and pleasant. She indulged our requests for extra dressing and chatted with us about the changes taking place. Our total bill was $3.95 - we left $7 and were on our way.

Slightly before Amy was to get off work, Jason and I stopped at the West Olympia Top Foods (1313 Cooper Point Road ~ www.top-foods.com). Amy was planning on preparing Chinese Chicken Salad for dinner, so Jason and I stopped to pick up a few needed ingredients. I browsed the shelves of their massive and amazing wine section and was in awe. Every big name in Northwest wine (except McCrea - long story) can be found there. I purchased a bottle of the 2007 Jezebel Pinot Noir, which is a second label from Daedalus Cellars (www.daedaluscellars.com). This wine recently received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and at only $20 a bottle, I had to pick one up. I also stopped at the cheese counter - one of the friendliest I've ever been to - and picked up a small piece of white cheddar and a small piece of Parmesan. Amy and I both enjoyed the wine very much. It is light-medium bodied, fruit forward (mostly strawberry and raspberry) and lightly spicy with light tannins and a quick finish. I believe this wine would perfectly compliment grilled chicken or salmon.


On another note, I picked up a vintage Candlewick pedestal cake stand at a second hand store in downtown Aberdeen yesterday for only $13. I can't wait to present a cake on it!


Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort

A Day in Tacoma

Last Sunday my mom, sister and I spent the day in Tacoma. The highlights of our day included visiting The Old House Mercantile Company, The Metropolitan Market and The Old Spaghetti Factory. However, the piece de resistance was seeing this woman biker and her pug!


The Old House Mercantile Company (2717 North Proctor Street ~ www.oldhousemercantile.com) has been a favorite Tacoma destination of mine for many years. On the first floor of The Old House there is a nice gift shop which carries an amazing assortment of Fiesta Dinnerware. Much like Kitchen Basics in Seattle, The Old House carries every piece in every available color and even has some discontinued pieces in discontinued colors. My sister bought a set of chili bowls and I ended up buying the hostess bowl in the new lemongrass color. Upstairs from the gift shop is The Old House Cafe (2717 North Proctor Street ~ www.theoldhousecafe.com). I ate there once a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed my meal - especially since it was served on Fiesta Dinnerware!


Just a block away from The Old House in Tacoma's Proctor District is The Metropolitan Market (2420 North Proctor Street ~ www.metropolitan-market.com). This was our first visit to this store and all three of us were in awe. From the bouquets of fresh flowers to the divine deli, from the amazing cheese and wine selections to the mini kitchen shop, the Metropolitan Market literally has it all.


I purchased a bottle of Charles Smith (of K Vintners) Boom Boom! Syrah Columbia Valley 2007 ($14.99). I tasted this wine a few months ago at a Vehrs Trade Tasting and felt it was one of the best values in Pacific Northwest Syrah I've ever encountered. The Boom Boom! can be found on the shelves of finer grocery stores or at your local wine shop or by visiting www.charlessmithwines.com.


However, there was a "must have" wine on the shelves of the Metropolitan Market. A number of bottles of the 2005 Cougar Crest Walla Walla Valley Estate Grown Cabernet Franc ($34.99) were sitting on the top shelf of the local wine section. This was a surprise as my distributor for Cougar Crest has been shipping out the 2006 for many months now and I only have one bottle of the 2005 left in our inventory at the restaurant. Why is the 2005 so special? Because it received a score of 93 points from Wine Spectator! Visit them at www.cougarcrestwinery.com.

From www.winespectator.com:

Supple, plush and generous with its gorgeous blueberry and currant fruit, shaded with mocha and black pepper nuances as the finish lingers enticingly. This has great stature and plenty of personality. Drink now through 2013.

Our last stop of the day was supposed to be dinner at Indochine Asian Dining Lounge (1924 Pacific Avenue ~ www.indochinedowntown.com) in downtown Tacoma. I took my mom there a few weeks ago and she fell in love with the place and we specifically planned our day around taking Amy to dinner there. Unfortunately, they are closed on Sundays. We ended up at the Old Spaghetti Factory (1735 Jefferson Avenue ~www.osf.com), both because it was close and because we were getting very hungry. It actually turned out to be a pretty decent meal at a very reasonable price.

