I have wanted to have dinner at Renault Winery Resort and Golf in Egg Harbor City for some time now and finally found the perfect time. The resort hosts many wonderful culinary events on their expansive grounds that include their own vineyards. Renault has wine tastings with food pairings, farm to table feasts, wine tours and wine making and many other delicious happenings throughout the year.
Renault’s vineyards have a rich history originating in France in the 1800’s with Master Vintner Louis Nicholas Renault representative of the ancient Champagne house of the Duke of Montebello, in Rheims. I however, attended on the day of the Muscle and Classic Car Show Event. I knew I would have no problem enticing my husband and son and his friend to leave the beach with the prospect of seeing so many shiny new and vintage cars with their engines all exposed and gleaming in the sun. My husband loves to meet and talk with the owners about his 1969 “cherry red” Corvette glory days and all the work he performed on it and talk about how he longs for another muscle car project. And my son’s seventeen year old dream of owning a muscle car as soon as he passes his driving test this month. You could almost feel the testosterone pumping, which everyone knows increases the average man’s appetite. Well, that’s what I’ve heard. I have to admit I found the car of my dreams as well, a 1960 cream and teal Corvette in mint condition. I spoke with the owners about where and when they purchased the car and if they drove it often. I thought maybe I could convince my husband to get one like it for me (I mean him) to drive.
The men stayed untill the end of the event as the owners of their respective mean machines pulled away in all their glory, some even “burning rubber” as they exited the property. I in the meantime had made my way inside the resort to Joseph’s Restaurant to select a table by the window. My husband eventually joined me sans my son and his pal (who both decided to skip dinner, kids!) and we began the part of the days’ event at Renault that I most looked forward to enjoying.
I had met Chef Matthew Miller at the Ventnor International Farmers Market during a food demonstration. He prepared tuna sushi on a wonton crisps with a tangy slaw topper. It was delicious and I knew then that I wanted to try more of his creations. This night Chef’s Matthew Miller and Al Roberts were in the kitchen and I was ready. My hungry husband and I decided to try two of their award winning red wines and we were not disappointed. Both were full bodied and delicious. I am not a wine expert but I enjoyed them immensely as did my husband.
We both chose a salad to start as our primi, Burrata Mozarella with vine ripe tomatoes and twelve year old Balsamic vinegar and fresh basil for me and romaine hearts with creamy parmesan, croutons and finished with shards of parmesan and freshly ground black pepper for him. What’s not to like? All fresh and seasoned perfectly. I decided I also wanted a Flatbread, which was crisp and topped with some of my favorite bites, Kalamata Olives with Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Tomatoes and Arugula before our main course.
Tortelloni with Cheese with Imported Prosciutto in a Blush Sauce and my husband’s selection of Double Cut Pork Chops with Saba (aged vinegar made from red wine), Cippolini Onions, Herbs, Potatoes Gratin and fresh Carrots. The double cut pork chops were juicy and tender, which is hard to find and much to my husband’s delight with delicate potatoes and tender onions. My tortelloni were cooked just right, (a major pet peeve with me) and well crafted with a creamy cheese center. I loved the blush sauce and the imported Proscuitto gave the dish a nice smokey undertone.
The dessert cart held rich sweet temptations. As full as we both were we decided to try the Apple Gallette with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce with glazed pecans. The pastry was buttery tender and struddle like with just the right crispiness, a great pairing to go with my Cappucino finish. I will definately be back and make sure to look for one of their other food and wine events coming up. It’s location minutes from Atlantic City makes it a great place to stay and be able to visit the beach and casinos as well. Renault Winery and Resort and Golf is located at 72 North Bremen Avenue in Egg Harbor City just off the White Horse Pike (Rt. 30). You can check out their many delicious events by visiting their website www.renualtwinery.com or call 609-965-2111.
Michele Errichetti is from South Jersey born and fed. She comes from an Italian family where they eat, live, and breathe FOOD. Michele was cooking and eating under her grandmom’s feet every Sunday for “gravy” and at home with her mother (a Medigan or American) during the week. Nowadays, she cooks for her two sons, husband, and father most days of the week. She takes “Girl Road Trips” with her friends at least once a month that always culminate with you guessed it, FOOD. She hopes fresh, local, organic, and free range will become the norm. Michele is searching Atlantic County for everything that has anything to do with good food and she’s taking you along for the ride.
