Preview Party Offers Sneak Peek at Restaurant Week Sips

Restaurant Week in Palm Springs always serves as a great way to try the food and wine of notable area establishments without breaking the bank. For those of us who write about the event, its a chance to preview the coming attractions and get excited about the menus to come. 

 This year's bash was held at the beautiful Escena Grill, where I quickly found some fun glasses to pair with some of the culinary offerings. The first taste to tantalize was a creamy Napa Chardonnay, enjoyed with some flavorful ahi tacos from Copley's on Palm Canyon.  

My food writer friend Kimberly immediately discovered what ended up as my favorite pairing of the night. Delectably tender short ribs from Escena Chef Oscar Ayala, matched up with the dark berry jam flavored 2008 Spellbound Petite Syrah. The braised beef and intense fruit were almost too much to handle.

One of the most interesting finds that evening was the Berenjager honey liqueur I sipped on that inspired me to conjure up a killer reduction for grilled chicken...or maybe even a honey pancake breakfast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_iGUhT1xZw

After an assortment of tasty Malbec, Bordeaux, and other assorted reds, it was time to call it a night..that is, until the first Restaurant Week tasting menu beckons me.

Follow me on Twitter @vinochick75.