Iron Sommelier Houston 2020

I attended the annual Iron Sommelier Competition last week. Every year, Houston's top somms help raise money for The Periwinkle Foundation with one of the cities best wine events while competing for the title of Iron Somm.

Read more about it and learn who was the winner in this article I wrote for Houston Food Finders.

Meet the Iron Sommelier Houston 2020 Winners

At Hugo's where I attended, guests enjoyed a multi-course authentic Mexican dinner paired with wines from Mexico chosen by previous Iron Sommelier winner, Andres Blanco. Both food and wine were fabulous and the service was excellent as always. Hugo's is the best place in Houston to find wines from Mexico along with their sister restaurants Caracol and Xochi.

Casa Madero rosé made from Cabernet Sauvignon was the pairing with the passed Mexican Street Food bites which included Camarones, Ceviche verde, Taquitos de pollo, and Sopesitos de pato, all pictured above.

1st course- Tamal de Huitlacoche with cream of corn and cotija cheese paired with the 2018 Henri Lurton Chenin Blanc from Valley de Guadalupe.

2nd course - Pescado de Pipian verde, a wood grilled robala with grilled Swiss chard and cauliflower served with 2018 Bruma “Plan B” red from the Valley de Guadalupe.

3rd course - Costilla de res, slow braised short rib with mole poblano, cornbread, and charred broccolini paired with 2017 Solar Fortun “O Positivo” Cabernet/Syrah blend from Valley de Guadalupe.

4th and final course- Flan de queso with passion fruit sauce, candied pistachios, strawberries, and chantilly cream paired with a NV Espuma de Piedra Blanc de Noir Brut, also from the Valley de Guadalupe.

Iron Sommelier 2019 winner, Andres Blanco pictured with his wine selections for the Hugo's Iron Somm 2020 dinner. Blanco is one of Houston's top sommeliers, he is currently in charge of the wine program at La Table, visit him there for more expert wine recommendations.

Sculpted in Steel - A Luxury Automobile Showcase from the Art Deco Era

Whether you are visiting the city of Houston or live here full time, if you are a car lover, there is one thing to do this spring that is a must-do. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts Houston to check out the temporary luxury art deco automobile exhibit, Sculpted in Steel . I toured the display recently and was impressed by the array. This collection is a showcase of seventeen cars and motorcycles designed between 1929 -1940. These vehicles are more than art cars or show cars, they are true art deco masterpieces. The museum has great information about the period and designers throughout the exhibit. Go sooner rather than later, they will only be on display until May 30, 2016.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows - Santa Monica

Refreshment on the patio of the Lobby Lounge My husband and I stayed at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows with our adult daughter this summer after her graduation from a Masters program at Claremont Graduate University. We wanted to be near the beach but still be able to easily get into Los Angeles to visit some of the tourist attractions. This was our first time to stay at a Fairmont Hotel . I chose the Miramar for its ocean views and its proximity to the Santa Monica Pier and the beach. It has a long history with a Hollywood connection, it has been a destination of the stars for almost a century. After looking over the various room options, I decided that the Palisade King Suite would easily accommodate us. My husband and I shared a private bedroom and our daughter got the fold out couch in the living room. The six story Palisades wing which housed our room is a historic part of the property that was built in 1924. For a more luxe experience, you can also book a pool

Sipping Sonoma in the Springtime

From Galveston Monthly magazine Your guide on how to identify and find Sonoma Valley wines on the Island.

by Sandra Crittenden

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