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort

A Day in Seattle

On Sunday, my friend Jasmine and I drove to Seattle to attend the Nobel Wines Annual Northwest Producers Tasting at Tom Douglas' Palace Ballroom (2030 5th Avenue ~ www.tomdouglas.com/palace-ballroom) in Seattle. Although the tasting was enjoyable and rich with delicious wines, the rest of our adventure was simply exquisite.

We first visited the Pike Place Market as well as the shops across the street and in Post Alley including Sur La Table, Pike & Western Wine Shop, Kitchen Basics, etc.

At Sur La Table (84 Pine Street ~ www.surlatable.com), I purchased a much needed, rubber headed pastry brush. I received a 15% discount - because I'm 'in the trade.' As we were about to leave, an employee offered to make me a latte at no charge. After a brief chat, I told her about my new blog and she told me she would read it during her break. Another reader! What a wonderful shop - chock full of epicurean delights and helpful, friendly employees!

After a few other stops, we ended at Tom Douglas' Etta's Restaurant (www.tomdouglas.com/restaurants/ettas). I ordered both the halibut taco and pork taco with fresh guacamole ($4 total) and Jasmine ordered the Beecher's macaroni and cheese ($6). Both were excellent, but the real find at Etta's was the glass of Chinook 2008 Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc Rose ($9) I ordered! What a treat. I have read about this wine over the past few years, but have never taken the time to try it. I really have been missing out on basically the Northwest's 'perfect summer sipper.'

From the Chinook Wines web-site:

Fresh, lively & a lovely color – this new release of Chinook’s classic dry rosé is a Washington summer favorite. We make our rosé each year from one of our personal favorite varieties: Cabernet Franc. Enjoy it with salty snacks, such as thinly sliced Mangalitsa ham, or spicy nuts. We expect all the 2008 rosé to be consumed this summer & fall!

Check out the Chinook Winery at www.chinookwines.com.

After happy hour at Etta's we walked across the street and ended up at the Pike & Western Wine Shop (1934 Pike Place ~ www.pikeandwestern.com) and found the Chinook Rose at $14.99 a bottle - the winery's suggested retail. A wine this delightful, at this value price, is a must have! Pick one up at our local grocery store or wine shop. You simply won't regret it.

We then popped our heads into Kitchen Basics (1514 Pike Place #10 ~ www.mykitchenbasics.com), one of the Northwest's best sources for Fiesta dinnerware - every piece, every color (unlike Macy's and others) as well as a nice selection of 'kitchen basics.' I have been shopping at Kitchen Basics for years and have probably spent a few thousand dollars there. It remains one of my favorite spots in the city.

Next we walked from the market, down 1st Avenue, and ended up in Fran's Chocolates, Ltd. (1325 1st Avenue ~ www.franschocolates.com), on the corner of 1st and Union in the lobby of the new Four Seasons Hotel . As we walked in, we were greeted with a smile and the offer of a sample (which was amazing) and both Jasmine and I dropped a twenty on fine chocolate and caramels. By the way, the prices were reasonable and twenty dollars sends you away with a nice selection.

Recommended by my friend Patrick, we then walked around the corner and entered the new Four Seasons Hotel (99 Union Street ~ www.fourseasons.com) to view their lobby/elevator landing art collection. The hotel is literally full of art by the masters of the Northwest School including originals by Mark Tobey, Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves and others (art directories are available at the concierge desk). If you enjoy the work of the Northwest School, this is an exciting stop. Thanks for the recommendation Patrick!

We then visited Arundel Books (1001 1st Avenue ~ ww.arundelbooks.com) where I found a perfect-condition hardcopy of Johnathon Livingston Seagull ($7) and Jasmine found a number of old play scripts ($3-6 each). The store clerk - DeDe Teeters - was delightful and very helpful and even suggested that I check out a new Leavenworth Winery called Eagle Creek (10037 Eagle Creek Road, Leavenworth ~ www.eaglecreekwinery.com).

Next we drove down to Pioneer Square and headed into Elliott Bay Books (101 South Main Street ~ www.elliottbaybook.com), which is massive and amazing. I bought a wonderful new wine book entitled Heard it Through the Grapevine: The Things You Should Know to Enjoy Wine by Matt Skinner ($24.99) and Jasmine purchased a stack of novels.

