by Ronna Dewey

I headed out to Amani’s BYOB in Downingtown for their Wednesday night Four Course Dinner paired with wines from Black Walnut Winery (based in Sadsburyville, PA). I have been to Amani’s several times and the food and service are always outstanding. This visit did not disappoint.

My whole party ordered from the special $45 menu: Four courses perfectly paired with wine poured directly by Black Walnut Winery’s Karen Kuhn.

For the first course, I had the New England Clam Chowder paired with Black Walnut’s 2008 Pinot Gris. The chowder was rich with bacon and potatoes and large pieces of clams. It really balanced well with the selected wine, which Karen explained was slightly sweet with just a hint of oak and fruit overtones.

For my second course, I enjoyed the Smoked Chicken Flatbread. It was smothered with caramelized onions, roasted peppers and cheddar cheese. There was bright cilantro cream that I couldn’t help but sop up with bread from the table, after my flat bread was gone. I just couldn’t let any of it go to waste! Karen poured me a sample of the 2007 Chardonnay, which was an award winner at the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show. I could see why it was a winner. The Chardonnay was crisp with slight butter, oak and apple overtones.

For the third course, I sampled the Grilled Hangar Steak with a Balsamic Demi Glace. I must say, that this was my least favorite course. Although my steak was perfectly cooked to medium, it suffered under way too much Gorgonzola cheese. While I love Gorgonzola, it really overpowered the entire dish. Additionally, the potatoes, described as roasted bliss potatoes, seemed more like a lumpy thick mashed potato. The course was saved by the pairing with Black Walnut’s 2008 Merlot. It was deep red in color and smelled of cherries and molasses. The merlot was easily my entire party’s favorite wine of the evening.

For my last course, I sampled the key lime pie with fresh whipped cream and berries. It was the perfect light and fresh ending to such an amazing meal. The pie was paired with the 2009 Vidal Blanc. The nose was fruity and it tasted of grapefruit and melon. This wine was another winner in my book.

I also had a taste of one of my dining partner’s chocolate crème brulee because I couldn’t resist. It had the classic crackle when you put your spoon through the top layer and was amazingly decadent.

Dining Tips:

Feel free to bring some of your own wine with you if you choose, as the pours from Black Walnut are small samples and not full glasses. Also, you can order from Amani’s regular menu if you choose.

You still can take advantage of this amazing dining deal for the remaining Wednesdays in March. Reservations can be made at (484) 237-8179

For the full wine pairing menu, click here.

About the Author:

Ronna is a Mom, President of the West Chester Beer Ladies and the self-proclaimed Chester County Beer Goddess. The West Chester Beer Ladies meet every 6 to 8 weeks at local establishments to socialize while tasting and learning about beer. More information can be found on WC Beer Ladies site,  on Facebook or on Twitter.