The Monterey Peninsula Bailliage Gives a Western Flare to Bastille Day

The Monterey Peninsula Bailliage of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs donned cowboy hats and their best Western wear this past July 14^th to celebrate Bastille Day in grand Western style. 

Set in the golden hills, the Carmel Valley Trail and Saddle Club, complete with horse riding rinks and a set-up to practice roping cattle, was home to this year’s jovial celebration. With a nod to the spot’s location of less than 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, attendees were greeted with fresh oysters and shrimp, provided by Robbie’s Seafood Bar.  A Charcuterie table from Jason Balestrieri of Cantinetta Luca of Carmel also tantalized tastebuds. 

Scheid Vineyards, headquartered a mere 10 miles away from this haven for horse-riders, provided all the wines for the afternoon. Scheid comprises 12 estate vineyards located along a 70-mile stretch of the Salinas Valley. The unique geography of Monterey County and the diversity of their estate vineyards allow Scheid to grow many different varieties in a spectrum of styles. Each of their 39 varietals is planted in the location or locations that is best suited to expressing the highest quality for that grape.

Winery owners Scott and Nancy Scheid introduced the wines poured that day which included their 2023 GSM Rose, 2023 Sauvignon Blanc that received 90 Points from Wine Enthusiast, 2022 Chardonnay that received 90 Points from Wine Enthusiast, 2020 Pinot Noir Clone 115 Reserve that received 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, 2020 Petite Syrah, 2018 Claret Reserve that received 90 Points from Wine Enthusiast and 2021 Petit Manseng, served as a dessert wine. 

The tables were decorated with grapevines from Bialliage member Dan Lee, 

Professional du Pin of Morgan vineyards, grapes and homegrown sunflowers from the garden of Jon Kasky of Paradise Catering. On the tables as a gift from the Bialliage were Chaîne des Rôtisseurs emblemed cowboy hats for all to make their western wear outfits complete. Playing in dappled sunlight under the trees, Country Western band, Flat Rock Boys, made sure all folks were relaxed as the sweet sound of banjo and guitar reminded all they were in the countryside of Carmel Valley.  

A tantalizing buffet by Paradise Caterers was the highlight of the day, with many of the featured vegetables grown in the garden of owners Jon Kasky & Nancy Rohan.  A plethora of salads featured: local bakery Ad Astra bread with flower tie-dye butter; panzanella salad, caprese salad with arugula; Chef’s homegrown heirloom tomatoes and basil, fresh mozzarella, candied basil and balsamic vinaigrette drizzle; and summer salad with caramelized pecans, goat cheese crumbles,

blackberries, edible flowers and honey of a thyme vinaigrette. 

The grill set up was a feast for both eyes and palate.  A multi-bird rotisserie had been turning for hours laden with turkey, chicken, duck, and quail. Scallop and lobster skewers were grilled to perfection under John’s watchful eyes. Smoked Purple Roasted Potatoes and a variety of grilled vegetables, including homegrown exotic squash rounded out the meal.  All were accompanied by a choice of chimichurri, locally grown lemon beurre blanc, and a romesco sauce.

The absolute showstopper from the grill was apply named Thor’s Hammer, a massive bone-in smoked and braised beef shank that was presented to the group drawing ‘ohs and ahs’ for both its appearance and divine flavor.   

As the meal progressed, the crowd was treated to Bailli Glenn Hammer singing the Grateful Dead classic, “Uncle John’s Band” with back up from the Flat Rock Band.

Scheid Family Vineyards 2021 Petit Manseng was a delightful compliment to the desert of grilled peach cobbler with crumbles and vanilla bean ice cream. 

Warmed by the sun of Carmel Valley and full hearts and bellies, it was time again for the Monterey Bailliage to declare, “Adiós Amigos, Vive La France!”