• Chateau D’Esclans Rosé Brunch Hosted by Martha Stewart & Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at The South Beach Wine & Food Festival

    March 21, 2016 / Stephanie Miskew / 15 Comments

    martha-stewart-stephanie-miskew-south-beach-wine-food-festival-rose-brunch

    “Rosé is a delightful wine to serve year round at almost every meal…even breakfast!”
    – Martha Stewart

    Last month marked a major annual culinary occurrence here in South Florida, The South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Now in its 15th year, the festival continues to delight the palates of South Florida foodies and has definitely stood the test of time in a city where trends, culinary and otherwise, tend to quickly come and go. To this day, the weekend long culinary extravaganza features a veritable “who’s who” of the wine and food world in events ranging from Master Sommelier-taught wine seminars to late night ragers on the beach hosted by the likes of Guy Fieri. Part of it’s intrinsic magic is perhaps that there’s definitely something for everyone!

    This year there was one event I was especially eager to attend: the Rosé Brunch co-hosted by Martha Stewart and Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten featuring the Provençal rosé wines of Chateau D’Esclans. Now, I’m a huge fan of Chef Vongerichten and I count my visits to his Michelin-starred restaurants among some of my most memorable culinary experiences. And, if you know me at all or have ever read my blog you know how much I adore the marvelous rosés of the charismatic Sacha Lichine and Chateau D’Esclans (for the details of our visit to the Chateau, please click here), but for me, the main draw at this particular event…was Martha.

    sobe-rose-brunch-sign-books

    I have been a Martha Stewart fan since 1992. At that time in my life I was just graduating from college and there was something about her passion for homekeeping, cooking and everything that went with it that just spoke to me. I started reading her books and magazine with avid interest and when her show debuted in 1993 I was completely hooked! My friends and family knew never to call me from 10-10:30am on Saturday morning because I was watching Martha. Her timeless advice was all about beautifying and elevating the things we encounter in our daily lives and making them, well…special.

    sobe-rose-brunch-martha-stewart-closeup

    I’ve been inspired by her ever since and to this day, my kitchen dish soap is still ensconced in a decorative glass bottle complete with spout and proudly displayed on my sink. I also painted every room in my first apartment (and many after that) using Martha Stewart paints inspired by the beautiful colors of her Araucana hens’ eggs. I continue to delight my friends with her Pressed Picnic Sandwich and, much to my Grandmother’s dismay, Martha’s Banana Bread is still the ONLY one I make (the key is the sour cream!). She also inspired me to make my first homemade chicken stock before I even knew what the heck to do with it, but it sure made my apartment smell heavenly. I once blew almost an entire paycheck making her Easter Brunch for my friends and at her behest I also grew my own herbs (don’t forget to pronounce the “h”), made a giant batch of pesto with the basil and froze the leftovers in ice cube trays to enjoy during Winter. Let’s also not forget the various combinations of compound butters which have been livening up dishes in my kitchen for decades and while I still haven’t encountered a broken light bulb in a socket, I sure as heck would know how to use a raw potato to get it out. Because of Martha I’ve composted, espaliered, paillarded, braised and decoupaged and whether I was trying a new recipe, learning her latest craft or simply honing my technique for folding and storing sheets I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning from her over the past 25 years.

    sobe-rose-brunch-edition-hotel-south-beach-miami

    Lobby of The Edition Hotel in South Beach

    sobe-rose-brunch-matador-room-bar-photo-wall
    sobe-rose-brunch-martha-stewart-arrives

    But I digress, the beautiful Rosé Brunch was held in the Matador Room at South Beach’s uber-chic Edition Hotel. Inspired by its rich history and 1950s glamour, Chef Vongerichten has reinvented the iconic room with menus featuring his interpretation of Caribbean, Spanish, Latin and South American cuisines using only the freshest, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. As we waited to enter the beautiful venue, Martha herself arrived dressed in white pants, a chambray blue top and coordinating wrap and stylish wedges. She flashed her tousled blond hair and white smile as she stopped for a moment to welcome us and take a few photos before being whisked into the room. Minutes later, we entered the stunning circular space and soon after, the crowd was buzzing with energy. As we enjoyed the ambiance, the most attractive wait staff I’ve ever seen plied us with glasses of the 2014 Chateau D’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé and delicious, hand-passed hors d’oeuvres including Floridian Heirloom Tomato Toast,  Crispy Salmon Sushi with Chipotle Mayo and Peekytoe Crab Fritters with Aioli and Basil.