Our last stop in Seattle found us meeting up with my friend Alex and his friend Chelsea at Black Bottle Wine Bar (2600 1st Avenue ~ www.blackbottleseattle.com) in Belltown. I had a glass of the 2003 Foris Rogue Valley Fly Over Red Blend ($7) and Jasmine and I shared the smoked chicken/caramelized onion/sun-dried cherry flatbread ($9). The wine had a peculiar nose but was enjoyable enough to drink - jammy and spicy. The flatbread was amazing! I will certainly return to Black bottle for a second helping.

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort

K Vintners 2006 "Royal City" Syrah

Last week the Ocean Crest Resort received shipment of 12 bottles of K Vintners 2006 "Royal City" Syrah.

"Royal City" is only the forth wine ever to receive a perfect 100 point score from any of the major national wine judges. Preceding the "Royal City" score, Quilceda Creek's 2002, 2003 and 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon each received 100 point scores from Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate.

"Royal City" received its perfect score from Paul Gregutt of the Wine Advocate. This was Mr. Gregutt's highest score ever given to a Washington wine. Cayuse, Leonetti and Quilceda Creek each received scores of 97 from him, his highest scores given prior to the 100 given to "Royal City."

Paul Gregutt's review of K Vintners 2006 "Royal City" Syrah:

"Rich scents of purple fruit, smoked meat, cedar, lead pencil, moist earth and so on proclaim a wine with genuine gravitas…..the finest syrah I have ever tasted from Washington State, and in fact as good as any young syrah I have ever tasted from anywhere."

What a review!

Thanks goes to Jeff Sequin of Vehrs, Inc. who sold us the wine and who placed our name at the top of the wait list (I was the first Vehrs client to call regarding this wine), to Rob Curtright, owner of the Ocean Crest Resort, for believing in me and for making the money available to purchase the wine and to my brother Dave Pavletich, who originally notified me of the score.

K Vintners 2006 "Royal City" Syrah will be available for purchase at Ocean Crest dining room for $210.00 per bottle. This wine, like our precious stock of Quilceda Creek Cabernets will be available to restaurant guests only and will not be available for retail sales.

Stock is EXTREMELY LIMITED as I have set aside six bottles for future use on our January 22, 2010 "Washington's Finest" Winemaker Dinner.

The line-up for the "Washington's Finest" dinner will now include (but is not limited to):

• K Vintners "Royal City" Syrah Washington 2006
  
• Andrew Will "Sorella" Horse Heaven Hills 2006
  
• Leonetti Merlot Columbia Valley 2005
  
• Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2005
  
• Chateau Ste. Michelle "Ethos" Late Harvest White Riesling Columbia Valley 2006
  

Reservations for any winemaker dinner can be made by calling 1-800-684-8439 or by e-mailing stephen@oceancrestresort.com.

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort

Apolo Anton Ohno on The Ocean Crest

A frequent guest of the Ocean Crest Resort, Apolo Ohno was interviewed by USA Today regarding his favorite travel destinations. We were thrilled to read that the Ocean Crest Resort was among them! Pay special attention to the last two questions and answers.

From USA TODAY, September 8, 2009:

Apolo Anton Ohno, a five-time Olympic speed skating medalist and winner of Dancing with the Stars season four, spent the last month in Salt Lake City training for the 2010 U.S. Olympic short-track speedskating trials, which take place Sept. 8-12 in Marquette, Mich. He shares his travel highlights and tips with Kelly Carter for USA TODAY.

Q: Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?

A: I went to Vienna for a skating competition. Having traveled extensively throughout Europe, I was in for an unexpected treat. I'd heard about the high quality of life in this capital but one tour of the city and I was sold. This place is absolutely beautiful — from the architecture, stunning churches, rich foods, and a day filled with music, opera and theater. My small experience on Dancing with the Stars allowed me to slowly appreciate the Waltz and Viennese Waltz but to see it in Vienna is something much different. Without a doubt one of my favorite (sights), simply because of the sheer magnitude of its size and location, is St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Growing up in Seattle, a guy comes to expect good coffee and Vienna can produce a cup with the best of them. I'd really suggest visiting the Hotel Sacher and one of the cafés attached to the famous hotel. The Sachertorte is something that you will not forget and you'll probably end up sending a cake back home to your friends or family — which is exactly what I did. One last tip: A fantastic restaurant that will have you praising Vienna is Zum Schwarzen Kamee, with 400 years of history. I suggest bonding with the maître d'hôtel. Not only is he amazing, but the food and attire will please everyone.

Q: What's the best place you've ever visited?

