Pinot Provence Tour de France Dinner @ Costa Mesa – Media Tasting

By the time I post this, The Tour de France four-course prix fixe menu at Pinot Provence would have already expired. It was only available for 2 nights, July 10, 2013 and July 17, 2013.  I was so honored and fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience the ultimate French dining destination in Costa Mesa for one of the most celebrated sporting events.  But do not fret, the restaurant offers impressive Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner menus that will sure delight you just as much.

(Photos by Allen Taylor Photography)

Located inside Westin, South Coast Plaza, the restaurant is charming and elegant with a French chateau characteristic.  Once we checked in with the hostess, we were seated promptly.  Manager, Mr. Sebastian Schildhorn and Executive Chef, Chef Alfonso Ramirez also came by to introduce themselves.  What followed was an evening of an exquisite Tour de France culinary experience!

We were served a basket of warm bread with butter.  They were so good!  I especially loved the dark bread!

Mr. Schildhorn presented the first wine pairing – Chateau de St. Martin Rose 2012.  You know I don’t drink, so I only took a sip.  I was so surprised at how much I liked this rose wine.  It had such delicate fruity flavors with a strong appeal to the senses.

First course was Tomato Gazpacho, Dungeness Crab Beignet, Heirloom Tomato, Basil Pistou.  Allen and I loved every bite of this dish.  The crab was sweet and tender, the tomato gazpacho was so smooth and delightful.  Pairing with the rose, it was a great start of the meal.

Second wine paring was Domain Cherrier et Fils Sancerre 2011.  This was a refreshing, pure sauvignon blanc with touch of lemon rind and grassy zest.

Second course was Seared Scallops, Sweet Pea Puree, Parsley Gremolata, Basil Scented Jus.  The scallops were seared and seasoned to perfection.  I don’t eat scallops too often because it is very hard to cook.  The zesty wine was a perfect company to the tender and sweet scallops.

Third wine paring was Grand Enclos du Château de Cérons 2009.  This was a complex wine with Juicy red fruit flavors with a bit of tangy acidity.

With such strong wine, our third course was none other than Roasted Duck Breast, Crostini, Duck Liver Pate, Summer Squash, Duck Liver Jus.  The duck was cooked perfectly medium.  The Duck Liver Pate’s was smooth but added lots flavor to each bite.  The Grand Enclos du Château de Cérons 2009 further enhanced the flavor of the duck.

To finish the fourth course was the Chateau Grand-Jurga Sauternes 2007, a sweet dessert wine.

The fourth (and dessert) course was what I called a ‘Happy Ending’ – Summer Peach Tartin, Brown Butter Crumble, Lavender Chantilly, Tonka Bean Gelato.  I savored every bite of this and wish I could have gotten second despite the fact that I was so full that I was about to explode.

Pinot Provence is part of Patina Restaurant Group.  It was voted “Best French Restaurant in Orange County” by MyFoxLA.com.  The service and the food was definitely first class all the way.  Whether you are lavishing your love ones with a romantic date or an elegant dining, Pinot Provence is the perfect destination.  Have you dined here?  What was your favorite entree?

Pinot Provence
686 Anton Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 444-5900