    sobe-rose-brunch-stephanie-miskew-sacha-lichine-chateau-desclans

    Me & Sacha Lichine, Proprietor of Chateau D’Esclans

    sobe-rose-brunch-server-hors-deouvres
    sobe-rose-brunch-whispering-angel-rose-wine
    sobe-rose-brunch-panoramic-shot-matador-room

    As we sat down for brunch, festival founder and Executive Director, Lee Schrager took the microphone, welcomed everyone and explained how this particular event had garnered the nickname, “The Trifecta” during the planning process due to its impressive roster of hosts. After all, it’s not just every day America’s leading lifestyle doyenne, one of the planet’s most celebrated Chefs and the proprietor of Provence’s most beloved Chateau get together to throw a little brunch on the beach! Then Martha took the microphone and graciously welcomed everyone and elaborated on her respect for Chef Vongerichten, “a maestro of restaurants and cooking,” as well as her love of rosé wine. She explained how she discovered it years ago when she and her husband and daughter would travel to St. Bart’s (to view a video of her entire commentary, please click here). And just when I thought I couldn’t love her any more, she made the aforementioned comment about rosé being a wonderful wine for any meal, including breakfast!

    sobe-rose-brunch-stephanie-miskew-chef-jean-georges-vongerichten-matador-room

    Me & Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten

    sobe-rose-brunch-jamon-iberico-de-bellota
    sobe-rose-brunch-sweet-pea-guacamole
    sobe-rose-brunch-wild-gulf-shrimp-chili-oil
    sobe-rose-brunch-florida-stone-crabs
    sobe-rose-brunch-chorizo-pizza

    Moments later, a round of family-style appetizers descended on our table which were paired with the Chateau’s newest release, the 2014 Chateau D’Esclans “Rock Angel” Rosé ($45). This delightfully pale pink wine is made from Grenache, Rolle and Tibouren grapes which were vinified in a combination of large oak barrels and stainless steel, resulting in a fresh, fruity wine with a lovely, dry finish. This wine was the perfect accompaniment for the wide variety of mouthwatering dishes laid before us, including Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, Marinated Olives with Poblano and Mint Pesto, and Sweet Pea Guacamole served with perfectly salted, crunchy tortillas. Next came Raw, Shaved Florida Red Snapper with Green Chili Dressing and Crunchy Rice and Herbs, Florida Stone Crab with Mustard Sauce, Raw Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad, Pear and Apple Salad, Wild Gulf Shrimp with Sizzling Garlic and Chili Oil and Chorizo Pizza with Broccoli Rabe. In the past, some of the festival’s events have been criticized for not providing enough food but let me just tell you – this was NOT one of them! Each dish was more delicious than the next, and we were just getting started.

    sobe-rose-brunch-grilled-octopus
    sobe-rose-brunch-maitake-mushroom-goat-cheese
    sobe-rose-brunch-arroz-con-pollo-crispy-skin
    sobe-rose-brunch-grilled-prime-NY-strip-steak

    Our next course featured round upon round of family style dishes paired with the jewel in the Chateau D’Esclans crown – Garrus! This wine changed the rosé game, turning what the French widely considered a “cheap and cheerful” wine into a thing of true beauty. Garrus is crafted from the fruit of 80 year old Grenache and Rolle vines which is fermented in new and second year barrels resulting in a serious wine with serious structure and depth of flavor. This incredibly food-friendly rosé paired beautifully with the creative and delicious dishes which featured a little Miami spice and flair which was definitely a big hit with attendees! Dishes like Crispy Florida Black Grouper Tacos with Aioli and Cabbage-Chili Pickle, Maitake Mushrooms with Goat Cheese and Fresno Pepper Vinaigrette, Charred Florida Octopus with Crispy Potatoes and Paprika Emulsion renewed our appetites and were a feast for the eyes as much as the palate with their beautiful array of flavors and textures. Chef Vongerichten’s Arroz con Pollo with Crackling Skin and Lemon Zest was a hands-down favorite at our table as well as the Grilled Prime NY Strip with Chimichurri Sauce and Crunchy Potato Nuggets. Not only were the dishes incredibly delicious, but we were also accommodated with additional plates of just about every one!

