New Year's Eve

Quiet night at home with the dogs.

The evening started with half a dozen Island Creek oysters and half a dozen generic blue point oysters. Tossed them on the grill just until they popped open and then they got a drop or two of lemon juice and a grind of black pepper. Both varieties were good but the Island Creeks were just about perfect.

Two wines to go with the oysters, a 2006 Setzer Gruner Veltliner (Vesper) and a Ch. Callac 2006 white Graves. Nice contrast as the Gruner was tart with acid and a definite counterpoint to the richness of the oysters while the Callac was fuller and more mellow thanks to the semillon in the blend. It was more of a compliment to the oysters. Hard to choose a favorite here.

While those were going down the small rack of lamb was on the grill and the 2001 Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge cabernet sauvignon was breathing in the decanter. The lamb was delicious and there were walnut and gorgonzola ravioli tossed in a little olive oil on the side. A small salad finished off the main course.

Not much into desserts so a little Australian Roaring 40's cheese and some more of the Canoe Ridge got us through the rest of the evening. The wine could have used another hour or two of breathing and the fruit seemed a little thin, but it was more than drinkable.

Scott and Ellie got some scraps of lamb and then a chunk of rawhide to finish their evening. As usual, Ellie managed to get Scott's away from him before he could chew much of it so he got the extra piece while she was hiding hers for later. He didn't let go of his second piece. I doubt that this will change in the new year.