Robert Fredson is
interviewed for PMTV by the dynamic duo, Paul Strachan (left) and Dr.
Iain Corness.
Robert Fredson, Winemaker
& Viticulturist, Domain St. George (2nd right) is overwhelmed by the
warm welcome from the Mantra team (from left), Yaowaluck Bumrungthum,
restaurant manager; Supparatch Piyawatcharapun, social director; and Max
Sieracki, resident manager of the Amari Orchid Pattaya.
Robert
Fredson, Winemaker & Viticulturist
Dr Iain Corness
The house of St. George, or rather the Domaine St.
George, was introduced to the diners at the Mantra restaurant at the
American Independence Day Wine Dinner, on July 4. Leading the
introduction was the Domaine St. George winemaker and viticulturist Bob
Fredson, representing his 130 year old Californian winery.
The dinner began with variations of Maryland Blue
Crab, and taken with the Willamette Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2006.
Both were great starters for the gourmet evening.
The second course was a coconut pumpkin soup with
smoked duck breast, pleasant, but a little bland and taken with another
white from the Willamette Valley, a Pinot Gris 2007. Again pleasant, but
for my palate, the Chardonnay was more enjoyable.
The next course was the dish of the night, and the
wine of the night. A poached salmon fillet in a Creole style fish broth
was simply superb, and the Snoqualmie Syrah 2006 fitted perfectly with
it. Top marks Mantra and top marks Domaine St. George.
The main course featured a charcoal US beef
tenderloin (it was American Independence Day after all) with a bourbon
BBQ glaze - a wonderfully tender cut of beef eaten with a St. George
Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon 2009. A lovely combination, but the salmon
had just that little bit of novelty to remain dish of the night for me.
A very pleasant evening with Bob Fredson, a true
American gentleman, even though promoting St. George!
Max Sieracki (left)
welcomes Jan Van Houtven (2nd right) together with his parents Frans and
Simone Van Houtven. At right is Tony Malhotra Asst. MD of the Pattaya
Mail Media Group.
Robert flips through the
Pattaya Mail presented to him by the publisher Peter Malhotra (centre).
Bruce Hoppe (right), VP of Asia Operations Emerson was guest of honour
to celebrate the American Independence Day.
Guests enjoy pre dinner
cocktails before the main dining event.
Bruce Hoppe greets Richard
and Janet Smith during cocktails.