    sobe-rose-brunch-menu
    sobe-rose-brunch-steve-miskew-book

    By the time dessert rolled around we were so full we could barely eat another bite…but being the troopers we are, somehow we managed. And who could possibly say “no” to a delightfully decadent Tres Leches Cake with Glazed Pineapple followed by the classic but impossible to turn down Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. We also had to try at least a bite (or two!) of the creative Strawberry Sundae with Kaffir Lime Meringue and Caramelized Brioche Croutons, Soft and Crunchy Almond Cake with Guava Sorbet and perhaps my personal favorite, Salted Caramel “Impossible Flan,” a heavenly combination of flan and cake that I just couldn’t seem to get enough of. These special sweets were undoubtedly the perfect finish to a magnificent morning.
    sobe-rose-brunch-chefs-thank-you
    sobe-rose-brunch-chef-vongerichten-pose
    sobe-rose-brunch-martha-stewart-chef-jeremy-ford

    At the end of the brunch Chef brought out his fabulous team helmed by the incredibly talented and recent Top Chef Champion Chef de Cuisine Jeremy Ford for an immensely well-deserved round of applause. It was evident how hard he and his team worked to create this lavish feast and every ounce of adulation was truly earned. As we left with our copies of Martha’s new book, “Martha Stewart’s Appetizers” Steve and I agreed this special event was, without a doubt, a very Good Thing!

    Cheers,

    SIGNATURE

    March 21, 2016 / Stephanie Miskew / 15 Comments

    Categories: Blog, Travel, Uncategorized, Wine

    Tags: Chateau D'Esclans, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Edition Hotel, Martha Stewart, Matador Room, Sacha Lichine, South Beach Wine & Food Festival

    Producer Profile: Burgundy’s Maison Louis Jadot Debuts Oregon Résonance Pinot Noirs The Glamorous Gourmet’s Spring Giveaway featuring a Williams-Sonoma Farmers’ Market Herb Wreath!

    15 thoughts on “Chateau D’Esclans Rosé Brunch Hosted by Martha Stewart & Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at The South Beach Wine & Food Festival”

    • Angela says:
      March 23, 2016 at 6:19 am

      I just ordered that book yesterday! Love myself a well-spent afternoon in the company of my glue gun and Martha’s to “blame” for this. How I wish I was there…

      Reply
      • admin says:
        March 23, 2016 at 10:55 am

        Hope you enjoy the book, Angela! It was a magical day:)

        Reply
    • Susan says:
      March 23, 2016 at 3:27 pm

      I think I have the same feeling toward Martha and I know she was such an inspiration to me as a young wife and mother looking for creative ways to entertain. How exciting to meet her in person!

      Reply
    • Gracie says:
      March 23, 2016 at 3:49 pm

      My first reaction was ”Wow, that woman looks exactly like Martha” haha.

      Reply
    • Trinity says:
      March 24, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      That woman is a genius, I wouldn’t be able to open my mouth if I was in front of her! She’s the reason I started cooking and crafting in my teen years, she got me hooked. Not to mention my first meal cooked in my first apartment, everyone was expecting pizza and I swept them off their feet with her recipes.

      Reply
      • admin says:
        March 27, 2016 at 4:41 pm

        How wonderful, Trinity! Love to hear stories like that:)

        Reply
    • Gina says:
      March 24, 2016 at 5:25 pm

      I remember your Château D’Esclans post, Château D’Esclans rosés are my favorite wines!

      Reply
    • Melissa says:
      March 24, 2016 at 5:25 pm

      Oh my God, you met Martha?! Yeah, I know, amazing wines and chefs, but that’s Martha, I just love her. Her creativity is well known but I like her for her business approach, she always seems to get it right.

      Reply
    • Amelia says:
      March 24, 2016 at 5:26 pm

      Vongerichten was born to be a chef! I’ll be in New York next month and I plan to book a table for me and my mom, she will love it for sure!

      Reply
      • admin says:
        March 27, 2016 at 4:39 pm

        She certainly will! Hope you girls have fun in NYC:)

        Reply
    • Gabriella says:
      March 24, 2016 at 5:27 pm

      Have to agree with both of you on this one, Rose goes well with everything!