A: This is such a hard question. I enjoy every place that I visit with each country/city having a unique story and culture. Picking one would leave me no choice but Japan. My father is 100% Japanese and came to the United States when he was only 18 years old. My grandmother still resides in Japan, which has allowed me to travel to the roots of my ancestors with my father. Japan, not only a mega-busy city that thrives on electronics and efficiency, actually has an almost sacred appreciation of nature. One must travel outside of Tokyo to truly experience the "old Japan" and more importantly feel these aspects of Japanese culture.

The food is incredible, even if you do not like sushi! The Japanese have acquired a dedication towards quality and when it comes to cuisine — they take (it) extremely seriously. If you crave a French pastry, or Italian food — the Japanese will wow you on their preparation, taste, cleanliness and, of course, hospitality. If I would have one recommendation: Go with someone who speaks Japanese and is familiar with the areas surrounding Tokyo so that you will go off the beaten path.

Q: What's the most surprising/unexpected place you're ever visited?

A: Slovakia or Sofia, Bulgaria — dead in the winter, cold as can be, no people outside and the atmosphere was quite cold. Interesting.

Q: What's your favorite vacation spot?

A: What an impossibly hard question to answer! I enjoy anywhere that has water and sunshine. Since I cannot give you my top spot I'll try for my top three — Hawaii, Southern California (San Diego and Laguna Niguel) and Moclips, Wash., in particular the Ocean Crest Resort.

Q: Can you offer an insider tip or recommendation for your favorite vacation place?

A: Washington along the sandy beaches — this sublime hideaway (Moclips) is absolutely delightful! About three hours from Seattle it rests right against the Pacific Ocean and in the summer you'll find amazing weather, sights and nature. It is the place where I go to make big decisions, life-changing contemplation or simply to get away from the world of materialistic agenda. True nature seems sacred here and the appreciation of the sights and sound of the crashing waves make a one-week stay simply not long enough. My favorite place to stay is the Ocean Crest Resort. The chef and staff at this small, quaint hotel give it a family feel. In fact, it is still in family ownership and operated by many of its family members to ensure that the quality and true Pacific Northwest feel stays true to the experience.

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort

Wine Press Northwest's Best Northwest Wine List

The Ocean Crest Resort is proud to announce we have received Wine Press Northwest's "Best Northwest Wine List" award. "The Herbie," as it is called, named after eight time 'Best Northwest Wine List' award recipient The Herbfarm, has been given out twice - in 2008 and 2009 - and both awards have gone to the Ocean Crest Resort!

From Wine Press Northwest, Fall 2009:

"As the Great Depression showed, folks drink in good times and in bad. And that was when alcoholic beverages were illegal. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and in this economic climate, Northwest wine often is the carrot to lure patrons into restaurants that hope for better days. Alas, Pacific Northwest restaurants continue to suffer from this deep recession."

"Sadly, a number of restaurants that showcased regional wines shuttered their doors in cities such as Boise and Walla Walla. But then there's The Ocean Crest Resort. This delicious destination in the tiny coastal town of Moclips, Wash., repeats with the Best Northwest Wine List. "The Herbie" is theirs for the second straight year. The level of commitment wine director Stephen Pavletich receives from management remains remarkable. And support from Northwest vintners is apparent by looking at his growing lineup of winemaker dinners for 2009-2010."

"BEST NORTHWEST WINE LIST, THE OCEAN CREST RESORT, MOCLIPS, WASH. Program: It's 34 pages of fabulous and famous Northwest wines at moderate prices. Among the star-studded lineup are Alexandria Nicole, Argyle, Beaux Freres, Barnard Griffin, Coeur d'Alene, Dunham, Leonetti, McCrea, Mission Hill, Owen Roe, Quilceda Creek. Policies: Do you want your Chardonnay served at 50 degrees or 65 degrees? They give you the choice. Taster flights of dessert wines, a thoughtful concept, served on a three-stem "wine tree." Pressings: Coastal ties show with listings for Cadaretta (owned by a Hoquiam family), Walter Dacon (Shelton), Westport (Aberdeen)."

As Wine and Spirits Director at the Ocean Crest Resort, I invite you to join us for an evening of wonderful Northwest wine, delicious Northwest cuisine and an ocean view second to none.

Also, consider attending one of our 2009-2010 Northwest Winemaker Dinners. For a full schedule of dinners, please visit www.oceancrestresort.com or read my upcoming blog regarding the wine dinners.

Cheers!

Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort