Lovely New Year's Eve Dinner at Erna's Elderberry House

We celebrated New Year%26#39;s Eve at the Elderberry House in Oakhurst, CA and had a wonderful time. We opted for the 5-8 seating and arrived around 5:00, we were promptly seated at a very nice table by the glowing fireplace.

This evening was offered a 7 course meal which was perfectly paced with impeccable service. Our first course was an Amuse Bouche of Smoked Oyster Profiteroles and Marinated Caviar with a Saffron ';Tartar Sauce.'; This was beautifully presented and very, very good.

Next was the Swiss Chard and Serrano Ham Wrapped Monkfish Fillet with Braised Octopus, Soba Noodles and Prosciutoo-Olive Oil emulsion. This course was full of flavors and also very nicely presented.

The Inspiration of Cauliflower-Clam Chowder was next which was amazing, with Ipswich Clamsa nd Littlenecks, Crispy Shallots and Cauliflower-Lemon Coulis. Very smooth and full of nice, clam flavors. We savored every bite of this.

Next was the Roasted Capon Cassoulet with Braised Leeks and Housemade Petite Gnocchi, a small portion and very good, this was where we rested!

After the Cassoulet was the International Symphony of Ravioli which were 3 nice size Raviolis from Europe, Mediterranean and the Far East. When this was presented, our server informed us that the chef suggested eating them a particular order which was interesing. Very yummy!

Next was the Salsify Threaded Angus Beef Tenderlion with Carrot Braised and Dusted Short Rib and Rosemary Lentils with Sweet Carrot Juice and Rosemary Beef Jus, this was not a small portion, beautifully presented and excellent!

Next was dessert, the Elderberry Black Forest Gateau and Timeless Mimosa Panna Cotta, a very pretty New Year%26#39;s Eve dessert. Outstanding! This went nicely with a French Roast decaf.

Our dinner was outstanding, this is truly one of the finest dining venues in the Central Valley. There is also the Chateau du Sureau here and a spa if you want to spend the night after your meal.

:)

Lovely New Year's Eve Dinner at Erna's Elderberry House

syrahgirl,

Dinner at Elderberry House sounds like a very nice treat after a couple of days in Yosemite. Can you tell me more about wine with dinner. If there were just two of you, did you order one bottle for the entire meal, or were suggestions made for different glasses for each course, and you were able to try several different wines? I am assuming that the price for the fixed meal does not include matching wines, is that correct?

Also, nice to know that you can make dinner reservations without staying at the Chateau, although staying there may be a great way to end the evening after dinner.

Thanks!

Lovely New Year's Eve Dinner at Erna's Elderberry House

Hi, we shared a glass of the Birsch Vineyards Bohan-Dillon Pinot Noir 2006 from the Sonoma Coast with dinner. There was also a wine pairing offered that night for an additional fifty-five dollars.

Yes, this would be a lovely way to end a couple of days in beautiful Yosemite National Park. Enjoy! :)

If I could ask...why did you ';share a glass'; ? or did you mean a bottle?

It all sounds just wonderful..and sooo much food! Although it is a pity you had to eat so early..

syrah--Glad you enjoyed your earlybird dinner:) From other posts, I know you enjoy French food, so hopefully you can plan a trip there someday. It really is worth it!

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