      Reply
      • admin says:
        March 27, 2016 at 4:38 pm

        It certainly does! Cheers, Gabriella:)

        Reply
    • Avery says:
      March 24, 2016 at 5:28 pm

      Martha and good wines, this is the perfect duo! Hope I can meet her one day, she motivated me to launch my lifestyle blog.

      Reply
    • Kayla says:
      March 24, 2016 at 5:30 pm

      That book saved my life! I’m not great when it comes to cooking but I decided to give her book a go since they were only appetizers and rather simple to make. It has given me the confidence boost I needed to start cooking more complicated dishes.

      Reply
    • Maya says:
      March 24, 2016 at 5:31 pm

      I have to make that banana bread, it looks way better than the atrocity I came up with.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 
 

Stephanie Miskew thinks life is better with wine and she wants to help you enjoy it to the fullest! As a Certified Sommelier, her real world advice on tasting wine like a pro, discovering which wines you truly love, picking the perfect bottle for any occasion and creating magical food and wine pairings will have you looking like a wine expert in any situation.

 

Meet Stephanie

Recent Posts

A Masterclass in Life, Legacy & Italian Wine with Gaia Gaja

GAIA GAJA STEPHANIE MISKEW CIPRIANI MAIN
Posted: September 29, 2019

While our everyday wines are the vinous equivalent of a cozy blanket or comfy pair of slippers we slip into at the end of the day, at the other end of the spectrum are wines that are more akin to haute couture – think Chanel, Gucci or Dior. These “haute” wines are so meticulously-made, terroir-driven and exquisite, they imprint themselves… Read More

0 comments

Wine Word of the Week: Residual Sugar

GRAPE CLONE PHREN HEAD
Posted: September 20, 2019

Key to learning about wine, sweet wines in particular, is a little term called Residual Sugar which is our Wine Word of the Week. While there are many factors that ultimately determine the perception of sweetness in wine, residual sugar is the actual amount of sugar left in a wine after the alcoholic fermentation – which can end in a… Read More

2 comments

Crispy Prosciutto: Why it’s The Perfect Culinary Accessory + How to Pair it with Wine

CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AUDREY HEPBURN MAIN
Posted: September 14, 2019

Audrey Hepburn’s legendary tiara in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Julia Roberts’ dazzling diamond and ruby necklace in Pretty Woman. Marilyn Monroe’s sexy signature Max Factor Ruby Red lipstick in Some Like it Hot. The perfect accessory can truly take a look from “meh” to “MARVELOUS,” and the same can be said for food as well. You see, crispy prosciutto IS the… Read More

0 comments

Heirloom Tomato, Peach + Corn Salad with Burrata + Crispy Prosciutto

HEIRLOOM TOMATO PEACH CORN SALAD MAIN
Posted: August 20, 2019

Ahhhh the bounty of late Summer! When I see all the beautiful produce at the Farmer’s Market, it REEEALLY makes me want to do this. The ripe, multicolored heirloom tomatoes seem to long for a drizzle of grassy green olive oil and generous sprinkle of crunchy Maldon sea salt, while the fragrant, downy peaches are begging to be bitten into,… Read More

0 comments

Wine Word of the Week: Grape Clone

GRAPE CLONE PHREN HEAD
Posted: August 13, 2019

If you’re anything like me, the word “clone” immediately conjures a host of 1970’s B-movies featuring body-copying aliens who seek to wreak havoc on the human race. When it comes to grapes, however, that source of many 70’s childhood nightmares couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, a GRAPE clone is actually a very good thing! While most plants… Read More

0 comments

Recent Podcast

The Wine Atelier Podcast #23: François Matton, Owner of Provence’s Château Minuty

Château MINUTY FRANCOIS MATTON
Posted: August 9, 2019

There aren’t many wines that can boast the popularity of rosé in recent years. Much like the Duchess of Sussex, this imminently appealing wine seemed to come out of nowhere and take the world by storm. Years later, we STILL can’t seem to get enough, and our desire shows no signs of waning anytime soon. But the truth is, rosé… Read More

0 comments

Calendar

There are no upcoming events.

View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML
 
  • About
  • Blog
  • Wine Club
  • Press
  • Gallery
  • Recipes
  • Events
  • Contact
The Glamorous Gourmet © 2015 • Privacy Policy © Designed by Samuel Hollis