IWFS Sea Grill in Greece
Season Opener, Tuesday September 17th, 2019
We explored the wines and food of Greece, welcomed our new Members, and kicked off our 2019-2020 season at Sea Grill of Coral Gables. Those of us who have been to Sea Grill in Merrick Park know how lucky we have a first-class Greek restaurant nearby. Close location, easy parking, PRIVATE room, great food, a wine area new to most… What’s not to like? As far as we know from memory and records, this was the first Greek dinner and first Greek wines served to our 57-year-old chapter.
All of us had been to Greek restaurants but many have been unsure of what Greek wine to order or have been completely reliant on the waiter for wine selections - they will be lost no more! We had Greek varietal wines and classic dishes. Tarama, melitzanosalata, and keftedes for hors d’oeuvres. Grilled octopus, branzino, and lamb shank at the table. Classic desserts as well: baklava, Greek yogurt with honey, and ekmek - a phyllo pastry.
For our wines, we concentrated on Greek varietals, of which some 300+ exist. Greece is the oldest wine-making area in Europe with evidence of production in 6500 BC, widespread by the Bronze Age, starting in 3000 BC. Greek wine was one of the principal products exported as the country’s influence spread.
Sea Grill Menu
Passed Hors D’oeuvres
Tarama – Spread of Carp Roe, Olive Oil, and Lemon
Melitzanosalata – Spread of Roasted Baby Eggplant, Parsley, and Olive Oil
Keftedes – Sautéed Lamb and Beef Meatballs, Mint, and Garlic
Kir-Yianni Akakies Sparkling Rosé 2018 (Varietal-Xinomavro)
First Course
Grilled Octopus
Portuguese Octopus in Greek Olive Oil
Alpha Estate Turtles Vineyard 2018 (Varietal-Malagousia)
Second Course
Branzino
Mediterranean Sea Bass grilled with Olive Oil, Lemon, Capers, and hand-picked Oregano
Grilled Vegetables and Lemon Potatoes
Domaine Sigalas Santorini 2016 (Varietal-Assyrtiko)
Third Course
Lamb Youvetsi
Lamb Shank Prepared in Red Wine with Orzo
Skouras St. George 2016 (Varietal-Agiorgitiko)
Domaine Sigalas MM 2016 (Varietals-Mavrotragano – Mandilaria)
Dessert
Baklava – Almonds, Walnuts, Cinnamon, Phyllo and Honey Syrup
Yaourti – Authentic Greek Yogurt with Thyme, Honey, Walnuts
Ekmek – Shredded Phyllo Layered with Custard and Pistachio Whipped Cream
Domaine Sigalas VinSanto 2011 (Varietals-Assytriko, Aidani)
Hosts: John Sullivan, José Hernandez-Solaun